AfDB appoints Festus Keyamo to lead $7bn African aviation transformation programme

Africa, Business

ABUJA (NPA) — The African Development Bank (AfDB) has appointed Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, as the African Champion to spearhead its ambitious Integrated Aviation Transformation Programme for Africa (IATP).

The announcement was made in Brazzaville, Congo, on May 27, 2026, ahead of the AfDB Annual Meeting. A formal Letter of Intent between Nigeria and the Bank is scheduled to be signed today, May 28, 2026.

According to the AfDB, the programme will mobilize $7 billion to modernise aviation infrastructure, strengthen regional connectivity, and enhance safety standards across the continent. The Bank noted that Africa accounts for less than 3 per cent of global air traffic, despite representing 18 per cent of the world’s population, underscoring the urgent need for transformation.

In its statement, the AfDB praised Keyamo’s “knowledge, commitment, and passion” for aviation reform, citing Nigeria’s recent policy initiatives and infrastructure upgrades as a model for continental progress.

Tunde Moshood, Special Adviser on Media and Communications to the Minister, confirmed the appointment, saying: “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 IATP will focus on:

• Modernising aviation infrastructure across African states.
• Mobilising private and institutional capital through public‑private partnerships.
• Strengthening policy coordination and capacity building.
• Enhancing regional connectivity to boost trade, tourism, and economic growth.

This appointment positions Nigeria as a strategic hub for continental aviation development and signals AfDB’s confidence in Keyamo’s leadership to deliver results at scale in line with its vision for the sector.