AfDB Appoints Keyamo Champion Of Africa’s Aviation Transformation Programme

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 leadership role in the early implementation phase of the continental aviation initiative.

According to the AfDB, the IATP is designed to mobilise private and institutional investment, de-risk aviation financing, and position the sector as a major driver of economic growth and regional integration across Africa.

The bank commended Nigeria for its active participation in the programme, noting that the Federal Government had completed the IATP country survey, advanced work on the Nigeria Country Compact, and identified opportunities for aircraft financing within the country.

AfDB described Nigeria’s engagement as exemplary, adding that the country’s efforts, including plans to establish a Nigerian aviation financing platform, have positioned it among the leading champions of the initiative.

As part of his new role, Keyamo has been invited to participate in a high-level side event during the 2026 AfDB Annual Meetings titled, “Platform Solutions for Africa’s Transformation: DeRisking Aviation and Health Systems through Innovative Finance.”

The event, scheduled for May 28, 2026, will bring together development partners, institutional investors, airlines, and regulators to discuss innovative financing solutions for Africa’s aviation and healthcare sectors.

The bank said Keyamo’s participation would provide an opportunity to showcase Nigeria’s aviation reform agenda and promote the IATP as a continent-wide investment solution.

AfDB further stated that the minister would contribute to shaping the programme’s aircraft finance pillar, including efforts to establish a Nigerian aviation financing platform that could serve as a model for other African countries.

The bank also announced that Nigeria would participate in the signing of the IATP Nigeria Country Compact, describing it as a major milestone that formalises the country’s role as a founding partner in the programme and signals the transition from strategic engagement to implementation.

According to the AfDB, Nigeria’s early commitment to the initiative is expected to inspire other African member states to strengthen participation in the drive towards aviation sector transformation and regional integration.