Unpacking the African Development Bank’s US$7 billion for aviation infrastructure, fleet modernisation and regulatory reform across Africa.
Speaking to African Pilot Magazine Editor Phillippa Dean during the inaugural African Air Transport Convention & Expo 2026 in Lomé, African Development Bank executives Marco Yamaguchi and Mike Salawou explain the financing model behind the Integrated Aviation Transformation Programme (IATP) for Africa.
The AfDB plans to act as a catalyst, using guarantees, blended-finance structures, development finance partnerships, institutional investment and private-sector capital to mobilise US$7 billion over five years. Support will not be restricted to national flag carriers. The programme is intended to assist both state-owned and private entities while encouraging greater competition and air transport liberalisation across Africa.
The discussion examines the programme’s three pillars:
- Policy, regulatory reform, safety, security, sustainability and skills development
- Aviation infrastructure, including airports, cargo terminals, MRO facilities, fuel production, sustainable aviation fuel, airport cities, surveillance systems and air-to-rail connections
- Aircraft acquisition, leasing and fleet modernisation
Salawou provides further insight into the planned Bishoftu International Airport in Ethiopia. The AfDB has been appointed mandated lead arranger and is seeking to mobilise approximately US$8.5 billion for the estimated US$12.5 billion project. Rail and road links between Bishoftu and Addis Ababa Bole International Airport are expected to form part of an integrated two-airport system.
The interview also covers the AfDB’s airport investments across Africa, support for the Single African Air Transport Market and the regulatory reforms required to expand passenger and cargo connectivity under the African Continental Free Trade Area.
