Eshioromeh Sebastian
Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, has called for urgent policy harmonisation and digital transformation across Africa’s aviation sector, warning that the continent’s vast potential will remain untapped without stronger collaboration among nations.
Speaking at the IATA Focus Africa Conference in Addis Ababa, Keyamo delivered a goodwill message urging African leaders, policymakers, and industry stakeholders to move beyond dialogue and take concrete action on safety, connectivity, and operational efficiency.
The Minister commended IATA for organising the conference under the theme, “Elevating Aviation Safety, Connectivity and Operational Efficiency in Africa,” noting that the theme directly aligns with the continent’s most pressing aviation priorities.“Africa, with a population of over 1.4 billion people and a growing middle class, presents immense opportunities for aviation growth,” Keyamo said.
“The gap in global air traffic share is not a limitation, but an opportunity for expansion and innovation.
”On safety, the Minister reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening regulatory frameworks and complying with global best practices, while deepening collaboration with international partners.
But it was his remarks on connectivity and efficiency that drew the strongest focus. Keyamo stressed the urgent need to improve intra-African air links to drive trade, tourism, and regional integration — in line with the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA).
He called for the removal of barriers, harmonisation of aviation policies across the continent, and the full implementation of open skies initiatives.
On operational efficiency, the Minister pointed to infrastructure modernisation, digital transformation, enhanced air navigation services, and streamlined regulatory processes as key drivers of competitiveness.
“Efficiency is not only about reducing costs; it is about improving passenger experience and positioning African aviation to compete globally,” Keyamo added.
He urged conference participants to prioritise actionable outcomes, stating that “the future of African aviation depends on our collective ability to translate discussions into measurable results.
”Keyamo also commended Ethiopian Airlines for sponsoring the conference and thanked the Government of Ethiopia for its warm hospitality.
The IATA Focus Africa Conference continues in Addis Ababa as a strategic platform for shaping policies aimed at transforming the continent’s aviation sector.
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