BRAZZAVILLE, CONGO – May 30, 2026
The African Development Bank (AfDB) has commended Nigeria’s leadership in the aviation sector following the formal installation of the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, as the African Champion of the Bank’s $7 billion Integrated Aviation Transformation Programme for Africa (IATP).
The announcement was made during the AfDB Annual Meetings held in Brazzaville, Republic of Congo, where the Bank praised Nigeria’s commitment to advancing aviation development across the continent.
According to the AfDB, Nigeria’s leadership and vision under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, coupled with key reforms in the aviation sector, represent a significant milestone in Africa’s drive towards economic growth, connectivity, and sustainable development.
The Integrated Aviation Transformation Programme for Africa is a continent-wide initiative designed to modernize Africa’s aviation ecosystem, mobilize private, institutional, and concessional capital, and address the imbalance in global air transport. Despite accounting for nearly 18 percent of the world’s population, African airlines currently contribute less than 3 percent of global air traffic.
Speaking during a high-level dialogue in Brazzaville following his installation, Keyamo outlined President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for the aviation sector and highlighted Nigeria’s newly approved Aircraft Leasing Company as a pioneering model that other African countries could emulate to strengthen their aviation industries.
The minister emphasized that improved access to aircraft financing and leasing arrangements would help African carriers expand operations, enhance competitiveness, and improve regional connectivity.
The President of the African Development Bank reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to the successful implementation of the IATP across Africa, describing Nigeria as a key partner in achieving the programme’s objectives.
The Bank expressed confidence that Nigeria’s leadership role would accelerate efforts to transform Africa’s aviation industry, unlock investment opportunities, create jobs, and foster greater economic integration across the continent.
With Keyamo now serving as the programme’s African Champion, stakeholders expect increased collaboration among governments, financial institutions, and private-sector operators to drive the modernization and growth of Africa’s aviation sector.
