From June 15 to 19, 2026, the Togolese capital is set to welcome the very first African Air Transport Convention and Exhibition. This pivotal gathering aims to advance the vision of a unified and sustainable airspace across the continent.
For five days, the eyes of the entire continental aviation industry will focus on Togo. Lomé, the capital, will transform into a central hub for African aviation as it hosts the inaugural African Air Transport Convention and Exhibition. This significant event operates under the high patronage of the President of the Republic, Faure Gnassingbé, and is spearheaded by the African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC) in close collaboration with the African Union (AU).
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The ambition of a “single sky” to connect the continent
At the core of this crucial week’s discussions is a central theme: “A Single African Sky: Connectivity and Sustainable Air Transport Development.” The objective is clear: to provide a decisive boost to the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM).
Through this convention, SAATM, initially launched by the African Union in 2018, seeks to dismantle historical air borders. Consequently, this event serves as an essential catalyst to turn a strategic vision into tangible reality. Furthermore, SAATM’s promises are ambitious: a liberalization of the sector designed to open African skies, significantly reduce the often-prohibitive cost of air travel between neighboring countries, and bolster overall connectivity among all nations on the continent.
A high-level summit to chart the future
The event is poised to be a premier platform for networking and critical policy decisions. Over five days, conference venues in Lomé will welcome heads of state, transport ministers, and civil aviation authority leaders, alongside airline executives, investors, and equipment manufacturers.
Additionally, industry experts specializing in sustainable development and logistics will contribute to the discussions. The agenda includes plenary sessions aimed at harmonizing regulations, an extensive exhibition showcasing technological innovations, and business meetings designed to forge future financial partnerships.
Lomé, an obvious geographical and economic choice
The decision by AFCAC and the African Union to choose the coastal city of Lomé was far from arbitrary. Indeed, Lomé has firmly established itself as a pivotal crossroad in West Africa, notably by hosting the headquarters of the regional airline Asky. Asky, a true exemplar of sub-regional integration, already connects over twenty destinations across the continent, making its Togolese hub an ideal laboratory for advancing SAATM’s ambitions.
By hosting this historic first, Togo reaffirms its position as a key player in African integration, demonstrating that a significant portion of the continent’s economic development future will unfold in its skies.