Scheduled to take place in Kigali, Rwanda, from May 14th to 15th, the 2026 ACF will convene over 2,500 business leaders, investors, and public officials to discuss driving private-sector-led growth, cross-border investment, and economic integration, with the theme; “The Scale Imperative: Why Africa Must Embrace Shared Ownership,”

This year’s forum features a particularly strong Nigerian representation, led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, alongside prominent industry titans and regional stakeholders.

VivaJets’ participation comes on the heels of major milestones that underscore its commitment to regional integration.

Last October, VivaJets obtained a $10m dollar credit facility from London-based TLG as it expands rapidly into global markets. The firm aims to bridge the connectivity gap between regional business centres, reducing the reliance on indirect commercial routes and fostering intra-African trade.

“Africa’s skies should connect us, not divide us. Our gold partnership at the Africa CEO Forum is a testament to our belief that business aviation is the ‘connective tissue’ of continental trade,” said CEO, Erika Achum, “By providing world-class mobility solutions, we are empowering leaders to reach their destinations with the speed and reliability necessary to drive Africa’s next phase of growth,”

“With our fleet expansion, VivaJets is uniquely positioned to handle the increasing demands of African leaders as they connect in meetings and events to reshape the future of the continent. We are democratizing private aviation, ensuring more leaders can harness its benefits to drive transformation across the region,” he added.

Beyond its operational growth, VivaJets has become a leading voice for aviation reform. The firm continues to advocate for the dismantling of “invisible policy barriers”, including complex visa restrictions for aircrews and fragmented regional regulations that hinder the scaling of African aviation.

VivaJets canvases for a unified, modern aviation strategy that prioritizes accessibility and collaboration to drive the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) forward.

According to Tejumade Salami, the chief operating officer (COO), the theme of the 2026 ACF aligns with the current trajectory of the company.

“At ACF 2026, we will be listening to, and connecting with the leaders and businesses shaping Africa’s economic future on how they are dealing with mobility across the continent,” said Salami, “The theme of ‘Shared Ownership’ aligns with our commitment to regional integration. This commitment is reflected in our recent operational milestones as we expand our fleet and routes to connect regional business centres, reducing the reliance on indirect commercial routes and fostering intra-African trade.”

“We believe that Africa’s prosperity will be fast- tracked by cross-border collaborations that will lead to business and cultural connectivity,” she added.

VivaJets is a leading business aviation company providing a full suite of services, including aircraft charter, management, and brokerage. As part of the Falcon Aerospace group, VivaJets is dedicated to enhancing regional connectivity and elevating the standards of corporate travel across Africa.

The summit brings together policymakers, regulators, and financial industry leaders to explore strategies for building an efficient, inclusive, and sustainable financial sector in Africa.

With its sponsorship, Vivajets aims to underscores the transformative power of business aviation in fostering connectivity, driving innovation, and overcoming barriers to collaboration across Africa.

“Business aviation is not just a service; it’s a critical enabler for progress. It connects leaders, ideas, and opportunities, helping to shape a brighter future for Africa,” said Chukwuerika Achum, CEO of Vivajets.

Vivajets has seen rapid growth and is now expanding its global footprint, building a reputation for luxury, exclusivity, and excellence in private aviation.

The company’s services range from aircraft charter and management to fractional ownership opportunities and aircraft sales, underpinned by its innovative platforms, Charterxe and FlyPJX.

Showcasing African Heritage and Luxury in Aviation

At the summit, Vivajets will exhibit its innovative offerings and engage in networking to connect with key stakeholders.

This follows a series of recent milestones, including its prominent role at the Lagos Fashion Week 2024, where the company showcased its newly designed cabin crew uniforms.

Created by Ivorian designer Loza Maléombho, known for her work in Beyoncé’s Black is King, the collection celebrates African heritage through contemporary fashion.

“Inspired by the African Kinkeliba tree, the uniforms reflect a seamless blend of elegance, luxury, and cultural pride,” said Maléombho.

Speaking on this collaboration, Achum remarked,

“Our partnership with Loza Maléombho aligns with our values of creativity and sophistication. Through initiatives like these, we’re redefining the image of African aviation on the global stage.”

Driving African Integration through Aviation

At the Africa CEO Forum in Kigali, Rwanda earlier this year, Achum emphasized the role of business aviation in promoting regional integration under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). “Aviation bypasses the geographical and logistical barriers that have hindered Africa’s development, enabling hassle-free collaboration for leaders and businesses across the continent,” he stated.

