Wakanow has made history as the first online travel agency in Nigeria to secure direct New Distribution Capability (NDC) integrations with British Airways and Emirates Airlines, marking a significant leap in travel technology across Africa. The integration, which is now live in Nigeria, Ghana, and the UAE, allows users to access real-time flight inventory, seamless ticketing, and personalized travel services such as seat selection, baggage add-ons, and cabin upgrades—all from Wakanow’s platform.
“This is a defining moment for Wakanow and the entire travel industry in Nigeria,” said Adenike Macaulay, Chief Executive Officer of Wakanow Nigeria. “Being the first OTA in Nigeria to integrate directly with both British Airways and Emirates through NDC is a game-changer—not just for us, but for the industry at large. It underscores our leadership in travel tech and our commitment to offering Nigerian and African travellers the best global options with unmatched ease, speed, and transparency.”
The NDC integration, traditionally limited to airline websites, enhances the customer experience by providing richer content, faster processing, and improved post-sales services. The milestone comes after months of technical preparation and collaboration with both airlines, ensuring a smooth rollout and strong backend support.
“We’re not just offering flight tickets—we’re designing smarter, more intuitive travel experiences that meet the evolving expectations of today’s digital traveller,” said Oyedeji Ojo, Chief Technology Officer at Wakanow. “With these direct airline connections via NDC, we’ve created a new layer of automation and intelligence in our booking processes. It also means better control over pricing, faster fulfilment, and seamless integration of services like refunds and changes.”
Macaulay added, “Travel is changing globally, and Wakanow is committed to ensuring that Nigerian travellers are not left behind. Our innovation drive aligns with our long-term strategy of redefining travel convenience across the continent.”
This move not only positions Wakanow as a technology leader in Africa’s travel sector but also addresses long-standing barriers for African and diaspora travellers who often face limited access to personalized flight options through third-party platforms. Direct integration helps eliminate these gaps, ensuring that African customers enjoy the same premium travel experiences as their global counterparts.
In recognition of its innovation and market leadership, Wakanow was recently honoured with the ‘Agency of the Year, Platinum Category 2024’ award at the First Joint Venture Awards hosted by Air France, KLM, and Delta Airlines. The award celebrates Wakanow’s outstanding contributions to sales growth, customer service, and retail strategy.
With this bold step forward, Wakanow is not only transforming the booking experience for African travellers but also setting a new standard for travel technology on the continent.
