Bombardier has confirmed that a private jet owned by Africa’s third-richest man, Abdulsamad Rabiu, is the first delivery of its flagship Bombardier Global 8000 on the continent, marking a milestone for Africa’s private aviation market.
Abdul Samad Rabiu, chairman of BUA Group and Africa’s third-richest man, announced earlier in June that he had taken delivery of a Bombardier Global 8000 private jet valued at about $81 million, according to a post on his Instagram page.
The deal was reportedly signed on 4 December 2025 at BUA’s Dubai office after weeks of negotiations, making Rabiu one of the early African owners of the ultra-long-range aircraft, which can cost up to $95 million with custom interiors.
Aircraft manufacturer Bombardier has confirmed that the aircraft is now in active service with Nigeria-based conglomerate BUA Group, describing the development as a defining moment for the Global 8000 programme and its expansion into new markets.
“The first Global 8000 delivered in Africa is now in service with BUA Group,” Bombardier said in a post on X, highlighting the aircraft’s entry into operational use.