Echoing this sentiment, Tejumade Salami, COO of Vivajets, added,

“We are democratising private aviation, ensuring more leaders and organisations can harness its benefits to drive growth and transformation in Africa.”

Vivajets at AFIS 2024: A Vision for Africa’s Future

By supporting AFIS, Vivajets reinforces its mission to contribute to Africa’s development. The summit, founded by Jeune Afrique Media Group and the Africa CEO Forum, focuses on fostering dialogue to transform Africa’s financial sector and support sustainable growth.

“Vivajets believes in the power of connectivity, not just in aviation but also in ideas and innovation,” Salami noted. “We’re excited to collaborate with financial leaders at AFIS to explore how we can collectively unlock Africa’s potential.”

As Africa’s financial industry goes through transformation, Vivajets continues to position itself as a trusted partner for leaders and organizations seeking to understand the continent’s evolving industry.

The firm was a sponsor and a participant at the Lagos Fashion Week 2024, where it unveiled the new attire, created by renowned Ivorian fashion designer, Loza Maléombho, who designed Beyoncé’s outfit in the ‘Black is King’ musical drama.

According to CEO, Chukwuerika Achum, Vivajets shares some values with the high-class fashion, such as luxury, exclusivity, elegance and creativity.

This informed the partnership with Loza Maleombho and the company’s sponsorship of West Africa’s foremost fashion event.

“With a growing fleet, global routes, and an expanding customer base, we have made a bold statement with our brand by appealing to the young, urbane and stylish. Our Loza X Vivajets collection reflects our connection with Africa and we are proud of this legacy.”

Vivajets offers a comprehensive range of services including aircraft charter and management, fractional ownership opportunities, and aircraft sales and acquisitions. It is a brand under the Falcon Aerospace Limited group alongside digital booking platform, Charterxe; and charter per seat platform, FlyPJX.

“Inspired by the inspirational features of the African Kinkeliba tree, this collection reflects luxury, elegance and the African heritage,” said fashion designer, Loza Maleombho, who flew in from Cote’ d’Ivoire to participate in her first Lagos Fashion Week showcase.

Loza Maléombho is a high-end African designer brand that combines African aesthetics with contemporary fashion. The brand emphasizes unique design elements and craftsmanship rooted in African culture. On Friday night, her models strutted the runway in the aviation crew outfits.

“When you are thinking about traveling you think about freedom, self-discovery and self-healing and I designed the Vivajets cabin crew uniforms within that context,” she said.

As Vivajets continues its global expansion and upscales its customer base, the aviation firm has made alliances with organisations that provide access to networks of luxury connoisseurs.

“The new cabin crew uniforms really epitomise what happens when luxury in the sky meets elegance on the runway,” said Dr. Samuel Abiola – Jacobs, managing director of The Luxury Network (TLN), Nigeria.

Leading international luxury affinity marketing group, TLN recently welcomed Falconaero, Vivajets’ mother brand to its network.

With a growing fleet, global routes, and an expanding customer base, Vivajets wants to make a bold statement with its brand and appeal to the urbane and stylish.

“The business aviation market continues to grow in Africa despite its perception as a luxury service and Vivajets is positioning as a key player in this space,” said Chukwuerika Achum, the CEO, .

“At Vivajets, we believe in a future prosperous Africa and the power of business aviation in driving the connectivity required for this prosperity. This is why we continue to push the frontiers of innovation. At the Lagos Fashion Week, we are not only unveiling our new outfits, we are also showcasing the look and feel of the Vivajets experience at the event.”

The designer of the new Vivajets outfit, Loza Maleombho, is a visionary fashion designer from Cote d’Ivoire, who has captivated the global fashion scene with her distinctive approach to design.

“This collaboration is more than a meeting of fashion and luxury travel; it’s an experience that transcends time and space,” said Loza Maleombho, who will be attending the Lagos Fashion Week with models to display the outfits on the runway.

According to Maleombho, LOZA X VIVAJETS is a unique fashion collection inspired by the sublime qualities of the Kinkeliba, an African tree with medicinal properties.

Vivajets offers a comprehensive range of services including aircraft charter and management, fractional ownership opportunities, and aircraft sales and acquisitions. It is a brand under the Falcon Aerospace Limited group alongside digital booking platform, Charterxe; and charter per seat platform, FlyPJX.

“We are proud of our African heritage and our remarkable growth in the past one year as we drive accessibility and inclusion alongside unparalleled luxury in the business aviation space,” said Tejumade Salami, the chief operating officer.

