The Growing Demand for Business Travel in Africa

Anita Ashiru, a production designer in Nigeria, has seen a significant increase in cross-continental business travel within Africa. As the sole production designer in the country, Ashiru frequently travels to South Africa for work, often at the beck and call of Nigerian-American singer-songwriter Davido, who frequently shoots music videos in the country. This rise in business travel is a relatively new development, as Ashiru notes that her job didn’t exist ten years ago.

The increase in cross-continental industries, such as ecommerce, fintech, and the arts, has led to a growth in flight paths catering to business travelers. South Africa Airways, for example, has increased its flights to Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Zambia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, while also increasing its service from Lagos to Johannesburg to four times a week. Similarly, Delta Air Lines has resumed seasonal service from New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to Lagos, and United Airlines recently launched a new route from Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) to Dakar, Senegal.

The resurgence of in-person meetings and conferences has also contributed to an increase in air travel to more traditional business hubs. Singapore Airlines, for example, has a direct flight from Newark to Singapore that is configured with only business and premium economy seats. United Airlines also offers five-times-weekly service from Chicago to Zurich, catering to business demand.

According to aviation expert Mike Arnot, the demand for business travel is evident in airlines’ route choices. For instance, Delta is focusing on Rio de Janeiro, which has seen significant growth amongst business travelers. Delta has expanded its partnership with the LATAM group to increase connectivity between Brazil and the US, including the launch of a new Boston to São Paulo route. This is in addition to regular flights to Rio De Janeiro, which connect to numerous international airports through Delta’s Atlanta hub.

Jesse Bernard, a writer, filmmaker, and label head, also frequently travels between London and Rio de Janeiro for work. As the head of Como Você, a transatlantic record label, he has noticed a sense of familiarity among business travelers on flights within the African diaspora. Bernard notes that most people on these flights are not tourists but are instead traveling for work or to visit family and friends.

In conclusion, the recent growth of cross-continental industries has led to a surge in business travel within Africa. Airlines have responded by increasing flight routes and improving connectivity between countries. As the demand for business travel continues to grow, it is expected that more airlines will offer flights catering to this market.