Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has been recognised as one of Africa’s leading aviation figures, even as industry leaders call for urgent reforms to improve efficiency across the continent.
The recognition was announced on Wednesday 29th of August at the IATA Focus Africa Conference 2026 held in Addis Ababa, where stakeholders gathered to discuss the future of air transport in Africa.
The Regional Vice President for Africa and the Middle East at International Air Transport Association, Kamil Alawadhi, said Keyamo’s selection was based on Nigeria’s policy direction and ongoing reforms in the aviation sector.
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He cited Nigeria’s strong compliance with global standards, including its implementation of the Cape Town Convention and IDERA framework, as well as a 91.4 per cent safety oversight score from the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
Other aviation leaders named include Teresia Mbaika Malokwe of Kenya, Poppy Khosa of South Africa, and Mesfin Tasew of Ethiopian Airlines.
Speaking at the conference, Keyamo said Africa’s aviation sector holds strong growth potential. He noted that the continent’s large population and rising middle class present clear opportunities for expansion.
He stressed that safety still remains the foundation of any efficient aviation system and that Nigeria will continue to strengthen regulation and align with global standards.
Alawadhi supported this position, pointing to Nigeria’s recent progress, including the clearance of over 850 million dollars in blocked airline funds, which he said has improved confidence in the sector.
Both leaders also called for better air connectivity within Africa. They linked it to trade, tourism, and economic growth. They urged countries to remove operational barriers and support open skies policies to ease movement across the continent.
Keyamo further highlighted the need for modern infrastructure, digital systems, and improved air navigation services to boost efficiency and competitiveness.
He said efficiency should not be seen only as cost reduction but also as improving passenger experience and strengthening the sector’s global standing.
Industry experts at the event agreed that African aviation must move beyond policy discussions to practical action, with clear results in safety, connectivity, and operations.
The conference comes at a time when the continent’s aviation sector is under pressure to improve performance while meeting growing demand.
Both men stressed the need to move from policy talk to real results. Keyamo urged participants at the conference to turn discussions into measurable actions, while Alawadhi pointed to Nigeria’s recent reforms as proof that progress is possible with strong leadership.
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