The bustling city of Lomé is set to become the epicenter of African aviation from 15 to 19 June 2026, as it hosts the African Air Transport Convention and Exhibition—a landmark continental event dedicated to the future of aviation across Africa. The African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC) has unveiled key priorities for the gathering, alongside the distinguished leaders expected to attend.
Uniting stakeholders for a stronger air transport future
Organized in collaboration with the African Union Commission and under the esteemed patronage of Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé, President of the Togolese Republic, this high-profile meeting is designed to fast-track the implementation of the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) and deepen the integration of the aviation sector continent-wide. Over 500 delegates are anticipated in Lomé, including government representatives, regulators, airline executives, airport managers, investors, development institutions, and international partners.
Key figures shaping the agenda
The event will see the participation of influential African leaders, such as Lerato Dorothy Mataboge, Commissioner for Infrastructure and Energy at the African Union; Wamkele Mene, Secretary-General of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA); and Nardos Bekele-Thomas, CEO of the African Union Development Agency-NEPAD. High-level delegates from the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), Airports Council International Africa (ACI Africa), and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) will also join the discussions, alongside senior officials from the Togolese government and AFCAC.
Five days of transformative discussions
The agenda will unfold across five thematic days, focusing on: regional market integration, cargo and air corridor development, investments and infrastructure, technological innovation, and strengthening partnerships. Central to the debates will be strategies to enhance connectivity between African nations, lower air transport costs, finance infrastructure projects, accelerate digital transformation, and promote the use of sustainable aviation fuels—all aligned with the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the AfCFTA objectives.
Expected outcomes for a competitive air market
According to AFCAC, the convention is poised to deliver tangible results, including the adoption of the Lomé Ministerial Declaration, the launch of the African Air Route Development Platform (ARDP), and the establishment of fresh cooperation and investment mechanisms. These moves aim to cultivate a more competitive, integrated, and sustainable African air transport market.
