Financial Energy Review
Erika Achum and Aliko Dangote
…….by Ben Ndubuwa……
The Africa CEO Forum, the umbrella body for top Africa business owners has called for regional business integration in Africa. The Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Vivajets Air, Chukwuerika Achum, said that there is the need for more support for business integration across Africa and that emphasize should be on the benefits of aviation as major part for this regional integration. According to him aviation business is a crucial success enabler for leaders on the continent.
Achum was at the recent annual conference and exhibition of the Africa CEO Forum, held in Kigali, Rwanda. The 2024 Africa CEO Forum had in attendance thousands of business leaders and policymakers from across Africa and beyond. The event featured over 2,000 participants representing 73 countries. It also attracted more than 1,000 CEOs, 75 presidents and ministers, and over 200 journalists.
The conference emphasized the issue of leadership, integration, finance, and technology. Achum and other speakers at the conference noted that despite the progressive collaborative policies like the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), there is still the need for more business integration in Africa. According to them there are still challenges in areas such as language, political and geographic coverage. ”Ambitious leaders on the continent are increasingly leveraging on business aviation to overcome these obstacles.
“Business aviation is a success enabler for the 21st century African leader. It bypasses the common barriers that hinder mobility and collaboration in Africa whilst facilitating connectivity for business and policy leaders across boundaries.” Achum said.
According to him as Africa continues to develop, the role of aviation in business integration will become increasingly significant. “Vivajets is poised to support this transformation, ensuring that African leaders have the transportation they need to succeed in a globalized world. Through innovation and a focus on inclusivity, we are contributing to efforts at shaping a brighter future for Africa. Tejumade Salami
Furthermore the Chief Operating Officer of Vivajets, Tejumade Salami said that his company is leveraging on innovations to make business aviation more accessible and affordable. “Thereby democratizing access to an often-exclusive service” HE SAID. According to Salami, the firm’s innovative approach has led to the development of digital platforms CharterXE and FlyPJX, both brands affiliated with Vivajets.
“Our approach aims to democratize access to private aviation, ensuring that more leaders and organizations can harness its benefits” he said.
Both public and private sector leaders who spoke at the event canvassed for more business integration. Nigerian billionaire and Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, called for increased investments in the African continent to foster its rapid growth and development.
“Looking ahead, Africa holds the key to its greatness. I’m not merely investing money but dedicating my entire being to this cause. In Africa, possibilities are boundless,” Dangote said.
“It is our responsibility to ensure that deeper integration translates into prosperity and well-being for Africa’s people. “Overall, what we need is much more business activity, above all with each other. So that we see the emergence of global African firms with continental scope and scale, which champion the interests and ambitions of our people” Paul Kagame, the President of Rwanda, the host country said,
