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Kenya Airways and South Africa airlines to finalise partnership strategy in 2024
Kenya Airways and South African Airways have announced plans to launch a pan-African airline group in 2024, as part of their strategic partnership.
South African Airways (SAA) Cargo partners with Menzies Aviation to provide air cargo services
South African Airways (SAA) Cargo has appointed Menzies Aviation, the world’s largest aviation services company, to provide air cargo services at OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg, Cape Town International Airport (CPT), and Port Elizabeth International Airport (PLZ).
IATA and AWS launch first datathon to boost diversity in aviation
The datathon builds on the success of IATA’s 25by2025 initiative.
AFRAA partners with the Kenya Association of Air Operators to support the airline industry in Kenya
The African Airlines Association (AFRAA) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Kenya Association of Air Operators (KAAO) to provide mutual support to the sustainable development of the airline industry in Kenya as the country is represented by the two Associations.
La BDEAC octroie un financement à la compagnie AFRIJET BUSINESS SERVICES pour se développer davantage
BDEAC, BGFIBank Gabon et le transport aérien AFRIJET BUSINESS SERVICES (ABS), ont procédé à la signature d’une convention de prêt destinée à soutenir le projet de développement de ladite compagnie.
Ethiopian Airlines resumes flights to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Ethiopian Airlines, the largest airline in Africa, has announced that it will resume its services to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia as of 25 March 2023. The flight will be operated four times a week with the ultramodern B787 Dreamliner.
[ChatGPT Biography] Tewolde Gebremariam, CEO of Ethiopian Airlines
Artificial Intelligence is taking the world by storm. As an experiment, Africa Business Communities is publishing a series of 100 biographies of the most successful entrepreneurs in Africa. We only ask the questions and let ChatGPT write.
More charges,taxes and fees in the air transport industry in Africa a big challenge to AfCFTA
Overcharges, taxation, and accumulation of fees in African air transportation can be a hindrance in achieving and success of African Continental Free Trade Area
[Nigeria Business Week] Andrea Ayemoba: Nigeria battles odds to maintain productive economy
According to the International Monetary Fund, Nigeria is being pushed to the brink by inflation. Banks however, one of the pillars of the economy, have remained in good standing.
[Nigeria Business Week] Andrea Ayemoba: Nigeria scores big in budget transparency
The infrastructure of Nigeria is such that for meaningful progress to be made, there must be give-and-take on the parts of the government and the people.
[Nigeria Business Week] Andrea Ayemoba: Government, Industries move to expand women enterprise
With plunging profits in its prized sector, oil and gas, and an ever-climbing inflation, Nigeria is increasingly turning to what most of the world has been blind to – the potential of women in business.
[Nigeria Business Week] Andrea Ayemoba: Banks move into East Africa, telecom pushes NSE profit
The telecom industry this week recorded a peculiar development – the massive registration of Nigerian SIM card holders.
[Nigeria Business Week] Andrea Ayemoba: Banks rally behind women-led SMEs
The NNPC has an approximated value of 50 trillion naira. With oil and gas infrastructure in Nigeria constantly plagued by mischief and vandalism, an ECOWAS expert has profferred a very interesting solution to this persisting problem
[Nigeria Business Week] Andrea Ayemoba: An economic overview for Q1
As we have seen over time, when one sectors hits a low point, another is seen hitting high notes. Such is the situation as we’ve seen it lately.
[Nigeria Business Week] Andrea Ayemoba: Telcos break new ground, digital loans gain momentum
Instant loans, sometimes called digital loans, are gaining speed in the country and the telecom sector took some giant steps forward this week.
[Nigeria Business Week] Andrea Ayemoba: Persistent shortages and inflation call for new measures
Africa has in the past decade positioned itself as a knowledge economy, with one of the most robust startup ecosystems in the world.
[Nigeria Business Week] Andrea Ayemoba: Experts point toward startup management for local productivity
Nigeria’s crown jewel, oil and gas, has been in a state of mild disrepair for several months now. There’s an ongoing fuel scarcity situation that is intensifying by the day and causing a ripple effect in every aspect of daily life.
