The Togolese capital, Lomé, is set to become the epicenter of African aviation from June 15 to 19, 2026, as it hosts the African Air Transport Convention and Exhibition. This significant continental gathering will delve into the future trajectory of aviation across Africa. The African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC) has outlined the primary objectives for this landmark event, alongside identifying the prominent figures expected to attend.
Organized collaboratively with the African Union Commission and under the esteemed patronage of Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé, President of the Togolese Republic, the convention aims to accelerate the implementation of the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) and foster deeper integration within the continent’s air sector.
More than 500 participants are anticipated in Lomé, comprising a diverse group of government representatives, regulatory bodies, airline executives, airport management, investors, development institutions, and international partners.
A roster of high-level African officials will contribute to 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.
Further enriching the discussions will be delegates from the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), Airports Council International Africa (ACI Africa), the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the Togolese government, and the African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC).
The program is structured around five dedicated thematic days. These will focus on the integration of the African air market, the development of air cargo and vital air corridors, strategic investments and infrastructure, technological innovation, and the strengthening of key partnerships.
Key topics slated for discussion include enhancing connectivity between African nations, strategies for reducing air transport costs, financing critical infrastructure projects, the digital transformation of the aviation industry, and promoting more sustainable aviation fuels. These efforts are closely aligned with the ambitious goals of the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the AfCFTA.
This major convention is expected to yield concrete advancements, including the adoption of the Lomé Ministerial Declaration. Furthermore, the launch of the African Routes Development Platform (ARDP) is anticipated, alongside the establishment of new cooperation and investment mechanisms designed to cultivate a more competitive and seamlessly integrated African air market.