The African Development Bank (AfDB) has appointed Nigeria’s Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo as the African Champion for its newly launched $7 billion Integrated Aviation Transformation Programme for Africa (IATP).

The Minister during the signing of Letter of Intent (LOI) with the Bank at Congo Brazzaville yesterday said the appointment positions Nigeria at the forefront of a continent-wide aviation renaissance aimed at unlocking Africa’s vast air transport potential through strategic investments, policy coordination, and infrastructure modernization.

Keyamo described the role as a historic mandate to drive the long-awaited transformation of Africa’s aviation sector and accelerate the continent’s integration into the global air transport economy.

He stated that, the AfDB personally designated him to champion the implementation of the IATP, a $7 billion continental platform designed to mobilize private, institutional, and concessional financing for aviation development across Africa.

“This is not merely a title; it is a call to action,” Keyamo stated. “It is a responsibility to drive tangible and transformative aviation projects that will redefine connectivity, safety, efficiency, and economic growth across Africa.”

Speaking further on the significance of the appointment, Keyamo noted that the AfDB acknowledged his unwavering commitment to aviation reform and the strategic policy direction currently being implemented in Nigeria’s aviation sector.

He emphasized that Africa’s aviation industry remains significantly underdeveloped despite the continent accounting for nearly 18 percent of the world’s population while contributing less than 3 percent of global air traffic. “This imbalance is unacceptable and must change,” he said.

The statement signed by the Director, Press and Public Affairs Chindaya Ahmadu Audu Adamu stated that as champion of the programme, Keyamo will lead continental advocacy efforts, coordinate policy alignment among member states, and support the deployment of the $7 billion investment package targeted at modernizing airport infrastructure, enhancing aviation safety, improving operational efficiency, and strengthening regional connectivity across Africa.

He further stated that Nigeria would serve as both a model and catalyst for the initiative, leveraging its strategic market size, ongoing sectoral reforms, and growing investor confidence to attract the first wave of aviation investments under the programme.

“This appointment is a testament to what intentional leadership can achieve,” the Minister said. “I accept this challenge not only on behalf of Nigeria but for every African nation yearning for seamless, safe, efficient, and world-class aviation services. The era of Africa being an afterthought in global aviation is over.”

Keyamo reaffirmed that the development further underscores Nigeria’s growing influence within the global aviation community and reflects increasing international confidence in the reform agenda currently being pursued under the Renewed Hope Administration in the aviation sector.