AfDB Appoints Festus Keyamo for $7 Billion Aviation Initiative

The African Development Bank (AfDB) has appointed Nigeria’s Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, as the Champion for Africa’s Aviation Revolution. This role is part of the newly launched $7 billion Integrated Aviation Transformation Program (IATP) aimed at unlocking Africa's air transport potential.

Keyamo's mandate includes driving significant reforms in the aviation sector to enhance safety, efficiency, and economic growth across the continent. He will lead advocacy efforts to coordinate policies among member states and mobilize private investment for aviation development.

A formal letter of intent will be signed between AfDB and the Federal Government of Nigeria on May 28, 2026, during the bank's annual meeting in Brazzaville, Republic of Congo. Keyamo emphasized the need for tangible transformation in the aviation sector, which currently contributes less than 3% to global air traffic despite Africa accounting for nearly 18% of the world's population.