The Group Chief Executive Officer of Ethiopian Airlines, Mr. Mesfin Tasew, has congratulated Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, CON, FCIArb (UK), on his appointment by the African Development Bank (AfDB) as Champion of the $7 billion Integrated Aviation Transformation Programme for Africa (IATP).
In a personally signed message, Tasew described the appointment as a strong endorsement of Keyamo’s “visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to advancing aviation in Nigeria and across the African continent.”
He said the confidence placed in the Nigerian minister by the AfDB reflects Africa’s shared belief in his capacity to drive a transformative agenda aimed at modernising the continent’s aviation sector and attracting strategic investments for sustainable growth.
“On behalf of Ethiopian Airlines Group and myself, I extend my heartfelt congratulations on your appointment by the African Development Bank as Champion of the $7 billion Integrated Aviation Transformation Programme for Africa,” the message read.
Tunde Moshood, Special Adviser on Media and Communications to the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, in a statement on Thursday said: Tasew noted that the appointment comes at a critical moment for Africa’s development, when aviation is increasingly seen as a key driver of trade, tourism, investment, and regional connectivity.
He expressed confidence that the initiative would open new opportunities for airlines, airports, and other stakeholders across the aviation value chain.
“We are confident that under your stewardship, the Integrated Aviation Transformation Programme will unlock new opportunities for African airlines, airports and aviation stakeholders,” he added.
According to him, Ethiopian Airlines looks forward to collaborating with Nigeria and other partners to support the success of the programme, which is expected to reshape Africa’s aviation landscape.
The AfDB appointment and subsequent endorsements from leading industry players highlight growing continental support for efforts to strengthen Africa’s aviation sector and deepen regional integration.
