Keyamo
The African Development Bank has appointed Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, as the African Champion to lead its continent-wide aviation investment program.
The appointment was announced Wednesday, May 27, 2026, ahead of the Bank’s Annual Meeting in Brazzaville. AfDB cited Nigeria’s “leadership and vision” in recent aviation policy reforms as the reason for selecting Keyamo to drive the Integrated Aviation Transformation Program for Africa, IATP.
The program has a $7 billion funding envelope earmarked to modernize Africa’s aviation ecosystem and mobilize private, institutional, and concessional capital.
During the meeting on May 28, 2026, the Bank and Nigeria will formally sign a Letter of Intent for the program.
IATP is designed to address Africa’s low share of global air traffic. Despite having nearly 18% of the world’s population, African airlines account for less than 3% of global air traffic. The initiative aims to revitalize the sector across the continent.
The Bank said it expects Keyamo to bring his “knowledge, commitment and passion” to advance aviation development across Africa, and expressed gratitude for his role in pushing reforms at home.
The appointment was disclosed in a press release signed by Tunde Moshood, Special Adviser on Media and Communications to the Minister.
