The African Airlines Association (AFRAA) and the International Air Cargo Association (TIACA) have inked an agreement to work closely on air cargo development.

Under the deal, the two associations will work to improve air cargo safety and security, as well as champion the industry's adoption of digitization, and offer new training initiatives to support the rapidly developing air cargo sector in Africa, AFRAA said on Monday.

AFRAA Secretary General Elijah Chingosho said the pan-African association is constantly seeking ways to create more value to its members, and that it was crucial that the often-neglected cargo sector receives the attention it deserves.

"We are very excited to deepen the cooperation with TIACA, to tap into their expertise and know-how on air cargo," Chingosho said in a statement issued in Nairobi.

"With the financial and economic performance of African airlines being currently below global standards, AFRAA believes it can build on our mutual experience and expertise with TIACA to benefit both organizations and help change the fortunes of African carriers," he said. "We expect synergies to emerge among our organizations."

According to the deal, other areas of cooperation include improved market access across the continent, modernization of air cargo facilities and services, and promotion of environmental best practices.

TIACA Secretary General Vladimir Zubkov said his association stands to benefit from better connection with the continent, which is the fastest developing in air cargo movement.

"We are happy to offer assistance from TIACA in structuring the air cargo part of the future AFRAA agenda. This is a landmark agreement that allows TIACA to offer its expertise to the much larger group of airlines in Africa," Zubkov added.