From June 15 to 19, 2026, Togo’s capital will host the inaugural African Air Transport Convention and Exhibition, marking a pivotal moment for the continent’s aviation sector. The five-day event is set to position Lomé as the new nerve center of African aviation, uniting industry leaders around a shared vision of a unified and sustainable airspace.
Under the patronage of Togolese President Faure Gnassingbé, this landmark gathering is jointly organized by the African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC) and the African Union. It represents the first major step toward implementing the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM), a transformative initiative launched in 2018 to liberalize intra-African air travel.
Breaking barriers for a connected Africa
The convention’s central theme, “A Unified African Sky: Connectivity and Sustainable Air Transport Development,” underscores the urgency of dismantling outdated airspace restrictions. The SAATM aims to slash exorbitant inter-African flight costs, foster seamless regional connectivity, and catalyze economic growth across the continent. This event is the catalyst needed to turn these ambitions into reality.
High-level dialogue shaping the future of aviation
The summit will convene heads of state, transport ministers, aviation regulators, airline executives, investors, and tech innovators for five days of strategic discussions. Beyond networking, the program features policy harmonization sessions, a showcase of cutting-edge aviation technologies, and matchmaking opportunities to forge new business alliances.
Sustainability experts and logistics specialists will also contribute insights, ensuring the discussions extend beyond commercial interests to address environmental and operational challenges.
Why Lomé? A strategic hub for Africa’s skies
The choice of Lomé as host city is a deliberate one. As home to the regional carrier Asky Airlines, Togo’s capital has already proven its capacity as a sub-regional integration hub, linking over 20 destinations across Africa. Its well-established infrastructure and central location make it the ideal testing ground for SAATM’s far-reaching goals.
By hosting this historic convention, Togo reaffirms its role as a key player in Africa’s economic integration, demonstrating how the continent’s future growth will increasingly take flight.