[Nigeria Business Week] Andrea Ayemoba: A call for exports diversification for higher market gains
Agriculturists and entrepreneurs are working harder than ever to address food sufficiency, but energy rests firmly on the government’s shoulders.
[Nigeria Business Week] Andrea Ayemoba: State to digitize tourism, FG takes on efficient mobility
Banking is one of the most thriving sectors in Nigeria. The reason for this success has been attributed to the efficiency with which this industry has leveraged technology to modernize its operations.
[Nigeria Business Week] Andrea Ayemoba: Economic conditions returning to pre-pandemic levels
The startup movement has picked up pace in Nigeria over the last decade, with the government and responsible agencies ramping up efforts in motivating the burgeoning industry.
[East Africa Business Week] Bob Koigi: What 2022 portends for East Africa
As the East African Community, EAC, member states eye innovative ways of deepening integration and trading more with each other, the bloc and individual countries are putting in place mechanisms, policies and legislation that seek to address longstanding hiccups that have put the brakes on seamless regional trade.
[Nigeria Business Week] Andrea Ayemoba: Industries unanimously look toward renewable, sustainable practices
The Covid-19 crisis has been cause for numerous economic slumps round the world; companies were shut down, production halted, industries crippled and prices skyrocketed the world over.
[Nigeria Business Week] Andrea Ayemoba: A 5G promise looms, global trade predictions show winning numbers
Nigeria’s tactic is one of sharpening the sectors that have shown promise (such as technology, agriculture and banking) while throwing resources at those that have been in a work-in-progress mode for years.
[Nigeria Business Week] Andrea Ayemoba: Nigeria enters green market, takes on AfCFTA implementation
The collaboration of government with industries is crucial for economic progress, be the market large or small. Nigeria knows this and is taking steps to work closely and create better transparency in one of the country’s most robust industries.
[Rwanda] Delivery drones: Why Zipline is switching to 24/7 operations
Hospitals in Rwanda will now receive much needed medical supplies and personal protective equipment from drone firm Zipline on a 24-hour basis.
[Column] Duke Phahla: Getting South Africans safely back in the air
Rebuilding confidence and showing travellers it is safe to fly, is critical if the battered aviation industry is to regain its place in the world economy after a devastating 2020.
Looming cash crisis threatens airlines, IATA
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) warned that the airline industry will burn through $77 billion in cash during the second half of 2020 (almost $13 billion/month or $300,000 per minute), despite the restart of operations.
Transport sector hit hard but has key role in COVID-19 management, COMESA
Road and air transport have borne the brunt of the Coronavirus impact as countries put stringent measures to stop the spread of the pandemic.
[Column] Tabassum Qadir: South African Airways ship is sinking, but there is a life raft
The South African Communist Party (SACP) has called for workers' rights to be fully protected while at the same time pursuing the turnaround of SAA.
[SA Business Week] Propelling economic growth with aviation, telecommunication sectors
The South Africa aviation and telecommunication sectors continue to drive the country’s economic growth while assisting the country reap from existing and emerging markets locally and internationally.
[Nigeria Business Week] Industries partner to reach common goals
The sectors are revving up to keep up momentum as the 2019 opens new doors for Nigeria’s stride toward economic balance.
[SA Business Week] Investment wave boosts country’s earnings, attractiveness
South Africa continues to be the continent’s preferred destination for international investors due to its competitive market, favorable political climate, a booming middle class and strategic location.
[Kenya Business Week] Conquering the skies, an innovation at a time
Weeks after launching direct flights to the United States, Kenya is streamlining its aviation sector further.
[Kenya Business Week] Leveraging the blue economy wave to boost national purse
Kenya has this week successfully hosted the first global conference on blue economy that brought together over 16,000 delegates.
[Kenya Business Week] Flying into new opportunities
African countries have been pushing for an open skies agreement to make intra Africa trade and movement cheaper and faster.
[Kenya Business Week] Cementing bilateral relations with South Africa, China
As Kenya continues to cement its position as East Africa’s economic powerhouse, it has been on a charm offensive targeting African and global public and private players.
