The city of Kigali, Rwanda, popularly known for captivating tourists with its breathtaking scenery and its rapid economic transformation, recently cemented its position as a rising African business hub by hosting the African CEO Forum, held on the 16th and 17th of May 2024, at the Kigali Convention Centre.
The African CEO forum is a prestigious event that gathers CEOs, visionaries, policymakers, thought leaders, and innovators from across the continent to discuss Africa's economic growth and development. This year's forum brought together some of the most influential business leaders in Africa, including Rwandan President Paul Kagame and Dangote Group CEO Aliko Dangote.
For Falcon Aerospace, a leader in the Nigerian private jet charter market, and its subsidiary, Viva Jets, this forum was a chance to connect with industry leaders, gain valuable insights, and highlight the growing role of business aviation in connecting Africa's businesses and entrepreneurs to new opportunities. As Gold sponsors of the event, Falcon Aerospace was represented by its CEO, Erica Achum, COO, Salami Tejumade, Head of Product, Agbor Basil, Finance Consultant, Kayode Ajibiyi, and Content Specialist, Oshiomah Odufa.
Falcon Aerospace has been instrumental in facilitating business growth through its range of services. These include on-demand domestic and international private jet charters, aircraft maintenance and acquisition services, and innovative fractional ownership programs. Our reach extends beyond Nigeria, with subsidiaries like Viva Jets catering to a broader African clientele. Our mission is to make luxury business aviation more accessible, by delivering exceptional service, luxury, advanced technology, and uncompromising safety standards.
This year, the theme of the forum was shaping the future of Africa. With limited connectivity and fragmented markets as a clear obstacle to Africa’s economic growth, Viva Jets offered a new way to look at business aviation as not just a luxury but a solution to these obstacles. Business aviation offers a faster and more efficient way for CEOs and key personnel to travel across Africa, facilitating meetings, deal-making, and project oversight. By allowing business leaders to reach geographically diverse markets quickly, Viva Jets can help overcome limitations in physical infrastructure.
The Chief Executive Officer of Viva Jets, Mr Chukwuerika Achum said “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.”
The African CEO Forum wasn't just about powerful speeches and insightful sessions. It was also a ground for forming valuable connections. The night before the forum began, the opening cocktail set the tone for interactions with a live band and warm lights. The team found themselves mingling with industry leaders from across Africa. Conversations flowed freely, exchanging ideas about the future of African business aviation, and laying the foundation for potential collaborations during the forum. .
This spirit of connection continued throughout the two-day event. Day one saw CEOs from diverse sectors engaging in insightful discussions, both during formal sessions and at the sponsor booths. The momentum only grew on the second day, ending with the anticipated closing speech by the president. The closing cocktail provided a final opportunity to solidify connections made throughout the forum.
The Viva Jets team worked together to create an inviting space that highlighted our innovative services and commitment to excellence in business aviation. Our booth featured interactive displays, informative brochures, and comfortable seating areas for engaging with potential clients and partners. But, the team weren't just showcasing their services; they were painting a picture of a future where efficient air travel connected businesses across Africa, fostering collaboration and propelling the continent's economic growth. Their presence at the forum wasn't just about private jets; it was about the potential to unlock Africa's full economic potential, one swift journey at a time.
Kigali’s allure wasn't lost on the delegates of the African CEO Forum. Beyond the forum's engaging discussions, the city itself offered a glimpse into Africa's vibrant future. Kigali, a frontrunner in embracing technology and innovation, provided a fitting backdrop for a gathering focused on the continent's growth.
Beyond the business engagements, our time in Rwanda was enriched by cultural and social experiences. The team had the opportunity to explore Kigali, visiting landmarks such as the Inema Art Gallery and experiencing the vibrant local music.
As the continent's economy continues to expand, the need for reliable, time-saving air travel will become increasingly crucial, and Viva Jets remains dedicated to providing exceptional private jet charter services that meet the evolving needs of business travelers. Our journey at the African CEO Forum has inspired us to push the boundaries of innovation and excellence, ensuring that we continue to lead the way in business aviation.