Canadian aircraft manufacturer, Bombardier, foresees strong growth potential for its nascent CSeries Regional Jet on the African market despite no continental carriers showing any interest in the type as yet. 
With orders in Africa expected to double over the next three to five years and with some 60 operators flying about 200 Bombardier aircraft in Africa, Bombardier's senior vice president, sales for commercial aircraft, Chet Fuller, and interview with FlightGlobal, said he expected the number to double again in a shorter period, perhaps two to three years, or two to four years.
"That's the aircraft that will really open up some brand new markets that were not available before," he adds, pointing to the CS100's range and capabilities to operate at hot and high airports, as well as short runways. "We are really bullish on the CS100 in Africa," says Fuller. While the airframer has not won an African customer for the CS100, Fuller says Bombardier is in talks with prospective customers and could conclude a sale "soon".
Source [FlightGlobal]
The airframer predicts "really good growth" for the Q400 turboprop and "modest growth" in the number of CRJs being operated in Africa. In addition, it also expects a "really strong uptake" in CS100 orders.
The twin jet's prototype test jet, (MCN 50001 | C-FBCS), has already been handed over
to its flight test team with a tentative first-flight set for late June.
