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Private aviation has long been a symbol of power in Africa’s billionaire circles. For a continent where commercial schedules are patchy and business is spread across borders, private jets aren’t just indulgences—they’re strategic tools. From Nigerian oil tycoons to Moroccan real estate moguls, Africa’s wealthiest use their aircraft to project reach, influence, and sometimes, discretion.
Aliko Dangote, Nigeria
Aircraft: Bombardier Global Express (N104DA), Bombardier Global 7500 (2020 model)
Africa’s richest man, with a fortune of about $15 billion, has built his empire on cement, sugar, salt, and now refining. Dangote has owned a fleet of aircraft over the years, but today he is best associated with his Global 7500, Bombardier’s flagship capable of nearly 8,000 nautical miles. The jet allows him to fly Lagos–Beijing nonstop and features a four-zone cabin with a master suite.
Mike Adenuga, Nigeria
Aircraft: Dassault Falcon 8X (VP-CPD, christened Sisi Paris)
Nigeria’s second-richest man, worth around $6.7 billion from telecoms (Globacom) and oil (Conoil), Adenuga flies in style with Dassault’s ultra-long-range Falcon 8X. The tri-jet is known for a whisper-quiet cabin and the ability to operate from short or steep-approach runways. Its 6,450-nautical-mile range fits his global business dealings.
Abdul Samad Rabiu, Nigeria
Aircraft: Bombardier Global 6500 and Challenger 350
Rabiu, the $7-billion founder of BUA Group, keeps a two-jet fleet. The Global 6500 handles his transatlantic runs, while the Challenger 350 is his workhorse for short-haul trips around West Africa. Together, they give him the range and flexibility to manage one of Nigeria’s fastest-growing business empires.
Mahamadou Bonkoungou, Burkina Faso
Aircraft: Dassault Falcon FX
One of Burkina Faso’s richest men, Bonkoungou has parlayed his fortune in construction and logistics into aviation. He owns a Falcon FX and runs a private jet charter company whose clientele includes presidents and ministers across Francophone Africa.
Anas Sefrioui, Morocco
Aircraft: Cessna Sovereign 680
Worth about $1 billion, the Addoha real estate boss opts for something more modest than peers: a Cessna Sovereign 680. The midsize jet accommodates 12 passengers and connects Casablanca to European capitals with ease, a practical tool for a developer whose empire straddles Morocco and Europe.
Nicky Oppenheimer, South Africa
Aircraft: Bombardier Global 6500, plus Challenger 350s through Fireblade Aviation
With an $8.3 billion fortune from the De Beers diamond legacy, Oppenheimer has turned his love of aviation into business. In 2014 he launched Fireblade Aviation, a Johannesburg charter operator. He personally uses a Global 6500 for intercontinental flights, while his Challengers serve regional charters.
Humphrey Kariuki, Kenya
Aircraft: Bombardier Challenger 350
The Kenyan tycoon, with interests in alcohol manufacturing, energy distribution, and hospitality, is notoriously private. His Challenger 350, a super-midsize jet with a 3,200-nautical-mile range, is ideal for Nairobi–Dubai or Johannesburg flights. The 10-seat cabin gives him both privacy and flexibility.
Aziz Akhannouch, Morocco
Aircraft: Dassault Falcon 900EX (acquired in 2019, approx. $25M)
Morocco’s prime minister and majority owner of Akwa Group, Akhannouch is worth over $2 billion. His Falcon 900EX, a tri-jet with a 4,500-nautical-mile range, reflects both his political duties and corporate role. Its cabin is configured for long-range comfort.
Folorunsho Alakija, Nigeria
Aircraft: Bombardier Global Express XRS (VP-CEO)
Nigeria’s richest woman, valued around $1.1 billion, co-owns Famfa Oil, one of the country’s most lucrative deepwater concessions. Her Global Express XRS, with vanity registration VP-CEO, offers a 6,000-nautical-mile range and a cabin configured for long-haul business and family travel.
Johann Rupert, South Africa
Aircraft: Bombardier Global 6000
Chairman of Richemont, the luxury giant behind Cartier and Montblanc, Rupert is worth about $10.7 billion. He owns a Global 6000, whose interior—customized to Richemont tastes—features a large-cabin design and advanced avionics. Its 6,000-nautical-mile range keeps him connected to Geneva, London, and Cape Town in one hop.
Adedeji Adeleke, Nigeria
Aircraft: Bombardier Global 7500
Chairman of Pacific Holdings and father of music star Davido, Adeleke commands a business empire in energy and shipping. His Global 7500—Bombardier’s $70 million flagship—boasts the world’s largest business jet cabin and nonstop capability for Lagos–Los Angeles.
Moulay Hafid Elalamy, Morocco
Aircraft: Dassault Falcon 7X
The founder of Saham Group, who sold its insurance division to South Africa’s Sanlam for $1.05 billion, re-entered business after a stint in politics. His Falcon 7X, with a 5,950-nautical-mile range and fly-by-wire controls, reflects his global footprint across finance, real estate, and healthcare.
