AfDB Appoints Keyamo Champion of Aviation Programme for Africa

The African Development Bank (AfDB) has appointed Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, as African champion for its newly launched Integrated Aviation Transformation Programme for Africa, a $7bn initiative aimed at reshaping the continent’s aviation sector.

According to the appointment letter, the decision follows Nigeria’s leadership in aviation reforms and efforts to improve investor confidence in the sector.

The programme is designed to mobilise major investments into Africa’s aviation industry through private, institutional and concessional funding, with a focus on infrastructure development, financing and policy coordination.

The AfDB said Keyamo’s role will involve driving continental collaboration to modernise air transport systems and expand aviation capacity across Africa.

A statement by the Special Adviser on Media and Communications to the Minister, Tunde Moshood, confirmed that Keyamo has been invited to the AfDB Annual Meetings scheduled for Thursday in Brazzaville, Congo, where a Letter of Intent between Nigeria and the bank will also be signed.

The bank noted that although Africa represents about 18% of the global population, its airlines account for less than 3% of global air traffic, a gap the initiative seeks to address.

It added that the programme aims to unlock investment and improve connectivity across African aviation markets.

The AfDB also praised Keyamo’s commitment to aviation reforms and expressed confidence in his ability to drive the initiative forward.