[SA Business Week] Water tariffs rise, no markets for black traders
Access to clean water is still a challenge in most of the sub-Saharan Africa countries. Due to the scarcity, the ones who are lucky enough to access it have to dig deeper into their pockets in order to enjoy this basic commodity.
[SA Business Week] Key sectors appointments and a busy air route
October is already proving to be a great month for the South African business and economy, maybe even greater. With only a week into the month, three South Africans have been appointed for senior positions in the ICT, aviation and engineering sectors.
[Kenya Business Week] Renewed onslaught on fake news
With Kenya having experienced proliferation of online news channels occasioned by an impressive penetration of the internet and a critical mass of consumers with an insatiable appetite for breaking news, truth and fact have been the latest casualties.
[Nigeria Business Week] Forging bonds at new levels, China bets higher
At first glance, it seems business as usual, but that could not be farther from reality. Business has never been more positive, rapid, nor disruptive.
[Kenya Business Week] New energy frontiers, more business deals
It has been another busy week for anchor sectors in Kenya with more investors, landmark deals and strategic partnerships pointing to Kenya as the investment destination for the region.
[Nigeria Business Week] Towards self-dependence, reduced importation
As industries grow, so does the job market, consumer satisfation and investor confidence. Nigeria is gaining a reputation as fertile ground for both business expansion and takeoff point for startups.
[Nigeria Business Week] Racing toward growth, partnerships, targets
This week has shown interesting developments in a wide range of sectors in Nigeria - Hospitality, Real Estate, Agribusiness, Banking, Automotive, Oil and Gas and as always, ICT remains a busy sector.
[Kenya Business Week] Cementing US trade with direct flights
Known for its aggressive approach in selling its economic sectors, Kenya has this week been on a charm offensive, as both public and private players step up efforts to win investors and grow businesses.
Complimentary map: Airport project opportunities in Africa
Air traffic across Africa is expected to soar over the next 20 years to over 300 million passengers, which is great news for African economies - so long as they have the infrastructure to sustain it
[Column] Bob Koigi: Africa open skies pact will change global business landscape
Flying within Africa is a dreaded experience with many routes having no direct fights, forcing passengers to contend with expensive and circuitous flights sometimes involving going through Middle East and Europe to access an African destination.
[Column] Richard Branson: The alternatives to Nigeria's power situation
Energy access in Africa is close to my heart. Bringing clean, renewable power to people instead of building coal-fired power stations is absolutely essential if we are going to tackle climate change.
Ethiopian Airlines to start direct flight to Karachi, Pakistan
Ethiopian first served Karachi from July 1966 to December 1971, and resumed the service from June 1993 until July 2004.
Ethiopian Airlines to resume direct flights between Abidjan and New York
Ethiopian Airlines, the largest network operating carrier in Africa, has announced the resumption of its direct flights between Abidjan and New York John F. Kennedy Airport as of 29 May 2023.
Ethiopian set to launch passenger service to Copenhagen, Denmark
Ethiopian Airlines is set to launch a new passenger flight to Copenhagen, Denmark effective 22nd May 2023. The new flight will be operated five times a week except on Tuesdays and Sundays.
[South Africa] Clickatell launches Chat 2 Pay with FlySafair for WhatsApp mobile payments
FlySafair is the first airline in the world to deploy Chat 2 Pay with a pay-by-link capability that allows its customers the convenience of effortless mobile payments via FlySafair’s WhatsApp channel.
EABC calls for an EAC single air transport services agreement to lower the cost of air transport in the region
Limited infrastructure, lack of standardized regulations and high air transport costs are among the challenges affecting the air transport sector in EAC.
Ethiopian Airlines and MailAmerica S.A. launch ecommerce logistics services
Ethiopian Airlines Group (ET) has partnered with MailAmericas (MA), a private postal operator and gold member of the consultive committee for the Universal Postal Union, to develop competitive cross border ecommerce services within Africa and the Middle East using Addis Ababa as a hub.
Ethiopian Airlines set to fly to Atlanta
Ethiopian Airlines, the largest network operator in Africa, has announced that it has finalized all preparations to commence a new service between Addis Ababa, Ethiopia and Atlanta, USA. Ethiopian will operate a four times weekly flight to Atlanta (ATL) starting from 16 May 2023.
