#Togo #Lomé #SAATM #AFCAC #African Aviation

Lomé to Host the African Air Transport Convention and Expo 2026

Lomé, the capital of Togo, is set to become the center of attention for the African aviation industry as it hosts the African Air Transport Convention and Expo 2026 from June 15 to June 19, 2026. This significant event is organized by the African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC) in collaboration with the African Union, under the esteemed patronage of His Excellency Faure Gnassingbé, President of the Togolese Republic.

This convention aims to act as a pivotal platform for enhancing the integration of the aviation sector within Africa. With the establishment of the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) being a primary focus, the convention aspires to facilitate discussions that will propel forward both regional connectivity and economic growth through aviation.

What to Expect

The event is expected to draw over 500 participants, including government officials, airline executives, airport management, investors, and representatives from development institutions and the aviation industry across Africa and beyond. Attendees will include notable figures such as:
Ms. Lerato Dorothy Mataboge, the commissioner for infrastructure and energy at the African Union;
Mr. Wamkele Mene, the Secretary-General of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA);
* Ms. Nardos Bekele-Thomas, Director-General of the African Union Development Agency - NEPAD (AUDA-NEPAD).

The Program Structure

Each day of the convention is structured to tackle crucial topics and themes related to aviation:

• - Day 1: High-level opening, implementation of SAATM, and financial accessibility in air transport.
• - Day 2: Development of air freight corridors, seamless mobility, and promoting the aerospace industry along with infrastructure investments.
• - Day 3: Focus on aviation investments, infrastructure development, and sustainability in air transport.
• - Day 4: Discussing innovations, technology advancements, and the importance of human capital in the aviation sector.
• - Day 5: Validation of results, consolidation, and closing partnerships.

The program will utilize various formats including ministerial roundtables, high-level political forums, executive dialogues, technical workshops, and investment sessions. Key discussions will revolve around reducing taxes and charges, improving intra-African connectivity, boosting funding for aviation infrastructure, advancing digital transformation, and supporting the development of sustainable aviation fuel aligned with the AfCFTA and the Agenda 2063.

Significance of the Event

According to Ms. Adefunke Adeyemi, Secretary-General of AFCAC, this gathering represents a defining moment for African aviation—a convergence where ambition meets action. The convention aims to reinforce connectivity, expedite investments, and cultivate a truly integrated African air transport market that stimulates trade and economic prosperity across the continent.

As the convention draws near, anticipation builds around its ability to deliver key outcomes that will positively impact the aviation landscape in Africa. Major deliverables expected include the Lomé Ministerial Declaration, the launch of the African Route Development Platform (ARDP), and enhanced investment opportunities and cooperation mechanisms to strengthen a competitive and integrated African aviation market.

For further information and registration, interested parties can visit AFCAC Expo Registration.

This event not only marks a significant milestone for aviation but serves as a crucial step towards African unity and economic development through improved air transport systems. The outcomes of the convention are anticipated to pave the way for a more collaborative and sustainable aviation sector across Africa.