Lomé hosts landmark african aviation summit in june 2026

Lomé is set to become the epicenter of African aviation progress from June 15 to 19, 2026, as the capital hosts the African Air Transport Convention and Exhibition. This landmark event, dedicated to shaping the future of aviation across the continent, has been outlined by the Civil Aviation Commission of Africa (CAFAC) alongside key figures slated to attend.

The summit, co-organized with the African Union Commission and under the distinguished patronage of Togolese President Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé, aims to fast-track the implementation of the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) and deepen continental aviation integration. Over 500 delegates are expected, including government officials, regulators, airline executives, airport managers, investors, development institutions, and international partners.

The roster of high-profile attendees includes Lerato Dorothy Mataboge, African Union Commissioner for Infrastructure and Energy; Wamkele Mene, Secretary-General of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA); and Nardos Bekele-Thomas, CEO of the African Union Development Agency-NEPAD. Other key participants will represent the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), Airports Council International Africa (ACI Africa), the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the Togolese government, and CAFAC.

The five-day agenda will explore critical themes: market integration, cargo and air corridor development, investment and infrastructure, technological innovation, and partnership strengthening. Discussions will focus on enhancing intra-African connectivity, lowering air transport costs, infrastructure financing, digital transformation, and promoting sustainable aviation fuels—all aligned with the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and AfCFTA objectives.

CAFAC anticipates tangible outcomes from the summit, including the adoption of the Lomé Ministerial Declaration, the launch of the African Routes Development Platform (ARDP), and the establishment of new cooperation and investment mechanisms to foster a more competitive and cohesive African air transport market.