Africa World Airlines Limited was founded by Togbe Afede XIV. The current shareholders are as follows:

1. SIL (Strategic Initiatives Limited) – a private equity and portfolio investment firm owned by Togbe Afede XIV.
2. Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT), a public pension trust.
3. Zhongjia Investment Management Ltd (China) – whose shareholders are CADFUND and HNA Group.

AWA’s Air Carrier License number 222 was received on 4th March 2011. The ICAO Code is “AFW” and the radio call sign is “Blackstar”.