More public services to go digital after Rwanda and France sign a financing deal
Rwanda signed a 37-million-euro loan and a 1.2 million euro grant for a project that aims to improve Rwanda's public services through digitization and support innovations with high development potential.
IATA and Travalyst to collaborate on flight carbon emission calculations
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) and Travalyst, have joined forces with the aim of providing consumers with a consistent, accurate and widely available calculation of their carbon footprint from air travel.
Kenya Airways and Saudi Arabian Airlines expand codeshare agreement to include direct Mombasa flights
The code share extension will allow seamless connections on one ticket to and from the Saudi Arabian Airlines network, including the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, among other points in the Middle East, via Kenya Airways flights from Dubai to Mombasa.
South Africa decided to re-capitalize Denel, the state-owned aerospace and defence company
The decision to re-capitalise the state-owned aerospace and defence company with R3.4bn, announced by the Finance Minister, Enoch Godongwana in his medium-term budget policy statement (MTBPS).
IATA and ITC join forces for cross-border trade
Through the agreement, ITC and IATA will cross-link their information offerings, including data, to expand access to strategic information for trade and cargo professionals.
Ethiopian Airlines opens a five-star in-terminal hotel inside Addis Ababa Bole International Airport
The Hotel is physically connected to Addis Ababa Bole International Departure Terminal 02 with a short walking distance from departure gate and will be managed by Ethiopian Skylight Hotel as Ethiopian Skylight In-Terminal Hotel.
ExecuJet South Africa expands charter fleet
ExecuJet South Africa, part of the Luxaviation Group, is celebrating charter fleet expansion and growing recognition of the company’s outstanding safety standards.
[Kenya] Sasini to start using drones for fertilizer application and chemical spraying on its Kipkebe tea farm
ahari Aviation will use drone technology on the farm to offer agricultural services such as fertilizer application and chemical spraying on the tea farm.
Air Lease announces lease placement of six new airbus a220-300 aircraft with TAAG Angola Airlines
The aircraft are scheduled to deliver to the airline starting in 2023 through 2024 from ALC’s orderbook with Airbus.
Travel and tourism jobs in Nigeria to double over the next decade, WTTC
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has revealed the Travel & Tourism sector in Nigeria is expected to create 2.6 million new jobs over the next decade, doubling the number of those employed within the sector by 2032.
Qatar Airways partners with Airlink to enhance connectivity across Southern Africa
Qatar Airways and Airlink signed a comprehensive codeshare agreement to offer travellers more choices, enhanced services and greater connectivity between 45 destinations in 13 countries across southern Africa and the rest of the world.
South African Airways appoints Discover the World as its general sales agent in the UK
South African Airways (SAA), the national carrier of South Africa, has appointed Discover the World, a global player in tourism and airline representation, as its general sales agent (GSA) in the United Kingdom (UK).
Zipline unveils first onboard, acoustic detection and avoidance system for autonomous drones
The global leader in instant logistics Zipline, unveiled its new Detection and Avoidance (DAA) system.
[Kenya] Fahari Aviation launches first drone cage facility to spearhead use of drones in the region
Fahari Aviation, a subsidiary of Kenya’s national carrier, Kenya Airways (KQ), has launched the first drone enclosure facility in Kenya.
South Africa's Comair suspends flights pending receipt of funding
South African airline Comair announced it is obliged to suspend all British Airways and kulula.com flights, pending successfully securing additional funding.
Ethiopian launches new flight connecting Lomé with Washington DC
thiopian Airlines, Africa’s leading carrier, commenced thrice-weekly passenger service to Washington DC via Lomé, Togo as of 01 June 2022.
Ethiopian Airlines to commence flights to Chennai, India
Chennai will join the vast Ethiopian network as a fourth destination in India after New Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru. Ethiopian started its service to India with a debut flight to New Delhi in 1966, just 20 years after the airline was founded.
