The African Development Bank has appointed Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, as the Champion of the Integrated Aviation Transformation Programme for Africa (IATP).
The appointment was conveyed in a letter signed by Mike Salawou on behalf of the bank.
According to the AfDB, Nigeria has demonstrated strong leadership in the early stages of the programme, which is aimed at mobilising investments and transforming the aviation sector into a major driver of economic growth and regional integration across the African continent.
The bank described the IATP as a platform created to attract private and institutional capital, reduce investment risks, and accelerate the development of Africa’s aviation industry.
The AfDB commended the Federal Government for its active participation in the initiative, noting that Nigeria had completed the IATP country survey, made progress on its country compact, and identified opportunities for aircraft financing within the country.
The bank stated that Nigeria’s commitment to the programme had positioned it among the leading champions of the initiative.
According to the statement, the ministry has also begun exploring the establishment of a Nigerian aviation financing platform that could support local airlines and strengthen the country’s aviation industry.
The AfDB further praised the leadership and vision of the ministry, saying Nigeria’s level of engagement had set an example for other African nations participating in the programme.
As part of his new role, Keyamo has been invited to participate in a high-level side event during the 2026 Annual Meetings of the AfDB. The event, titled “Platform Solutions for Africa’s Transformation: DeRisking Aviation and Health Systems through Innovative Finance,” is scheduled to hold on May 28, 2026, and will be hosted by AfDB President, Sidi Ould Tah.
The event will provide an opportunity for Nigeria to present its aviation transformation agenda to development partners, institutional investors, airlines, and aviation regulators, while promoting the IATP as a continent-wide investment initiative.
The bank noted that Keyamo would also contribute to shaping the programme’s aircraft finance pillar, including efforts to develop a Nigerian aviation financing platform that could serve as a model for other African countries.
According to the AfDB, his role as IATP champion is expected to strengthen partnerships aimed at advancing aviation integration across Africa, while also showcasing Nigeria’s ongoing aviation reforms to global investors and development institutions.
The bank also disclosed that Nigeria would participate in the signing of the IATP Nigeria Country Compact, describing it as a significant milestone that would formally establish the country as a founding partner in the programme and mark the transition from strategic planning to implementation.
The AfDB said Nigeria’s early commitment and progress in the programme had set a standard it hopes other member states would emulate, adding that the bank looks forward to working with Nigeria in shaping a new era for aviation financing and development across Africa.
AfDB Appoints Keyamo Champion of Africa’s Aviation Transformation Programme
