The Chief Executive Officer of Wakanow Group, Adebayo Adedeji, has shared his vision for boosting economic growth across Africa through increased intra-African travel.

Making this disclosure during a recent interview with CNN’s Marketplace Africa, Adedeji emphasised the company’s commitment to leveraging fintech innovations, forming strategic airline partnerships, and investing in local travel operators to make travel more accessible and affordable for Africans.

He said, “Travel within the continent has the potential to not only enhance connectivity among African nations but also spur job creation and stimulate local economies.”

He acknowledged existing challenges such as limited infrastructure and high travel costs but expressed confidence that these can be addressed through strategic initiatives.

He noted that one of the key strategies discussed was the integration of fintech solutions to provide flexible payment options for travellers.

Adedeji explained, “Our goal is to remove barriers to travel, and fintech plays a critical role in making this a reality.

“By offering innovative payment plans, Wakanow aims to democratise travel and open new opportunities for small businesses in the tourism sector.”

Also, Adedeji emphasised the importance of building strong partnerships with both regional and international airlines to streamline routes and reduce the cost of air travel within Africa.

“Affordable air travel is a catalyst for intra-African tourism,” he stated.

According to Adedeji, these collaborations are essential for enhancing connectivity and ensuring that more destinations are accessible to travellers.

He added that Wakanow invests in local travel operators, focusing on capacity-building to empower businesses and spread tourism benefits, as he envisions a connected Africa driven by a vibrant travel and tourism sector.

He emphasised that strategic investments, supportive policies, and innovation can make intra-African travel key to the continent’s economic growth.