AfDB Appoints Keyamo As Africa’s Aviation Champion to Drive $7bn Transformation Programme

The African Development Bank (AfDB) has appointed Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, as Africa’s Aviation Champion for its flagship continental programme aimed at transforming the sector.

The appointment, according to the Bank, is in recognition of his Nigeria’s leadership and reform-driven vision in repositioning its aviation industry.

With this, Keyamo will spearhead the implementation of the Integrated Aviation Transformation Programme for Africa (IATP), a $7 billion initiative designed to significantly boost investment in the continent’s aviation ecosystem.

As part of this development, the Minister has been invited to the AfDB Annual Meetings scheduled to hold in Brazzaville on May 28, 2026, where a formal signing of the Letter of Intent (LoI) between the Bank and Nigeria will take place.

The IATP is a continent-wide platform focused on modernising Africa’s aviation infrastructure and mobilising private, institutional, and concessional financing. The programme seeks to reposition the industry, which currently accounts for less than three percent of global air traffic despite Africa representing nearly 18 percent of the world’s population.

With this new role, Keyamo is expected to leverage his experience, commitment, and policy drive to advance aviation development across the continent.

The Bank expressed appreciation for the Minister’s dedication to the growth of aviation in Africa, noting that his leadership will be instrumental in delivering the programme’s objectives.