Embraer Hails Nigeria’s Leadership in Africa’s Drive for Intra-Continental Air Connectivity
Nigeria is fast becoming the linchpin of Africa’s aviation renaissance, with the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, emerging as a key architect of a continent-wide movement to boost intra-African air connectivity.
A newly released report by Embraer, titled “Connecting Africa: Unlocking Africa’s Intra-Regional Connectivity Potential,” affirms Nigeria’s pivotal role in driving change and highlights the economic imperative of linking African cities by air.
The June 2025 report by the global aerospace manufacturer paints a stark but promising picture: although Africa is home to 18% of the world’s population, it accounts for just 2.1% of global air traffic. This discrepancy, Embraer argues, represents a massive opportunity for growth – one that nations like Nigeria are already beginning to seize.
At the forefront of this transformation is Minister Keyamo, whose tenure has been defined by bold reforms, strategic partnerships, and a relentless push to modernise and liberalise African aviation.
As Chairman of the Banjul Accord Group (BAG), a regional aviation oversight body under the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), Keyamo has championed policies aimed at liberalising airspace, upgrading infrastructure, and expanding bilateral air service agreements (BASAs).
The Embraer report singles out Keyamo’s leadership as instrumental in reshaping the continent’s aviation map. His advocacy for regional hub development and his campaign for right-sized aircraft to serve medium-density markets align seamlessly with Embraer’s findings.
The report identifies 45 currently unserved intra-African routes that could be viably serviced by 100-seat aircraft such as the Embraer E-Jet E2, reinforcing Keyamo’s strategy of deploying cost-effective solutions to open up underserved markets.
“The potential of intra-African connectivity is vast, and it is within our collective power to unlock new markets, build new regional hubs, and create a more integrated continent,” the Honourable Minister stated. “By working together, we can foster economic growth, promote trade, and improve the lives of millions of Africans through better connectivity.”
This philosophy is not mere rhetoric. Under his guidance, Nigeria has intensified efforts to negotiate BASAs, sign strategic Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs), and scale up the capacity of domestic airlines.
The government has also deepened collaboration with Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and global aviation stakeholders to bolster technical capacity and improve operational efficiency.
Stephan Hannemann, Senior Vice President, Embraer Middle East and Africa, affirmed: “By deploying the right aircraft and enhancing intra-regional air travel, Africa can unlock new economic opportunities and improve the overall travel experience for millions.”
Jon Howell, CEO of AviaDev, added: “Embraer’s new report illustrates the vast opportunities already on offer to deliver better intra-African connectivity and ensure a robust and resilient future.”
From significant investments in infrastructure and technology to his work within BAG to strengthen safety oversight, Keyamo is laying the groundwork for a more cohesive aviation ecosystem across the continent.
His mantra – “To connect Africa is to empower Africa” – is becoming a guiding principle for regional collaboration and integration.
As the Embraer report continues to generate discourse among policymakers and industry stakeholders, it is clear that Nigeria is not merely adapting to Africa’s aviation future – it is helping to shape it.
With strong policy leadership, strategic investment, and continental cooperation, the skies above Africa are opening up, and Nigeria is helping chart the course.
