The Air Forces of Gabon and Nigeria perceive Czech companies as strategic partners
13.11.2024 / 10:56 | Aktualizováno: 13.11.2024 / 12:20
Czech aviation defence companies are listed as solid and relevant partners in many countries in sub-Saharan Africa. Czech manufacturers are also among the traditional suppliers in Nigeria. The fact that the Czech Republic still has opportunities to expand the range of products offered in this sector and to reach out to new interested African states was demonstrated by the Future Air Force 2024 Conference. In October 2024, delegations from the Air Force commands of Nigeria and Gabon attended the second edition of this conference, within the framework of the Projects in Support of Economic Diplomacy (PROPED), in order to learn about the further potential of the Czech air defence industry. During their visit to the Czech Republic, they also benefited from the opportunity to participate in the Future Forces Exhibition & Forum 2024 in Prague's Letňany. Both the Nigerian and Gabonese delegations took advantage of the working visit to hold separate meetings with leading Czech representatives of the sector and expressed interest in deepening the existing cooperation. The negotiations opened new opportunities in this sector.
The main items in demand are equipment and technologies for state border surveillance, civil and military aircraft, including maintenance services, personal armament and equipment, air force training, drones and related technologies, etc. In all of these fields, Czech producers definitely have something to offer.
FAF2024
The second annual Future Air Force 2024 conference is a descendant of the successful L-39 user conferences. The event, attended by delegations from all over the world, including dozen from Africa, was under the auspices of the Chief of Air Staff of the Czech Republic, Major General Petr Čepelka. The invitation was accepted by Vice Air Marshal Precious Nnamdi Amadi of the Nigerian Air Force Headquarters with his delegation, while the Gabonese delegation was led by the Deputy Chief of Air Staff of Gabon, Général de Brigade Aérienne Alexis Nguema.
FAF2024 - Chief of Air Staff of the Czech Republic, Major General Petr Čepelka
During the conference, the delegates had the opportunity to observe new trends and innovations in the field of defence aviation, including the Czech L-39NG aircraft for possible use by their respective air forces. However, the conference also served to share experiences with colleagues from other countries across continents. As part of the Future Forces Exhibition & Forum 2024, the mission participants visited the Defence and Security Technology Fair in Letňany. Here they had the opportunity to visit the stands of major Czech defence industry companies whose products were of interest to African countries, such as Aero Vodochody, Bowenite, Czechoslovak Group, CZUB, Defcon, Era, Excalibur International, Lanex, Lom Praha, Tatra Defence Vehicules and others.
Gabonese Delegation at FFF 2024 in Letňany
The participation and positive feedback from the Nigerian and Gabonese delegations only confirmed the importance of inviting foreign delegations to events of this type. In the case of both delegations, their participation led to the opening of new negotiations on specific demands. The opportunity to see the quality and level of Czech production with their own eyes and to exchange experiences on its use with other delegates is a great asset for building good relations with these promising countries in sub-Saharan Africa.
Nigerian Delegation at FFF 2024 in Letňany
Author : Marie Nwanyanwu, Economic Diplomat, Embassy of the Czech Republic in Nigeria
