From June 15 to 19, 2026, Lomé will take center stage as host to the inaugural African Air Transport Convention and Exhibition. This landmark event marks a turning point for the continent’s aviation sector, aiming to fast-track the vision of a unified and sustainable airspace.
The Togolese capital is poised to become the nerve center of African aviation during this five-day gathering. Under the distinguished patronage of President Faure Gnassingbé, the convention is jointly organized by the African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC) and the African Union (AU). It represents a bold step toward reshaping the future of air travel across Africa.
Breaking barriers for a seamless African airspace
The central theme of the event, “A Single African Sky: Connectivity and Sustainable Aviation Development,” underscores a critical mission: accelerating the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) initiative. Launched by the AU in 2018, SAATM seeks to dismantle outdated airspace restrictions, fostering a more interconnected and cost-effective aviation network.
The convention aims to remove the financial and logistical hurdles that have long plagued intra-African air travel. By promoting open skies policies, it aspires to slash exorbitant ticket prices between neighboring countries and enhance cross-continental connectivity.
A high-level platform for shaping aviation’s future
The event will convene heads of state, transport ministers, aviation regulators, airline executives, investors, and technology providers. Over five days, Lomé’s conference halls will buzz with strategic discussions, policy decisions, and networking opportunities designed to propel the industry forward.
The agenda includes plenary sessions to harmonize aviation regulations, an exhibition showcasing cutting-edge aeronautical innovations, and business forums to forge new financial partnerships. Sustainability experts and logistics professionals will also contribute insights on greener, more efficient air transport solutions.
Why Lomé? A strategic hub for Africa’s skies
The selection of Lomé as host city is no coincidence. The city has emerged as a pivotal hub in West Africa, home to the regional carrier Asky Airlines. Its operational model already aligns with SAATM’s goals, connecting over twenty destinations across the continent through its Togolese hub. This makes Lomé the ideal testing ground for the initiative’s transformative potential.
By hosting this historic convention, Togo reaffirms its role as a key player in Africa’s economic integration. The event signals a clear message: the continent’s future prosperity is increasingly taking flight, with air transport at its core.
