In a statement, the company with a presence in 10 countries spanning Africa, Europe and the Middle East said the move is aimed at fulfilling its long-time running of democratizing travel and optimizing customer experience for both domestic and international travellers in the East African markets.

Wakanow Group Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Bayo Adedeji affirmed that the new market entries would redefine how business executives, tourists and fun travellers access end-to-end travel services.

“Wakanow.com brings a fresh perspective and industry expertise to delivering travel services that suit the needs of local and international travellers.

"Wakanow.com continues to push the boundaries of travel technology, and our entry into East Africa represents a milestone in our commitment to enhancing travel experiences across the continent. Our online platform will empower East African travellers with a one-stop-shop for all their travel needs”, Adebayo stated.

Wakanow Group CEO Bayo Adedeji (L) during a past visit to Rwanda.

He further disclosed that the company has invested in technology to optimise customer experience when they book flights, hotels and other services on the website.

“At Wakanow, our unwavering focus on the customer and our relentless drive to innovate on their behalf distinguishes us from the competition. Unlike any other player in the market, we harness technology to its fullest extent, enriching the customer experience with added value", Adebayo added.

The CEO emphasized that Wakanow’s entry into the East African market also creates a gateway to a multitude of opportunities for both the business and tourism sectors.

He also announced the appointment of Josephine Fifi Rurangwa as the Business Development Manager for the new East Africa market.

Josephine Fifi Rurangwa, the newly appointed Business Development Manager Wakanow East Africa market.

Rurangwa, the CEO said, will spearhead initiatives aimed at offering exceptional end-to-end travel deals, including flight booking, visa assistance, hotel reservation, protocol services, airport transfers (Wakanow Ride), and travel insurance.

Rurangwa welcomed the appointment and vowed to leverage her experience to deliver exceptional service to the East African market.

"I am honoured to lead Wakanow’s business development efforts in East Africa. This region holds immense potential, and I am excited to leverage my experience and expertise to ensure that Wakanow becomes the preferred travel partner for individuals and organizations in Rwanda, Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda,” she stated.

Rurangwa affirmed Wakanow’s commitment to prioritizing customer satisfaction and democratizing travel for Africans through the Pay Small Small (PSS) offering. This program allows customers to spread the cost of their flights overtime on Wakanow.com, removing financial obstacles to booking.

“We are actively forging partnerships with local businesses, tour operators, and hospitality establishments, which will not only benefit our customers but also contribute to the local economy and tourism sector,” she added.

The company affirmed that Rurangwa, who has a decade-long career in the travel industry, brings a wealth of experience to her new role.

Prior to the appointment, Rurangwa served at Wakanow as Head of Africa Expansion.

Wakanow has been in existence for the last 16 years and is accredited by the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

As Wakanow ventures into East Africa, the company anticipates achieving new milestones under Rurangwa’s leadership, reinforcing its commitment to excellence, customer satisfaction, and innovation in the region.

Founded in 2008, Wakanow has rapidly grown to become a one-stop platform for travel enthusiasts, offering a comprehensive suite of services including flight bookings, hotel reservations, travel insurance, airport transfers, vacation packages, visa assistance, and more.

Besides Nigeria, Wakanow also operates in a number of other markets including, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Gambia, Liberia, Togo, Cote d’Ivoire, Cameroon, United Arab Emirates (UAE), and the UK.