ATE 2026: Why Flying Within Europe Is Cheaper Than to Africa – CEO of Wakanow

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Bayo Adedeji, Group Chief Executive Officer of Wakanow, contended that the steep airfares in Africa stem mainly from structural obstacles rather than airline profiteering, citing taxes, fuel expenses and government regulations as the primary drivers.

He delivered these comments at the Africa Technology Expo 2026, during a session called “The Business of Movement: Can Africa Build a Borderless Travel Economy?”

Adedeji clarified that airlines capture only a portion of a ticket’s total cost.

“The decouple the cost of flights. 40 per cent goes to airline, 25 per cent crude oil, 35 per cent taxes.”

When contrasting Africa’s aviation sector with Europe, Adedeji noted that intra‑European flights are considerably cheaper, attributing this to the region’s successful integration and liberalisation of air transport.

“Traveling within Europe is different because it has been domesticated, there is no overcharge. It is cheaper to fly within Europe, Africa is not.”

He urged African governments, especially in West Africa, to implement policies that would localise regional air travel, claiming such changes could markedly lower ticket prices.

“We need to talk to our government about domesticating flight. If they domesticate flight in West Africa alone, the cost will go down by 25 per cent.”

Adedeji argued that the existing aviation framework disadvantages African travelers, keeping air travel out of reach for many.

“The entire system is rigged, the business is rigged against us. Flight is still a luxury product not a necessary product in Africa.”