Africa has emerged as the fastest-growing destination for Asian exports, with container volumes surging in 2025 as global supply chains shifted away from traditional routes, reports China Daily.

Executives at the Africa CEO Forum in Kigali said rising consumer demand, industrial expansion and new infrastructure are driving opportunities for Chinese exports and logistics investment. The trend highlights Africa's growing role in global trade.

MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company said cargo flows from Asia to Africa rose 27 per cent last year, the strongest growth worldwide. Nicolas Sartini, senior vice-president for business development, noted the increase coincided with a one million TEU decline in shipments to the US and a matching rise in Africa-bound volumes.

Mr Sartini said ports such as Abidjan, Lome and Kribi have shown capacity to handle larger vessels once deployed on transpacific routes. He added that stronger currencies in countries including Ghana and Algeria also supported the growth.

Martijn van Dongen, global head of investment at APM Terminals, said Africa's ability to sustain momentum depends on infrastructure and integrated logistics. He cited projects in Tanzania and other corridors as examples of long-term investment spurring industrial growth.

Alexia Latortue, head of the Future of Development Cooperation Coalition, said the evolving trade environment offers Africa a rare chance to accelerate industrialisation and move up the value chain.