Lomé, Togo’s vibrant capital, is poised to host a landmark event for African aviation, the African Air Transport Convention and Exhibition, from June 15 to 19, 2026. This significant continental gathering, dedicated to shaping the future of air travel across Africa, will see the African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC) outlining its key objectives and the prominent personalities expected to attend.
Co-organized with the African Union Commission and held under the esteemed patronage of Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé, President of the Togolese Republic, this pivotal convention seeks to significantly advance the implementation of the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) and foster deeper integration within the continent’s aviation sector.
Over 500 delegates are anticipated to converge in Lomé, representing a diverse spectrum of stakeholders including government officials, regulatory bodies, major airlines, airport management authorities, vital investors, development institutions, and international partners crucial to the industry’s growth.
High-level African dignitaries are confirmed to participate in the proceedings. Among them are Lerato Dorothy Mataboge, the African Union’s Commissioner for Infrastructure and Energy; Wamkele Mene, Secretary General of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA); and Nardos Bekele-Thomas, Chief Executive Officer of the African Union Development Agency-NEPAD.
Discussions will also feature representatives from the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), Airports Council International Africa (ACI Africa), the International Air Transport Association (IATA), alongside officials from the Togolese government and AFCAC itself.
The comprehensive agenda is structured across five thematic days, each dedicated to critical aspects of African aviation. These themes encompass the integration of the African air market, the expansion of air cargo and vital air corridors, strategic investments and infrastructure development, technological innovation, and the strengthening of crucial partnerships.
Key discussions will delve into enhancing connectivity across African nations, strategies for reducing air transport costs, securing financing for essential infrastructure, the digital transformation impacting the sector, and promoting more sustainable aviation fuels. These topics are closely aligned with the ambitious goals of the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the AfCFTA.
AFCAC anticipates that this significant gathering will culminate in several tangible achievements. These include the adoption of the impactful Lomé Ministerial Declaration, the official launch of the African Air Routes Development Platform (ARDP), and the establishment of innovative cooperation and investment mechanisms designed to foster a more competitive and deeply integrated African air market.
