The African Development Bank has tapped Nigeria’s Aviation Minister, Festus Keyamo, SAN, to lead its continent-wide push to transform African aviation, citing Nigeria’s reforms and vision for the sector.
In a statement, the AfDB said Keyamo will serve as African Champion for its Integrated Aviation Transformation Programme for Africa, IATP. The bank has set aside $7 billion to modernize Africa’s aviation ecosystem and attract private, institutional, and concessional capital.
African airlines currently carry less than 3% of global air traffic despite the continent holding nearly 18% of the world’s population. The IATP is designed to close that gap by upgrading infrastructure, improving efficiency, and making the industry more competitive.
To formalize the partnership, the AfDB has invited Keyamo to its Annual Meeting in Brazzaville on May 28, 2026, where Nigeria and the bank will sign a Letter of Intent. The minister is expected to use his experience and drive to push the program across the continent.
The bank expressed appreciation for Keyamo’s commitment to advancing aviation in Africa and said his leadership will be key to unlocking investment and growth in the sector.
