Kasim Sumaina in Abuja
The Group Chief Executive Officer of Ethiopian Airlines, Mr. Mesfin Tasew, has conveyed his warm congratulations to the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, on his recent appointment by the African Development Bank (AfDB) as the Champion of the landmark $7 billion Integrated Aviation Transformation Programme for Africa (IATP).
In a personally signed congratulatory message addressed to the Minister, the Ethiopian Airlines Chief described the appointment as a fitting recognition of Keyamo’s “visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to advancing aviation in Nigeria and across the African continent.”
According to Mr. Tasew, the confidence reposed in the Nigerian Aviation Minister by the African Development Bank underscores Africa’s collective belief in his capacity to drive a transformative agenda that will modernize the continent’s aviation ecosystem and mobilize 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 the Champion of the $7 billion Integrated Aviation Transformation Programme for Africa. This recognition is a testament to your visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to advancing aviation in Nigeria and across the continent,” the message read.
Reaffirming Ethiopian Airlines’ longstanding commitment to the growth and integration of African aviation, Mr. Tasew noted the appointment comes at a defining moment in the continent’s developmental journey, when African nations must leverage aviation as a critical enabler of trade, tourism, investment, and people-to-people connectivity.
The Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO expressed confidence that, under the stewardship of Honourable Minister Keyamo, the Integrated Aviation Transformation Programme would create new opportunities for African airlines, airports, investors, and other critical 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.
“We look forward to collaborating with you and supporting this landmark initiative that will shape the future of African aviation,” he added.
A statement issued by Keyamo’s Special Adviser On Media and Communications, Tunde Moshood, noted that the message further reflects the growing continental support for Nigeria’s leadership role in the ongoing transformation of Africa’s aviation sector and reinforces the strategic partnerships required to build a more connected, competitive, and prosperous Africa.
“The appointment of Honourable Minister Festus Keyamo as AfDB’s Aviation Champion and the endorsement it continues to receive from leading African institutions and industry stakeholders underscore the enduring relevance of that vision,” Moshood said.
