Africa Business Travel Gains Traction on Growth, New Routes
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Africa's business travel sector picks up amid rapid economic expansion and new airline routes to hubs like Dakar, Accra, Marrakech and Lagos by carriers including United, Delta and Air France. Eleven of world's 20 fastest-growing economies sit in Africa per African Development Bank data, led by Niger (11.2%), Senegal (8.2%), Libya (7.9%), Rwanda (7.2%) and Côte d’Ivoire (6.8%).
Middle East/Africa business travel spending hit 111% of 2019 levels, per Global Business Travel Association data cited by FCM South Africa GM Mummy Mafojane, though capacity shortages and costs linger. FCM's 2025 survey shows 46% of EMEA firms planning 2026 travel budget increases, 36% targeting up to 20% rises. Challenges include limited direct flights (e.g., Douala), visa delays, high fares.
Airport upgrades advance in Burkina Faso, Nigeria (Lagos), Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Ghana and Angola to boost capacity and jobs. Mafojane calls for air agreements and policy tweaks to sustain momentum.
