The African Development Bank (African Development Bank) has appointed Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, as the African champion for its newly launched Integrated Aviation Transformation Programme for Africa.
The $7bn initiative is designed to modernise and reposition Africa’s aviation sector through improved infrastructure, policy coordination, and expanded investment across the continent.
According to the appointment letter, the decision was based on Nigeria’s leadership in aviation reforms and efforts to boost investor confidence in the sector.
Keyamo to drive continental aviation reform agenda
Mr Keyamo, SAN, will lead advocacy and coordination efforts under the programme, which aims to attract private, institutional, and concessional funding into Africa’s air transport industry.
The AfDB said Nigeria’s ongoing aviation reforms played a key role in the minister’s selection as continental champion for the initiative.
“Due to Nigeria’s leadership and vision in respect of various policy reforms to transform Nigeria’s aviation sector, the African Development Bank has appointed Nigeria’s Aviation Minister, Festus Keyamo, as the African Champion to drive its programme developed to invest substantially in aviation in Africa,” the bank said.
The programme is expected to strengthen regional aviation integration while addressing infrastructure gaps that have limited growth in African air transport.
$7bn aviation transformation programme
The Integrated Aviation Transformation Programme for Africa is backed by an estimated $7bn funding envelope aimed at improving airport infrastructure, airline operations, and regulatory systems across African countries.
The AfDB noted that although Africa represents nearly 18 per cent of the global population, the continent accounts for less than 3 per cent of global air traffic, highlighting the need for urgent sectoral reforms.
The initiative seeks to close this gap by expanding connectivity, improving safety standards, and encouraging private sector participation in aviation development.
Nigeria’s role in continental aviation push
The development further positions Nigeria as a key player in shaping Africa’s aviation policy direction under the current reforms being driven by the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development.
A statement by the Special Adviser on Media and Communications to the minister, Tunde Moshood, confirmed that Mr Keyamo has been invited to the AfDB Annual Meetings in Brazzaville, Congo, where a Letter of Intent between Nigeria and the bank will also be signed.
The AfDB expressed confidence in Mr Keyamo’s capacity to drive the ambitious programme, describing him as instrumental to advancing aviation development across Africa.
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