“Join us at the Lagos Fashion Week as we unravel our exciting brand promise in our extraordinary outfits and onsite activities. Visit our centre and you will have a taste of the Vivajets experience,” Salami added.

AFSIC is the largest annual Africa investment conference taking place outside Africa. As a sponsor, Falcon Aerospace will be exhibiting and networking at the event as the company seeks investment to power its rapid growth and global expansion.

The company’s CEO, Chukwuerika Achum, will also be speaking at the event

“Falcon Aero is committed to the vision of a prosperous Africa. To actualise this vision, there must be seamless connectivity of people, ideas and culture with and within the continent, and we believe in the power of business aviation to facilitate this connectivity across borders,” said Achum.

“At the invest in Africa Conference, I will share insights into the business aviation sector in Africa and its potential as catalyst for business and economic success on the continent.”

With a growing fleet, global routes, and an expanding customer base, Falcon Aerospace is strategically positioned to capitalise on the rapidly expanding African business aviation market, currently valued at $1.09 billion. With a projected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.98%, the market is expected to reach $2.14 billion by 2030.

This strong growth trajectory, coupled with increasing demand for private aviation across the continent, places Falcon Aerospace at the forefront of this dynamic and evolving sector.

Chief Operating Officer, Tejumade Salami, said “Falcon Aero’s growth in the past two years has been phenomenal. From the beginning, we set out to democratize business aviation services by improving accessibility and affordability without compromising luxury, efficiency and safety.”

“Today, our operations continue to expand outside Nigeria. We are proud of our growth and are seeking investments and partnerships to fuel this expansion,” Salami added.

According to the organizers, over 1,500 of the most important Africa investors, dealmakers and business leaders are expected to attend whilst over 350 speakers including leading Africa investors and African business leaders will provide detailed insight into the positive economic transformation that many parts of Africa are experiencing. The event will showcase the most attractive Africa investment opportunities from more than African countries, representing all regions in the continent.

Falcon Aero offers private jet charter, aircraft maintenance, sales and fractional ownership. The firm’s diversified portfolio comprises of private aviation services provider, Vivajets; digital booking platform, Charterxe; and charter per seat platform, FlyPJX, all distinct brands.

“Innovation and technology have been critical factors in our success story. We are building products that integrate digital technology with tailored service delivery to improve booking and travel experience,” said Basil Agbor, head of Products and Innovation.

“As we join Africa’s premier investment event, we’re looking forward to connecting with visionary investors who share our passion for advancing the private aviation sector,” he added.

This was part of the proceedings at the 60^th anniversary of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) and Third Africa Airforce Forum where the company was a participant and exhibitor.

Hosted by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), this year’s forum marks a pivotal moment in the realm of African aerospace, air power, and collective security and marks the momentous 60th anniversary of the Nigerian Air Force.

The three-day event consisting of conference and exhibition featured over 20 speakers, air Force representatives from over 35 countries and over 40 exhibitors.

Deliberations centered around leveraging strategic partnerships in aerospace innovations for regional security.

“Africa is facing growing security threats like terrorism, piracy and insurgency, yet security efforts are hampered by limited state resources and a vast, diverse terrain. This has posed a serious challenge to business connectivity as well,” said Chukwuerika Achum, CEO of Vivajets, who analyzed the evolving security landscape in Africa.

Business aviation refers to both owned and chartered aircraft uses for various purposes. It is an exclusive aviation segment compared to commercial aviation which offers mass access.

Achum highlighted various areas where business aviation can support military operations. These include troop and equipment transportation, medical evacuation, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, border security, and humanitarian efforts.

“Vivajets is ready to support governments and Air Forces across Africa with various capabilities in diverse areas. Whether in procuring and leasing aircraft for tailored projects or training and financing support, we are ready to support regional security.”

“As an indigenous African company, we have local knowledge of the continent’s business terrain as well as an international outlook on business. This enables us to provide customized solutions targeted at some challenges specific to Africa,” said Jeane-Claude Kouyo, Vivajets’ director for Europe, Middle-East and Africa.

According to Kouyo, Vivajets aims to ‘democratise’ access to business aviation and make the usually exclusive service to become more inclusive in Africa.

Dignitaries at the event lauded the efforts of the Nigerian Air Force and called for more cooperation between African countries.

“In its 60 years of its existence, international cooperation and partnerships have remained a key component of Nigerian Air Force’s interactions with other air forces and international companies, pursuant to enhancing its capabilities and effectiveness in the discharge of its mandate.” Air Marshal HB Abubakar, Chief of the Air Staff, Nigerian Air Force said.

