Embraer, the Brazilian aircraft manufacturer, is intensifying its efforts to promote and secure sales for its C-390 Millennium transport aircraft and A-29 Super Tucano light attack and trainer aircraft across Africa. The company has been actively engaging with defence leaders, participating in major aerospace events, and demonstrating the capabilities of its aircraft to meet the continent’s diverse operational needs.
One of the most recent opportunities for Embraer to showcase its aircraft was the 4th African Air Forces Forum, held in Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria, from May 22 to 23, 2025. Hosted by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) as part of its 61st anniversary celebrations, the forum brought together over 2,000 participants from around the world. This included 12 Chiefs of Air Staff, representatives from 30 air forces, and 45 industry exhibitors such as Airbus, Aselsan, Norinco, Aero Vodochody, ARMSCOR, Dentec Aerospace, CATIC, Diamond Aircraft, INDRA, KAI, Leonardo, LZ TECH, Pratt and Whitney, PROFORCE, AFIT, Havelsan, Turkish Aerospace, AAL Group, and Starlight Aviation, alongside Embraer.
Themed “Strengthening Collaborations in Advanced Aerospace Technologies for Enhanced National and Regional Security,” the event provided a platform for dialogue on aerospace collaboration and partnerships. Embraer presented both the C-390 and the Super Tucano, with Paballo Motoboli, the company’s Director for Business Development and Sales, noting that they have been in communication with African defence chiefs about the capabilities their aircraft can offer. This was not Embraer’s first time at the forum; the company also exhibited the same aircraft at the previous edition in Abuja, Nigeria, showing a consistent effort to build relationships in the region.
Before the Lagos event, Embraer displayed the C-390 at the Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) exhibition at Air Force Base Waterkloof in South Africa, from September 18 to 22, 2024. The aircraft’s capabilities were presented to South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and Minister of Defence Angie Motshekga, focusing on its strategic lift capacity and versatility for missions like firefighting, disaster relief, humanitarian assistance, and peacekeeping operations.
The South African Air Force (SAAF) has expressed interest in the C-390 as a potential replacement or supplement for its ageing C-130BZ Hercules fleet, which has struggled with maintenance and availability challenges. The C-390 was previously demonstrated to the SAAF and other government departments in November 2023, offering a modern solution tailored to South Africa’s needs. Embraer officials have also met with the South African National Disaster Management Centre (NDMC) to explore the aircraft’s potential in missions such as firefighting and humanitarian airlift.
This interest from South Africa was further evident during a visit to Embraer’s facilities in Brazil on November 7-8, 2024. The delegation included Brigadier General Carl Moatshe, Director of Air Transport and Maritime Systems for the SAAF, and executives from Denel, South Africa’s state-owned aerospace and defence company, such as Lindokuhle Justice Mpanza and Mante Mahlogonolo Phakathi. They toured the production lines for the C-390 Millennium and the A-29 Super Tucano, observing Embraer’s expertise in aeronautical technology, design, assembly, and support. This visit reflects ongoing discussions about the possible acquisition of the C-390 and a growing connection between Embraer and South African defence stakeholders.
In April 2024, during the LAAD Defence and Security exhibition in Brazil, Embraer and Denel signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore future collaboration on the KC-390 Millennium, the tanker version of the C-390. The agreement, signed by Chris Boshoff, Group Executive CEO Aerospace of Denel, and Fabio Caparica, Vice President of Contracts at Embraer Defense & Security, lays out a framework for potential cooperation in aerostructures manufacturing, maintenance, repair, and overhaul activities. This step deepens the strategic partnership between the two companies, focusing on Embraer’s advanced military transport aircraft.
While the C-390 has been a key focus, Embraer has also been promoting the A-29 Super Tucano across Africa. On February 19, 2024, the Ghana Air Force (GAF) hosted a demonstration of the Super Tucano at Air Force Base Accra. The event included static and flying displays of the aircraft (PT-ZTU), which performed manoeuvres and simulated attacks to demonstrate its agility, speed, accuracy, and versatility. Accompanied by GAF aircraft like Mi-171 and Z-9 helicopters and K-8 jet trainers, the Super Tucano impressed GAF leadership, including Chief of the Air Staff Air Vice Marshal Frederick Asare Kwasi Bekoe and Minister for Defence Dominic Nitiwul.
Bekoe called it a “strategic offensive platform” that could strengthen the GAF’s deterrent and offensive capabilities, especially against rising terrorism threats in the sub-region, and voiced hope that it would rank high in the GAF’s acquisition priorities. The GAF has been interested in the Super Tucano since 2015, when it announced an order for five units, though the deal has not yet been finalised. The GAF has also considered alternatives like the L-39NG light combat jet from Aero Vodochody, but the Super Tucano’s proven record and cost-effectiveness keep it in contention.
The Super Tucano, developed by Embraer and the Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC), is already in service with several African nations, including Angola, Burkina Faso, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, and Nigeria. It thrives in austere environments and handles missions ranging from light attack to advanced training. Equipped with an electro-optical/infrared system with laser designator, night vision goggles, secure communications, and a data-link package, it can carry up to 1,550 kilograms of weapons, including gun pods, bombs, rocket pods, and air-to-air missiles. Its versatility and affordability make it a strong option for African air forces.
In December 2023, Embraer announced a contract for four A-29 Super Tucano aircraft with an undisclosed African customer, making it the sixth operator of the aircraft on the continent. These aircraft will be used for missions such as border surveillance, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), close air support, counterinsurgency, and advanced flight training. This deal reflects the Super Tucano’s growing role in Africa and its appeal to countries seeking a reliable, multi-role aircraft.
Embraer’s marketing push for the C-390 and Super Tucano in Africa shows its understanding of the continent’s strategic value and the increasing need for modern, adaptable aircraft. By connecting with defence leaders, displaying its aircraft at events like the African Air Forces Forum and AAD, and building ties with companies like Denel, Embraer is establishing itself as a key player in providing aerospace solutions for Africa’s specific challenges. As African nations work to update their air forces and tackle evolving security issues, the C-390’s flexibility for transport and disaster relief missions and the Super Tucano’s established success in counterinsurgency and training roles make them strong contenders. Through continued discussions, demonstrations, and partnerships, Embraer is paving the way for future sales and collaborations, demonstrating a long-term commitment to Africa’s aerospace and defence landscape.
