The Group Chief Executive Officer of Ethiopian Airlines, Mr. Mesfin Tasew has congratulated 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).
Tasew in a congratulatory message described Keyamo’s appointment as a fitting recognition of his “visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to advancing aviation in Nigeria and across the African continent.
He said: “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 modernise 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.”
Tasew, while reaffirming Ethiopian Airlines’ long standing commitment to the growth and integration of African aviation, noted that 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.
He was of the opinion that under Keyamo’s stewardship, the Integrated Aviation Transformation Programme would create new opportunities for African airlines, airports, investors, and other critical stakeholders across the aviation value chain.
Tasew added: “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.”
Keyamo in a statement issued by his Special Adviser On Media and Communications, Tunde Moshood, noted that the message further reflected the growing continental support for Nigeria’s leadership role in the ongoing transformation of Africa’s aviation sector.
It also reinforced the strategic partnerships required to build a more connected, competitive, and prosperous Africa.