AFG Aviation executives lead major Africa expansion drive

AFG Aviation Ireland Limited, an Ireland-based aviation finance firm, is deploying senior executives across Africa to capitalise on growing aviation demand following successful recent transactions in Nigeria, according to Ethio Negari.

Christian Hatje, Managing Director Business Aviation and Acting Senior Vice President Commercial, and Shiekuma Gemade, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, will lead the expansion drive.

The company recently placed two CRJ1000 regional aircraft with Cally Air in Cross River State, Nigeria. That transaction generated interest from carriers, government bodies, and regulators across multiple African countries, prompting the firm to commit leadership resources to the region.

Both executives bring substantial backgrounds in aircraft trading, leasing, structured finance, and fleet strategy. Their focus extends beyond individual deals toward establishing sustained partnerships adapted to each market's financial and operational requirements.

A multi-country tour is planned for coming months, designed to deepen existing relationships and capture market-specific insights through direct engagement. The approach reflects AFG's view that African aviation represents a significant growth opportunity requiring on-the-ground presence rather than remote management.

AFG's service portfolio spans commercial aircraft transactions, business jet deals, leasing arrangements, fleet renewal programmes, and advisory work. The firm positions its offering as integrating both airline operator knowledge and manufacturer expertise.

Hatje described Africa as among the world's most promising aviation development regions, emphasising that sustainable partnerships require consistent direct involvement rather than transactional relationships.

“Africa represents one of global aviation’s most compelling growth frontiers,” Hatje said. “The scale of engagement we’re seeing reinforces the importance of being physically present, listening, structuring thoughtfully, and building partnerships that endure.”

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