Keyamo appointed to spearhead AfDB aviation reform initiative in Africa
The African Development Bank (AfDB) has appointed Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, as Champion of the Integrated Aviation Transformation Programme for Africa (IATP).
The appointment was conveyed in a letter signed on behalf of the bank by Mike Salawou, recognising Nigeria’s active participation in the early phase of the continent-wide aviation initiative.
According to the AfDB, the programme is designed to mobilise private and institutional investments, de-risk aviation financing and transform the sector into a major driver of regional integration and economic growth across Africa.
The bank commended Nigeria for completing the IATP country survey, advancing work on the country compact and identifying investment opportunities in aircraft financing.
“Nigeria’s engagement has been exemplary: the Federal Government has completed the IATP country survey, advanced initial work on the country compact, identified concrete opportunities to finance aircraft in Nigeria, and is actively exploring the creation of a Nigerian aviation financing platform,” the bank stated.
It added that the Federal Government was also exploring the establishment of a Nigerian aviation financing platform that could serve as a model for other African countries.
The AfDB described Nigeria’s level of commitment to the programme as exemplary, noting that the country had emerged as one of the foremost champions of the initiative on the continent.
As part of his role, Keyamo is expected to participate in a high-level side event during the 2026 AfDB Annual Meetings, where he will present Nigeria’s aviation transformation agenda to development partners, institutional investors, airlines and regulators.
