#Aviation #Togo #Lomé #African Air Transport #AFCAC

African Air Transport Convention 2026: A Landmark Event for the Skies of Africa

The first edition of the African Air Transport Convention & Expo 2026, organized by the African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC), took place in Lomé, Togo. This unprecedented event marked a pivotal moment in the trajectory of African aviation, gathering over 950 participants from various sectors, including 24 ministers and 32 directors general of civil aviation. The high-profile attendees included heads of state, aviation regulators, airline executives, airport leaders, and international partners, emphasizing the collective ambition to accelerate the continent's air transport transformation.

Transformative Dialogues and Commitments

Under the patronage of President Faure Gnassingbé of Togo, a fervent advocate for the African Single Air Transport Market (SAATM), the convention facilitated in-depth discussions and strategic collaborations aimed at generating concrete commitments for the aviation sector. Notably, prominent leaders such as Paul Kagame, President of Rwanda, and Olusegun Obasanjo, former President of Nigeria, also contributed to the discourse, highlighting the importance of aviation in fostering regional integration and economic development.

The various sessions of the convention comprised high-level ministerial dialogues, technical workshops, business meetings, and an international exhibition designed to advance the effective implementation of SAATM, enhance air connectivity affordability, and promote sustainable aviation practices. One of the pivotal outcomes was the adoption of the Lomé Declaration, which outlines a continental roadmap aimed at liberalizing air transport, improving connectivity, reducing operational costs, mobilizing investments, and developing initiatives supporting sustainable aviation fuels.

A Focus on Innovation and Inclusivity

A significant emphasis of the convention was placed on mobilizing investments in air transport infrastructure and creating opportunities for women and youth in the aviation industry. The dialogue around enhancing the accessibility of air travel underlined the need for urgent reforms and innovation within the African aviation sector. The commitment to adopting digital transformation solutions was also a major focus, as stakeholders recognized the potential of technology in revolutionizing air transport.

Strengthening the Future of African Aviation

The convention's conclusions set the stage for a coordinated implementation phase, with AFCAC and its partners pledging to turn the ambitious goals outlined in the Lomé Declaration into measurable progress. Improved connectivity, increased investment, and a truly integrated African aviation market are now at the forefront of this collective vision.

Adefunke Adeyemi, the general secretary of AFCAC, articulated the significance of the outcomes, stating that the convention illustrated Africa's readiness to translate commitments into actionable results. By forging strong partnerships and generating political momentum, the event laid out a clear pathway for developing a more connected, competitive, and sustainable aviation sector that affords tangible benefits to African citizens and economies.

Conclusion

The African Air Transport Convention & Expo 2026 proved to be a landmark event, setting in motion a collaborative approach toward enhancing Africa's aviation landscape. Through the commitments made and partnerships formed, the convention aims to position air transport as a key driver of trade, tourism, and overall economic growth in Africa. The successful conclusion of this event marks just the beginning of a new era for African aviation, characterized by enhanced cooperation and innovative strategies.