The African Development Bank (AfDB) has appointed Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, as the African Champion to drive its new continent-wide aviation initiative, the Integrated Aviation Transformation Programme for Africa (IATP).
According to a statement issued by Tunde Moshood, Special Adviser on Media and Communications to the minister, the bank cited Nigeria’s “leadership and vision” in implementing policy reforms to transform its aviation sector as the primary reason for Keyamo’s selection.
The AfDB has earmarked $7 billion for the programme.
The formal signing of a Letter of Intent between the bank and Nigeria will take place during the AfDB’s Annual Meeting in Brazzaville on May 28, 2026.
The IATP is designed as a continent-wide platform to modernise Africa’s aviation ecosystem, mobilising private, institutional, and concessional capital. The initiative seeks to revitalise an industry where African airlines currently account for less than 3 percent of global air traffic, despite the continent housing nearly 18 percent of the world’s population.
The spokesman said that as a Champion, Keyamo is expected to leverage his knowledge, commitment, and passion to advance the programme across Africa.
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“The Integrated Aviation Transformation Programme for Africa is a continent-wide platform designed to modernize Africa’s aviation ecosystem and mobilize private, institutional, and concessional capital,” Moshood stated.
“It seeks to revitalize the industry, as African airlines currently account for less than 3 percent of global air traffic despite housing nearly 18 percent of the global population.
The Aviation Minister is now expected to bring his knowledge, commitment and passion to drive this program in the whole of Africa.”
He added that the AfDB expressed deep gratitude to the minister for his dedication to growing aviation on the continent.
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist, scholar and analyst of socioeconomic issues in Nigeria and Africa. He is skilled in energy reporting, business and economy, and holds a master's degree in Mass Communication. He can be reached via @VICTOREZEJA on X