The African Development Bank (AfDB) has appointed Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, as the African champion for its newly launched Integrated Aviation Transformation Programme for Africa, a $7 billion initiative aimed at revitalising the continent’s aviation sector.
According to a letter of appointment obtained by our correspondent on Wednesday, the AfDB said the decision was informed by Nigeria’s leadership and reform-driven approach to transforming its aviation industry and improving investor confidence.
The appointment is expected to strengthen Nigeria’s influence in Africa’s aviation landscape while positioning Keyamo at the forefront of efforts to drive infrastructure development, financing, and policy coordination across the continent’s air transport sector.
Under the programme, the AfDB plans to mobilise significant investments into Africa’s aviation ecosystem through a mix of private, institutional, and concessional funding.
In a statement issued by the Minister’s Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Tunde Moshood, the bank disclosed that Keyamo had been invited to attend its Annual Meeting scheduled for Thursday in Brazzaville, Congo.
The statement added that Nigeria and the AfDB would formally sign a Letter of Intent during the event.
“Due to Nigeria’s leadership and vision regarding policy reforms aimed at transforming the aviation sector, the African Development Bank has appointed Nigeria’s Aviation Minister, Festus Keyamo, as the African champion to drive its programme designed to substantially invest in aviation across Africa,” the bank stated.
The AfDB further revealed that the Integrated Aviation Transformation Programme for Africa has already secured a $7 billion funding envelope to support aviation development projects across the continent.
According to the bank, although Africa accounts for nearly 18 per cent of the world’s population, the continent contributes less than three per cent of global air traffic — a gap the programme seeks to address.
“The Integrated Aviation Transformation Programme for Africa is a continent-wide platform designed to modernise Africa’s aviation ecosystem and mobilise private, institutional, and concessional capital,” the statement added.
The AfDB also commended Keyamo’s commitment to advancing aviation development across Africa and expressed confidence in his capacity to drive the ambitious initiative forward.
