Burkinabe tycoon Mahamadou Bonkoungou provides aircraft to Togolese Air Force

Omokolade Ajayi -
Key Points
  • Mahamadou Bonkoungou’s firm will supply a nine-year-old ATR 72-600 aircraft to the Togolese Air Force, boosting troop transportation capabilities.
  • LIZ Aviation, founded in 2023, expanded its fleet to four planes after acquiring a new aircraft on May 25, 2024.
  • Mahamadou Bonkoungou's EBOMAF Group spans construction, finance, healthcare, and aviation, with a $3 billion regional portfolio and growing ventures in West Africa.

LIZ Aviation, a unit of Liza Transport International and part of Burkinabe tycoon Mahamadou Bonkoungou’s EBOMAF Group, has agreed to supply one of its aircraft to the Togolese Air Force (TAF) to support troop transportation efforts. 

The nine-year-old ATR 72-600, previously registered as XT-LIZ and now rebranded as 5V-MDA, will be used for troop transportation by the TAF. The 70-seat aircraft is currently undergoing maintenance and receiving a new livery in Toulouse, France.

The arrangement enhances the Air Force’s logistical capabilities and strengthens ties between Bonkoungou’s companies and the Togolese government.

LIZ Aviation’s growth and regional impact

Founded in 2023, LIZ Aviation launched its inaugural flight between Ouagadougou and Bobo-Dioulasso on April 27.

The recent agreement to supply the aircraft marks a significant milestone for the company, which expanded its fleet to four planes after acquiring a new aircraft on May 25, 2024.

The expansion reflects LIZ Aviation’s commitment to enhancing air connectivity in the region, aligning with the Togolese government’s aim to increase the annual passenger count at Lomé from 900,000 pre-COVID-19 to 1.5 million by 2025.

Mahamadou Bonkoungou’s growing empire

Mahamadou Bonkoungou, 58, is not only Burkina Faso’s richest individual but also one of West Africa’s leading tycoons. His business interests span construction, transportation, finance, and healthcare.

In addition to EBOMAF’s $3 billion portfolio of regional construction deals, Bonkoungou has launched several ventures, including the private jet charter service Liza Transport and the financial institution IB Holding.

Earlier this year, he expanded into the online car reservation market in Togo with BKG SPEED, further challenging established competitors. Bonkoungou's recent acquisition of the “Le Klic” platform is poised to strengthen his presence in the UEMOA and ECOWAS regions, leveraging the infrastructure of BKG SPEED for future growth.

In addition, Bonkoungou ventured into the healthcare sector with the opening of the Princess Sarah Clinic in Ouaga 2000, in partnership with a Turkish clinic. This facility aims to enhance patient evacuation capabilities, contributing to improved healthcare in Burkina Faso.