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The First African Air Transport Convention and Exhibition 2026: A New Era in African Aviation

From June 15 to 19, 2026, Lomé, the capital of Togo, will host an unprecedented event in the aviation sector: the First African Air Transport Convention and Exhibition. This landmark gathering, organized by the African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC) in partnership with the African Union Commission and under the auspices of the Togolese government, aims to reshape the airline industry across the continent.

With the theme, "Single African Sky: Connectivity and Sustainable Air Transport Development", the convention seeks to speed up the implementation of the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM). The initiative was launched in 2018 to foster the liberalization and integration of air transport across Africa, echoing the historic Yamoussoukro Decision aimed at removing barriers to air travel.

Objectives of the Convention

This five-day event provides a high-level platform for stakeholders, including government officials, airline executives, and investors, to engage in discussions that will shape the future of aviation in Africa. The key focus is on enhancing intra-African connectivity, reducing airfares, boosting tourism, and increasing competitiveness in the sector.

Adefunke Adeyemi, the Secretary General of AFCAC, emphasized the importance of this convention, stating, "The African Air Transport Convention 2026 will serve as a practical platform to accelerate the implementation of SAATM and strengthen intra-African connectivity. By bringing together governments and business leaders, we reinforce our collective commitment to creating a more integrated and competitive African aviation market."

Key Sessions and Activities

The convention will feature several key sessions aimed at promoting collaboration and innovation:

• - High-Level Opening Ceremony: Marking the official inauguration of the convention, this ceremony will set the tone for the discussions to follow.
• - Continental Political Forum: A platform where policymakers will address critical issues affecting the aviation industry.
• - Route Development Market: An opportunity for airlines and airports to discuss new routes and partnerships.
• - Freight and Logistics Corridor Lab: Focused on enhancing freight services and logistics in the aviation sector.
• - Infrastructure and Financing Desk: Discussions around financing infrastructure projects vital for aviation growth.
• - Innovation Exhibition: Showcasing advancements in safety and sustainability within the aviation industry.

Additionally, networking sessions and bilateral meetings will provide a fertile ground for partnerships and collaborations, fostering solutions that can drive integration and sustainable growth in Africa's air transport sector.

A Vision for the Future

The convention aligns with the African Union's Agenda 2063, a strategic framework for the socio-economic transformation of the continent. By removing market access restrictions among participant States, SAATM aims to enhance intra-African trade, ultimately leading to a more vibrant economic landscape facilitated by robust air transport.

Registration and Further Information

Participants and stakeholders are encouraged to register for the event through the official AFCAC website. By joining this convention, attendees will benefit from networking with key players in the aviation industry and gaining insights into the future of air transport in Africa.

For further updates on SAATM and other related initiatives, individuals can subscribe to the AFCAC newsletter. Together, let’s embark on a journey to revolutionize air transport in Africa for a more connected and prosperous future.