“Being a highly technical force has made it exigent for the Nigerian Air Force to partner with technologically advanced countries and their resident Original Equipment Manufacturers for the acquisition of necessary platforms and expertise to function. Another area of partnership is in the area of sharing knowledge, experiences and resources with other air forces, through platforms such as the African Air Forces Forum,” he added.

The organization also released a guide on fractional aircraft ownership, a specialized service that enables customers to become part owners of an aircraft.

As Africa evolves through an increase in population, innovation and enterprise, new business leaders have emerged, and business aviation has become crucial in enhancing their efficiency.

Business aviation, therefore, has the potential to stimulate African economic development alongside increased connectivity across the continent.

Vivajets has positioned itself to meet this rising demand on the continent with a full range of services including aircraft management services, fractional ownership opportunities, and aircraft sales and acquisition.

Vivajets is one of the brands under Falcon Aerospace Group, alongside digital platforms, CharterXE and FlyPJX.

“Vivajets is beyond a business aviation company. We are a young and dynamic organization, born out of the need to bring Africans together, facilitate regional connectivity, and empower African growth and renaissance,” said Chukwuerika Achum, CEO of Vivajets.

“We want to be part of the new African story. We want to support the next set of people who will retell the continent’s story. We believe that our business strategy and culture will help facilitate and accelerate Africa’s integration.”

According to Achum, Vivajets currently operates a number of international routes on chartered flights from its current base in Lagos.

Destinations include London, Accra and Abidjan, with a range of operational strategies designed to improve travel efficiency, reduce travel time, maximize aircraft, and make business aviation more accessible and affordable.

Tejumade Salami, the Head of Business Excellence, describes the corporate culture at Vivajets as ‘dynamic, innovative, and friendly’.

“Building an excellent corporate culture starts with recruitment. At Vivajets we try to ensure that we recruit a set of people that have mindsets related to our work culture.

“We have created a space for people who are mindful of the safety of our passengers, crew and aircraft. In our operations, we drive the ideology of safety. We are also a customer and innovation-oriented organization. We are constantly researching new ways to solve our customers’ needs and improve operational efficiency,” Salami added.

“Technology plays a crucial role in the way we operate and offer our services at Vivajets. The culture of innovation and technology use permeates our business as well as corporate culture,” said Basil Agbor Bessong, Head of Products and Innovation.

Through technology, we can maintain a lean team and work collaboratively from anywhere in the world. We have also developed digital platforms to improve customers’ access to our services.”

The firm introduced the products at a recent event in Lagos where it unveiled its operational business units,

According to Chukwuerika Achum, the CEO, Falcon Aerospace’s business model derives from the increased demand for business aviation by more Africans doing business across and outside Africa, and non-Africans flying into the continent for business and tourism.

“We are proud of our African origin and are deeply committed to the continent’s development. As an organization with deep African roots and values, we possess a significant understanding of the business terrain in Africa,” said Achum.

He added that the company’s obsession with innovation has led it to create products targeted at delivering more value to customers.

“Operating through our business units, we aim to make a difference in an often exclusive and elusive market via the delivery of excellent customer service, adaptation of technology, inclusive customer targeting, and continuous innovation”

Falcon Aerospace’s business units unveiled at the event are Vivajets, CharterXE and FlyPJX.

Vivajets a full business aviation company providing a wide range of services including charter brokerage, fractional ownership, Aircraft management, sales and leasing, consulting and training.  Vivajets is the company’s operational brand and will relate with regulators and other critical industry stakeholders to get the necessary permits, certifications and licenses for the group to operate.

CharterXE is an automated private jet booking platform that provides access to the company’s charter brokerage services through digital devices. Available as a mobile app and also via web, CharterXE leverages cutting edge technological innovation to cut through all the physical hassles involved in booking a private jet.

FlyPJX is a charter per seat booking platform designed to provide access to all the luxury of private jet service without needing to book the entire aircraft. It provides important information and flight schedules that enable the user to select preferences.

“Tonight, we are celebrating the birth of Falcon Aero and its products, heralding a new future of possibilities in the African business aviation market,” said Tejumade Salami, head of business excellence.

According to Salami, Falcon Aero aims to ‘democratize’ business aviation and make the service accessible and affordable to more people.

Director of Air Transport Regulation, National Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Captain Chris Najomo, commended Falcon Aero for introducing innovations into the business aviation market. He also stressed the importance of regulation.

“I commend Mr. Achum and his team for putting these products and this events together. Falcon Aero has also taken serious steps to ensure all permits, licences and certifications necessary for smooth operations are obtained,” Najomo said.