Emirates reaffirms partnership with Mauritius to promote the tourism sector
Emirates signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority (MTPA), to promote tourism to Mauritius from key markets across the Emirates network
ACC Aviation transacts B737-300 from South Africa's Star Air Cargo to Middle East
ACC Aviation announced it has successfully transacted a Boeing B737-300 (ZS-TGB) from South Africa’s Star Air Cargo to a Middle East-based investor.
[Nigeria] Green Africa and FCMB ink financial deal to boost air travel
Green Africa, Nigeria's Lagos-based value airline, has formed a strategic partnership with First City Monument Bank (FCMB), a financial institution in Nigeria.
Kenya Airways expands West Africa’s connectivity with Africa World Airlines partnership
The partnership will provide guests increased options into the domestic destinations in Ghana and West Africa. This is part of KQ’s broader strategy to extend its footprint across the continent.
Ethiopian Airlines, others sign MoU toward Aviation MRO services
Ethiopian Airlines, UTD Aviation Solutions and the African Airlines Association have signed a tripartite MoU to work together on Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) services.
South Sudan to take possession of first Geophysical Plane
South Sudan’s Ministry of Petroleum will take possession of its first geophysical aircraft to conduct surveys of oil and other mineral deposits.
Ethiopian, UTD Aviation Solutions and AFRAA sign MoU to re-establish African aviation renaissance in MRO services
Ethiopian Airlines MRO, UTD Aviation Solutions and the African Airlines Association (AFRAA), signed a tripartite MoU to work together on Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) services in pursuance to the The Brown Condor Initiative (BCI).
Delta Airlines gets South African government nod to fly to Cape Town
Delta Air Lines' application to fly between Atlanta and Cape Town – via Johannesburg – has finally been approved by South Africa's government following a year-long stalemate.
Kenya Airways defers interest payment on $217m government loan
Kenya Airways has been granted waivers and deferrals on unpaid interest on KES25 billion shillings (USD217 million) worth of loans from the Kenyan government.
Ethiopian Airlines resumes flights to Bengaluru, India
The airline announced the recommencement of after it halted operations for two years due to the pandemic. Ethiopian operated its first flight services to Bengaluru in October 2019.
Emirates ramps up connections to Mauritius
Emirates will be operating twice daily flights on its flagship A380 aircraft to Mauritius from 1 July 2022 to meet the increase in demand for travel to the island nation.
NAS renews ISAGO accreditation for Kilimanjaro and Dar es Salam airports in Tanzania
The National Aviation Services (NAS), the aviation services provider in the emerging markets, has renewed its IATA Safety Audit for Ground Operations (ISAGO) accreditation for Kilimanjaro and Dar es Salaam airports in Tanzania.
[Ghana] International air traffic in 2022 to exceed two million people, aviation analyst
Total international air traffic for Ghana through the Kotoka International Airport will exceed 2.1 million people by the end of 2022 as a result of the latest easing of measures announced at the airport by President Akufo-Addo.
EgyptAir enters 3-way partnership with ValU, Pay Tabs for e-payments
EgyptAir entered into a partnership agreement with ValU and Pay Tabs Egypt this week to provide payment solutions for airline tickets.
JetBlue and Qatar Airways announce plans to expand existing global partnership
JetBlue has announced it intends to expand the depth and breadth of its existing partnership with Qatar Airways to offer customers even more benefits when booking travel to and from international destinations on the global partner airline.
Mesfin Tasew appointed new CEO of Ethiopian Airlines Group
The Board of Management of Ethiopian Airlines Group has announced the appointment of Mr. Mesfin Tasew Bekele, as Chief Executive Officer of Ethiopian Airlines Group.
South African aviation authority grounds Comair fleet
South Africa's aviation regulator has indefinitely grounded a fleet owned by Comair, a British Airways franchise, following a series of safety incidents.
Ethiopian inks partnership agreement with IDIPO and Air Djibouti for sea - air transport
Ethiopian Airlines has signed a strategic partnership agreement to jointly commence sea-air multimodal transportation with International Djibouti Industrial Park Operation (IDIPO) and Air Djibouti for an expeditious transportation of goods to Africa.
Ethiopian Airlines, Boeing sign MoU for new 777-8 Freighter
Ethiopian Airlines and its longstanding partner Boeing, announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the intent to purchase five 777-8 Freighters.
