Bayo Adedeji, the Group CEO of Wakanow, asserts that the steep prices of air travel in Africa stem from systemic issues rather than airline profiteering. Speaking at the Africa Technology Expo 2026, he highlighted that government policies, jet fuel expenses, and various taxes are the primary drivers of current ticket prices.
According to Adedeji, only 40 percent of a typical ticket cost reaches the airline, while 25 percent covers fuel and 35 percent is absorbed by taxes. He contrasted this with the European market, which remains more affordable due to a liberalized and integrated aviation framework that treats regional travel as a domestic service.
The CEO urged governments, especially in West Africa, to implement reforms that treat regional flights similarly to domestic routes. He estimated that such policy shifts could slash travel costs by 25 percent. He emphasized that the current structure renders air travel a luxury rather than a necessity.
Furthermore, Adedeji identified significant potential for innovation in the travel technology sector. He encouraged young entrepreneurs to develop digital solutions for the aviation industry and urged consumers to support local travel businesses while holding them to higher standards.