The Quiet Owners of Africa’s Private Airports

Africa has over 1.4 billion people, but its skies still carry less than 3% of global air traffic. That shows a big gap between Africa’s potential and its airport infrastructure.

Because of this gap, a small group of private investors is quietly betting on Africa’s airports.

In most cases, they do not fully own the airports. Instead, they operate them through concession deals. This means the government keeps ownership, while a private company manages the airport, invests money, and earns revenue for a fixed period sometimes up to 40 years.

The Turkish Family Betting on West Africa

Fatih Bora leads FB Group, an investment company linked to SUMMA, the construction firm founded by his father, Mete Bora.

SUMMA builds infrastructure, while FB Group manages and owns long-term investments.

Through DHIA SARL, FB Group operates Diori Hamani International Airport in Niamey, Niger. The group is also involved in airport concessions in Senegal and Sierra Leone.

Their model is simple: build the airport, then stay involved in running it.

Nigeria’s Private Airport Pioneer

In Nigeria, Bolanle Olawale Babalakin became one of the early private players in airport development.

In 2003, his company, Bi-Courtney Aviation Services, secured a 36-year concession to build and operate Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal 2, known as MMA2, in Lagos.

MMA2 became Nigeria’s first major privately developed airport terminal and a major example of how private capital can support airport infrastructure.

The French Giant in Cape Verde

VINCI Airports is one of the biggest private airport operators in the world.

In 2023, VINCI secured a 40-year concession to operate all seven airports in Cape Verde, taking a 70% stake in the network.

This gives VINCI control over the country’s full airport system, which is very important because Cape Verde depends heavily on air travel for tourism and international movement.

The South African Airport Serving Kruger

Primkop Airport Management owns and operates Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport in South Africa.

The airport serves tourists going to Kruger National Park and supports both commercial and private aviation.

One important detail is that the Mbuyane community owns about 10% of the airport. This gives local people a direct stake in the business.

Lanseria: One of Africa’s Rare Private Airports

Lanseria International Airport, near Johannesburg, is one of the few fully privately owned commercial airports in Africa.

Its ownership includes the Government Employees Pension Fund, Harith General Partners, and Nozala Investments.

Harith brings infrastructure investment experience, while Nozala is known for promoting black women’s economic ownership in South Africa.

Old Mutual’s Quiet Airport Investment

Grand Central Airport in Midrand, between Johannesburg and Pretoria, is fully owned by Old Mutual Life Assurance Company of South Africa.

It does not compete with big commercial airports like OR Tambo. Instead, it serves private pilots, flight schools, and aircraft maintenance companies.

This shows how big financial institutions are also quietly investing in aviation infrastructure.

What This Tells Us

Private airport investment in Africa is still rare, but it is growing.

The successful investors usually have three things in common: patience, strong local relationships, and the ability to earn money beyond passenger fees.

Africa’s air travel market still has room to grow. But governments alone may not have enough money to build the airports the continent needs. That is why private investors are becoming more important.

FAQ

Are there privately owned airports in Africa?

Yes, but they are rare. Lanseria International Airport in South Africa is one example.

What is the most common private airport model in Africa?

The most common model is a concession, where the government owns the airport but a private company operates it for many years.

Who is the biggest private airport operator in Africa?

VINCI Airports is one of the biggest. It operates all seven airports in Cape Verde under a 40-year concession.

Why are private airports not common in Africa?

They require huge capital, stable policies, strong passenger numbers, and long-term planning.

What is a DBOT airport concession?

DBOT means Design, Build, Operate, and Transfer. A private company builds and runs the airport for a period before handing it back to the government.