[South Africa] Government concludes 51% sale of South African Airways
The South African government has concluded and signed a sales and purchase agreement for the sale of 51% of South African Airways with its preferred strategic equity partner, the Takatso Consortium.
[South Africa] Airlink, Legacy Lifestyle partner to launch cashback loyalty programme for passengers
Southern Africa’s Airlink has partnered with Legacy Lifestyle to offer passengers the ability to earn CashBack rewards when they fly on all Airlink flights, irrespective of the type of ticket or the class booked.
EGYPTAIR to launch year-round direct Dublin-Cairo services
Dublin Airport announced that EGYPTAIR will launch a new year-round direct Dublin-Cairo services this summer, commencing on June 2, to operate four times per week and will be Ireland’s first scheduled air service to and from Egypt.
Ghana Airports Company appoints Pamela Djamson-Tettey as new Managing Director
Pamela Djamson-Tettey has been appointed as the new Managing Director of Ghana Airports Company.
Zipline and Kisumu County Seal Partnership
Zipline and Kisumu County, a Member of the Lake Region Economic Bloc, Seal Partnership to Accelerate Universal Health Coverage Across the County.
Air Arabia Egypt launches new service between Sohag and Gassim in Saudi Arabia
Gassim is considered the seventh route that Air Arabia Egypt flies to after Riyadh, Jeddah, Tabuk, Taif, Al Jouf, and Hail in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
IATA launches new ground operations portal
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced the launch of the IGOM Portal, a major support tool for the efficient implementation of the IATA Ground Operations Manual (IGOM).
Emirates resumes passenger services to and from Casablanca, Morocco
Emirates announced a full return of passenger services to and from Casablanca in Morocco, marking a full restoration of Emirates’ pre-pandemic African network including 21 cities spread across the continent.
[Zambia] NAS launches Pearl Lounge at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport in partnership with NAC2000
The National Aviation Services (NAS), has partnered with NAC2000 Corporation, to launch the Pearl Lounge at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (KKIA) in Lusaka, Zambia.
[Nigeria] Air Peace resumes direct flights to Dubai
Nigeria’s airline, Air Peace has revealed plans to resume direct flights to Dubai, United Arab Emirates on March 1, 2022.
COLUMNS.
[Column] Thabiso Foto: Fintech is a path to democratised financial services
Fintech has played a significant role in democratizing access to financial services across Africa in the past decade ...read full column here
[Column] NJ Ayuk: How domestic gas production can help mitigate South Africa’s energy crisis
In the meantime, South Africa should not lose sight of the fact that it has other solutions at hand...read full column here
[Column] Jon Tullett: Cloud economics for enterprises
When looking at cloud economics for enterprises, it is important to determine whether the cloud spend within the organisation is optimal today and will continue to be so tomorrow ...read full column here
INTERVIEWS.
[Interview] Ayodeji Ayorinde, Co-founder, Artisankonect, Nigeria
Artisankonect is a Nigerian startup that helps outsource user requests to skilled persons. … read full interview here
[Interview] Joel Daniel, Founder, Solutions Platforms, Nigeria
Joel Daniel is the founder of Solutions Platforms, a company that grooms young people to succeed and have global relevance by leveraging its various programs designed to foster international education … read full interview here
[Interview] Jesse Onomiwo, Co-founder, Autosparkle, Nigeria
Autosparkle is part of Riltouche and Sparkles, a company dedicated to building the largest chain of the most eco-friendly cleaning solutions out of Africa… read full interview here
B2B Events
The Africa Trade Expo (TATE) | Virtual Conference and Trade Show | 9 March 2022 - 9 March 2023
The Africa Trade Expo (TATE) presents direct access to African buyers whose main aim is to source the latest products, establish partnerships, and conclude import/export deals ... read full details here
Future Foods | African Food & Beverage Industries Virtual Conference & Trade Show | 9 March 2022 - 9 March 2023
Future Foods is a virtual meeting place for importers, F&B managers, retail category buyers, owner-operators, agents, and distributors from across Africa’s diverse and booming ... read full details here