NAIROBI, Feb. 25 (Xinhua) -- The African Development Bank (AfDB) on Wednesday launched the Integrated Aviation Transform Program (IATP), an initiative aimed at strengthening the continent's aviation sector.
Speaking at the Airlines, Capital and Connectivity Forum held in Nairobi and online, Mike Salawou, director of the Infrastructure and Urban Development Department at the AfDB, said the program is a continent-wide platform that provides a roadmap to make African aviation more integrated, competitive and climate-aligned.
It will be implemented through partnerships with the government and the private sector, and seeks to provide airlines in Africa access to an affordable fleet that expands air connectivity on the continent, Salawou said.
According to Salawou, the IATP is built on three pillars, namely operationalizing the Single African Air Transport Market, strengthening safety oversight and promoting skills development in the aviation industry.
The two-day event brought together African aviation stakeholders, including senior government and development financial institutions officials and airline executives, to engage in a structured dialogue on airline sector priorities, investment needs and financing solutions. ■
