Nigeria has intensified its call for an Africa-driven expansion of Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) capacity to transform the continent’s aviation sector. Speaking at the Ethiopian Aviation Forum, Managing Director, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mrs Olubunmi Kuku, represented Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo. He stressed that Africa must prioritise internal aviation systems to reduce dependence on foreign maintenance facilities and retain economic value within the continent.
However, he warned that without deliberate investment in MRO infrastructure, Africa risks sustaining capital flight and weakening its aviation growth trajectory. The Africa-driven approach, she noted, remains central to achieving long-term industry sustainability and competitiveness.
Building an Africa-Driven MRO Backbone
Mrs Kuku emphasised that fleet expansion must align with strong maintenance ecosystems across Africa. She explained that increasing aircraft numbers without local support infrastructure would limit growth and strain airline operations. Therefore, she urged stakeholders to channel investments into technical systems that support aircraft lifecycle management within the continent.
“As we grow the aviation sector, we must also support it internally. This includes building capital for MROs within Africa and advancing aerospace excellence. Africa must maintain Africa as we move from dependency to self-sufficiency.”
Meanwhile, she highlighted that African airlines currently spend billions annually on overseas maintenance, a trend that continues to weaken domestic capacity. An Africa-driven MRO framework, Keyamo said, would reverse this imbalance and create jobs, expertise, and industrial growth across the region.
Technology as a Catalyst for Efficiency
In addition, Nigeria is advocating the integration of advanced technologies into aviation systems to boost efficiency. Mrs Kuku pointed to artificial intelligence and predictive maintenance as critical tools for modern MRO operations. These innovations, she noted, would enhance aircraft performance while reducing downtime and operational costs.
> “As we build efficiency within our airports and aviation systems, we must embrace AI, predictive maintenance, unmanned aerial systems, and the future of mobility.”
Therefore, adopting technology remains a key pillar of the Africa-driven aviation strategy. It ensures improved safety, better planning, and stronger lifecycle management for aircraft operating within the continent.
Sustainability at the Core of Growth
The Minister’s message also aligned aviation expansion with environmental sustainability. he urged industry players to integrate green practices into MRO development and broader aviation strategies. She stressed that future growth must reflect global climate expectations while maintaining operational efficiency.
“We must commit decisively to sustainability and green aviation as we build the future of African aviation.”
Furthermore, she noted that an Africa-driven approach must include energy-efficient maintenance processes and support for next-generation aircraft technologies. This, she explained, will position Africa as a responsible and forward-looking aviation market.
A United Continental Strategy
He called for stronger inter-African collaboration to achieve economies of scale in MRO services. She stated that fragmented aviation systems limit growth, while coordinated strategies unlock shared value and competitiveness. Therefore, she urged governments, regulators, and operators to align policies and investments across borders.
“The future of African aviation is collective. Let this forum not end as a gathering of speeches, but as a launchpad for measurable commitments.”
Keyamo added that an Africa-driven aviation agenda requires unity, innovation, and decisive action from all stakeholders. This includes building regional hubs and strengthening intra-African partnerships.
Nigeria’s Commitment to Aviation Cooperation
Reaffirming Nigeria’s position, the Minister said the country remains ready to deepen aviation partnerships across Africa. She emphasised bilateral and multilateral cooperation as key drivers of sector transformation.
“On behalf of the Government of Nigeria, we reaffirm our readiness to deepen bilateral and multilateral aviation cooperation with Ethiopia and all African states represented here.”
“Let us be remembered as the moment Africa decided to build its MRO strength, dominate its cargo market, lead in aviation innovation, and commit decisively to sustainability.”
In conclusion, she commended Ethiopian Airlines for hosting the forum and for its continued role in advancing Africa’s aviation profile globally. The Africa-driven strategy, she maintained, will ultimately reposition the continent as a unified aerospace powerhouse.
