From June 15 to 19, 2026, the Togolese capital will take center stage as the host of Africa’s first-ever Air Transport Convention and Exhibition. This landmark event is set to become a pivotal moment for the continent’s aviation sector, aiming to fast-track the realization of a unified and sustainable African airspace.
The five-day gathering in Lomé will draw the attention of the entire African aeronautical industry. The initiative, backed by the highest level of Togolese leadership under President Faure Gnassingbé, is organized by the African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC) in close collaboration with the African Union. It represents a bold step toward transforming the continent’s aviation landscape.
Breaking barriers with a unified sky
The central theme of the convention, “A Single African Sky: Connectivity and Sustainable Air Transport”, underscores a clear mission: to accelerate the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM). Launched by the African Union in 2018, the SAATM seeks to dismantle outdated airspace restrictions that have long hindered the continent’s growth.
The convention will serve as a catalyst for this vision, fostering a more open, competitive, and connected aviation sector. Among the key objectives are slashing airfare costs—often exorbitant between neighboring countries—and enhancing intra-African connectivity to unlock economic potential across the continent.
A high-level forum for decisive action
The event will bring together heads of state, transport ministers, civil aviation authorities, airline executives, investors, and industry innovators. Over five days, Lomé’s conference halls will buzz with strategic discussions, policy-making sessions, and networking opportunities designed to shape the future of African aviation.
The agenda includes plenary discussions to harmonize regulations, an exhibition showcasing cutting-edge aviation technologies, and business matchmaking sessions to forge new financial partnerships. Sustainability experts and logistics specialists will also contribute their insights, ensuring a well-rounded approach to the challenges and opportunities ahead.
Why Lomé? The strategic hub of West Africa
The choice of Lomé as the host city is far from coincidental. The Togolese capital has emerged as a critical gateway in West Africa, home to the regional airline Asky Airlines. This carrier already connects over twenty African destinations through its Lomé hub, making it an ideal testing ground for the SAATM’s ambitions.
By hosting this historic event, Togo is reinforcing its role as a key player in African integration. The convention signals that the continent’s economic future is increasingly taking flight, with air transport poised to play a defining role in unlocking new opportunities for growth and collaboration.
