• Travel-tech

Sabre CWA Partners with Transglobal Africa to Tap into Nigeria's \$8 Billion Air Freight Market Sabre CWA Partners with Transglobal Africa to Tap into Nigeria's \$8 Billion Air Freight Market

Sabre Central and West Africa (CWA) has launched a bold new logistics initiative in partnership with Transglobal Africa (TGA), aiming to empower travel businesses across the region to access fresh revenue streams in the booming air freight sector. The collaboration, which was unveiled during a Sabre–TGA pilot webinar, integrates cargo logistics into Sabre’s expansive agency network while addressing the growing demand for efficient freight solutions in Central and West Africa.

Mr. Nurudeen Adeokin, Sabre’s Marketing and Business Relationship Manager for the region, described the partnership as a carefully crafted solution designed to position participating travel agencies to benefit from the rapidly expanding air freight market. Nigeria’s air freight industry alone is valued at approximately \$8 billion and continues to grow, fueled by the rise of e-commerce and increasing cross-border trade.

Air Freight: A Resilient Opportunity

Highlighting the resilience of air cargo transportation, Adeokin pointed out how logistics proved indispensable during the COVID-19 pandemic, even as passenger travel slowed dramatically. Essential goods continued to move, reinforcing air freight as a sustainable and profitable sector for diversification. This backdrop has created a unique opportunity for travel agencies to expand beyond traditional services and tap into the logistics market.

Sabre’s partnership with TGA, a company with proven expertise in international cargo handling—particularly between the United Kingdom and Europe—forms the foundation of this initiative. The collaboration has undergone rigorous market research and operational testing to ensure seamless implementation. Under the partnership, TGA will handle critical freight operations, including customs clearance, cargo documentation, and delivery logistics, allowing agencies to focus on client engagement and revenue generation.

How the Pilot Programme Works

The pilot scheme, set to run from February through March 2026, will enable selected travel agencies to handle shipments through a dedicated digital platform. This portal provides an easy interface for submitting shipment details, receiving billing confirmations, and tracking deliveries in real time. Shipments from Nigeria are expected to reach the UK within four to five days, while most European destinations will take seven to eight days, ensuring an efficient end-to-end logistics process.

A key feature of the programme is its competitive and transparent pricing model. Unlike traditional fixed commission structures, agencies will have the flexibility to determine their own profit margins. This approach empowers businesses to adapt pricing strategies to their specific market conditions, maximizing profitability while maintaining affordability for clients.

All operational risks and administrative burdens, such as customs documentation and compliance with international shipping regulations, will be handled by TGA. Sabre has also promised continuous technical support and guidance for participating agencies, particularly in areas like cargo classification and managing restricted items, to ensure seamless operations and adherence to global standards.

Future Expansion Plans

While the pilot phase focuses on shipments to the United Kingdom and Europe, plans are already underway to expand the initiative to include other key markets, such as North America, Asia, and additional African destinations. TGA, which currently handles between six and 10 tonnes of cargo weekly, has assured stakeholders of its operational capacity to support both the pilot scheme and future expansions.

Adeokin reaffirmed Sabre’s commitment to refining the platform through stakeholder feedback before scaling the project across Central and West Africa. This phased approach ensures that the system meets the specific needs of agencies and their clients while maintaining regulatory compliance and operational efficiency.

Technology Driving Post-Pandemic Recovery

During the webinar, Mr. Emmanuel Soji Isola, Vice President of Marketing and Business Relationship Management at Sabre CWA, emphasized the critical role of technology in reshaping the travel and aviation industry in the post-pandemic era. He noted that widespread disruptions caused by COVID-19 had altered travel patterns and business models, accelerating the adoption of digital platforms, automation, and innovations such as the New Distribution Capability (NDC).

Isola highlighted how these advancements are helping travel businesses recover, improve operational efficiency, and create new revenue opportunities. He commended stakeholders for their continued collaboration and expressed confidence that the Sabre–TGA partnership would not only support revenue generation but also strengthen the region’s travel ecosystem.

Sabre’s Commitment to Innovation

President of Sabre CWA, Mr. Joshua Olowo, echoed these sentiments, appreciating industry stakeholders for their ongoing trust in Sabre. He reaffirmed the company’s commitment to delivering innovative technology solutions that help partners overcome operational challenges, enhance service delivery, and secure long-term growth within the travel sector.

Olowo emphasized that the Sabre–TGA initiative is designed to address emerging market demands while fostering collaboration across the travel and logistics industries. By integrating cargo logistics into its agency network, Sabre is providing travel businesses with the tools needed to diversify their income streams and remain competitive in a rapidly evolving market.

A Game-Changer for African Travel Agencies

For travel agencies in Central and West Africa, this initiative presents a unique opportunity to expand into the lucrative air freight market without the complexities of direct logistics operations. By leveraging Sabre’s extensive network and TGA’s expertise, agencies can seamlessly integrate cargo services into their portfolios, offering clients a comprehensive range of travel and logistics solutions.

As the programme scales up in the coming months, it is expected to open new doors for revenue generation, strengthen market positioning, and provide a competitive edge for agencies across the region. With the air freight sector continuing to grow alongside e-commerce and cross-border trade, this partnership positions travel businesses to capitalize on one of the most resilient and dynamic segments of the aviation industry.

In summary, the Sabre–TGA collaboration is not just about accessing Nigeria’s \$8 billion air freight market; it is a forward-thinking initiative that empowers travel businesses to diversify, innovate, and thrive in a rapidly changing landscape.