The African Development Bank has named Nigeria’s Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo as African Champion for its $7 billion Integrated Aviation Transformation Programme for Africa.

The programme is designed to modernize airports, strengthen airlines, and improve aviation financing and cargo operations across the continent. AfDB said the appointment recognizes Nigeria’s leadership in aviation reform.

Keyamo will lead advocacy and stakeholder engagement for the initiative. He is set to sign a Letter of Intent with AfDB at the bank’s annual meeting in Brazzaville on May 28, 2026, according to his spokesperson Tunde Moshood.

AfDB noted the continent’s aviation gap: Africa holds 18% of the world’s population but accounts for less than 3% of global air traffic. Nigeria is one of the pilot countries for the programme, which also connects to the federal government’s recent approval of a local aircraft leasing company aimed at cutting costs for domestic operators.