Infrastructure
By Sumaila Ogbaje
Abuja, April 9, 2018 (NAN) The African Import Export Bank (Afreximbank) and the Russian Export Centre (REC) have entered into partnership to boost African aviation infrastructure through road-shows, presently holding in some African countries.
Rene Awambeng, Afreximbank’s Global Head for Client Relations, said this in a statement on Monday in Abuja, said the road-show began on April 9, in Nairobi, Kenya.
Awambeng said the road-shows, under a new partnership would raise the profile of Russian aircraft and helicopters in Africa.
He added that the road-shows would showcase a range of cutting-edge Russian aircraft and helicopters, with demonstrations and flight experiences, over the next five days, starting in Nairobi, and continuing in Kampala, Lagos, Abuja and Bamako.
According to Awambeng, the road-show is part of Afreximbank’s effort to improve air transport infrastructure across Africa.
He said the partnership was born out of the fact that the continent’s road and rail infrastructure suffer significant limitations.
He added that the aviation sector was considered critical to achieving the continent’s trade, growth and development objectives.
Akwambeng said it was estimated that a 10 per cent reduction in transport costs would increase trade by 25 per cent.
“Our partnership with the Russian Export Centre gives key players in Africa’s aviation industry tremendous opportunities.
“The 17-year average fleet age of African airlines is the oldest of any world region.
“So, by showcasing state-of-the-art and more fuel-efficient aircraft, the newest helicopters, together with our expertise and experience in aircraft finance, we can enable the upgrading of Africa’s aviation industry.
“This upgrade is a key element in boosting economies and many industry sectors.
“We look forward to conversations with authorities and the aviation industry to discuss their development plans and identify areas where they require funding and technical assistance,” he said.
The statement also quoted Anna Belyaeva, the Managing Director for International Development at the Russian Export Centre, as saying “African governments generally were aware of the need to develop their aviation infrastructure.
“We welcome the opportunity, it will give room to discuss how we can help domestic and international airlines to meet the challenges and chances that face them’’.
He said that experts from airline manufacturers and trade financiers would be at the road-show to provide advice and guidance on all aspects of aviation.
According to him, REC will offer a wide range of support tools for Russian Exporters with success stories of assisting export of civil aircrafts and helicopters.
“We see a considerable potential for Russian aviation industry products in Africa and we are ready together with Afreximbank on this market,” he said.
According to him, representatives of Africa’s commercial aviation sector, senior executives from Ministries of Tourism, Civil Aviation authorities and airline leasing companies among others are expected to attend the road-shows.
“The interactive format is designed to stimulate co-operation and strategic engagement.
“Fourteen delegates comprised of representatives of REC, the Russian business community and Afreximbank, are travelling for the one-week road-shows.
“They will be showcasing Russian MC21 airplanes, the Sukhoi Superjet, the Sukhoi Business Jet and Russian-made helicopters.’’ (NAN)
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Edited by Vivian Emoni/Ese E. Ekama