TLG Capital (“TLG”) has successfully closed a US$10 million financing facility for VivaJets, a subsidiary of Nigeria-based aviation services platform Falcon Aero. The transaction was structured in partnership with Wema Bank, marking what both TLG and VivaJets believe to be the first internationally structured aviation financing for a Nigerian Air Operator. The funds will be deployed to enhance intra-African connectivity, a critical component of regional economic integration and mobility.
Isha Doshi, Partner at TLG Capital, emphasized the strategic importance of the deal:
Africa’s growth story depends on connectivity. Falcon Aero is linking cities that global capital often overlooks, including tier-2 and tier-3 hubs where trade and opportunity are rising fastest. Aviation operators need long-duration capital at sensible rates. With our partners at Wema Bank and Falcon Aerospace, we are pleased to deliver a long-term financing solution that helps support highly skilled engineers, pilots, and workers in Nigeria’s aviation sector.
Tejumade Salami, Chief Operating Officer of Falcon Aerospace, highlighted the transformative impact of the facility:
We spoke to many lenders; TLG solved it. Their structured-solutions mindset turned a complex funding puzzle into a single, bankable facility. In our industry, the ability to access long-tenor, USD-denominated capital is critical. With this facility, we have retired legacy obligations and can now focus fully on curating a seamless experience for our clients across the region. Our facility with TLG substantially reduces the amount of our revenue and cash flow that is spent on interest and debt service.
Oluwole Ajimisinmi, Deputy Managing Director at Wema Bank, underscored the collaborative nature of the transaction:
This collaboration leverages TLG’s impact investment prowess and Wema Bank’s strong fiduciary capacity as a trusted Nigerian commercial bank, to provide the needed financial support for Falcon Aerospace, ultimately bridging the gap in financing for African businesses. This intelligent form of structuring is a credible example of how African financial institutions can crowd in private credit while maintaining strong risk discipline towards the goal of empowering African businesses with the funding they need to thrive and scale meaningfully.
The legal advisory teams for the transaction included Wigwe & Partners and Hannaford Turner, representing TLG Capital. The deal was executed by Ayoola Oladipupo and Aum Thacker from TLG, while Wura Adetiba, Kayode Adebiyi, and Seun Olajide led the transaction on behalf of Falcon Aero.
