Bayo Adedeji

Group CEO, Wakanow

Bayo Adedeji is a dynamic business leader and entrepreneur, best known as the Group CEO of Wakanow, one of Africa’s leading online travel companies. Under his leadership, Wakanow has expanded its operations to multiple African countries, the UK, and the UAE, offering a seamless platform for booking flights, hotels, and holiday packages, along with unique features like “Pay Small Small,” which allows travelers to spread travel costs over time. Wakanow also provides corporate travel solutions and innovative travel experiences through its subsidiaries​.

 

Before joining Wakanow, Bayo had an impressive career in finance and retail, serving as a Senior Finance Manager at Amazon and holding leadership roles at Walmart and PetSmart. He is also a serial entrepreneur, founding Dundu Nation, a food truck business specializing in local delicacies, and Wave Beach Lagos, a leisure destination.

Bayo is recognized for his customer-centric approach, innovation, and strategic vision, which have transformed the travel landscape in Africa. He emphasizes continual learning, adaptability, and empathy in leadership and is deeply committed to driving positive change in the industries he engages with​.

Sessions

April 9, Thursday
Venue: Innovation City Cape Town
 

3.00PM – 5.00PM

10 Big Bets On The Future

 

AI is no longer a side story in travel – it’s reshaping demand, distribution, payments and product at speed. But amid the noise, what are the signals that truly matter? In this fast-paced session, we separate hype from hard reality and put the spotlight on the forces most likely to define the next decade of travel. From platform power shifts to new revenue models and traveller behaviour, our speakers will place 10 bold bets on what will change – and what will prove more resilient than expected. Expect sharp views, grounded insight, and a few contrarian calls.

 

 

Speakers/Coaches:

Maija de Rijk-Uys, Managing Director, Go2Africa

Velma Corcoran, Regional Lead, Middle East and Africa Airbnb

Liezl Gericke, Head of International, Middle East, Africa & South Asia, Virgin Airways

Bayo Adedeji, Group Chief Executive Officer, Wakanow

Fritz Demopoulos, CEO, Queen’s Road Capital

Ross Veitch, CEO & Co-founder, Wego

Mike McGearty, CEO & Co-founder, Meili