From June 15 to 19, 2026, the Togolese capital will become the epicenter of African aviation. Lomé is set to host the inaugural African Air Transport Convention and Exhibition, a landmark event poised to reshape the continent’s aviation landscape.
The five-day gathering, held under the high patronage of Togolese President Faure Gnassingbé, is spearheaded by the Commission africaine de l’aviation civile (CAFAC) in close collaboration with the African Union. This unprecedented conference aims to accelerate progress toward a unified and sustainable African airspace.
Breaking barriers: the push for a single African airspace
The convention’s central theme, “A unified African sky: connectivity and sustainable air transport”, underscores its mission to fast-track the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM).
Launched by the African Union in 2018, the SAATM seeks to dismantle outdated airspace restrictions. This event serves as a critical catalyst, turning a long-term vision into actionable outcomes. The anticipated benefits are substantial: lower airfare costs between neighboring countries, enhanced intra-African connectivity, and a more competitive aviation sector across the continent.
A high-level platform for Africa’s aviation future
Over five days, Lomé’s conference halls will buzz with activity as heads of state, transport ministers, aviation regulators, airline executives, investors, and technology providers converge. The agenda is packed with high-level discussions, regulatory harmonization sessions, and exhibitions showcasing cutting-edge aeronautical innovations.
The event also features business networking forums where stakeholders can forge new partnerships, explore investment opportunities, and chart the course for Africa’s aviation future.
Why Lomé? A strategic hub for African aviation
The choice of Lomé as host city is no coincidence. The Togolese capital has emerged as a key transit point in West Africa, home to the regional airline Asky. With a network spanning nearly 20 African destinations, Asky’s Lomé hub provides the perfect testing ground for SAATM’s ambitious goals.
By hosting this historic summit, Togo cements its role as a pivotal player in African integration, proving that the continent’s economic future is taking flight.
