Lomé to host landmark african air transport convention

From June 15 to 19, 2026, the Togolese capital, Lomé, will proudly host the inaugural African Air Transport Convention and Expo. This strategic gathering is designed to materialize the ambitious vision of a unified and sustainable airspace across the African continent.

For five days, the entire continental aviation industry will direct its attention towards Togo. The capital city is set to transform into a central hub for African aviation as it stages the first edition of the African Air Transport Convention and Expo. Operating under the esteemed patronage of President Faure Gnassingbé, this major event is orchestrated by the African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC) in close partnership with the African Union (AU).

The challenge of a ‘single sky’ to connect the continent

At the heart of this pivotal week’s deliberations lies a crucial theme: “A Single African Sky: Connectivity and Sustainable Development of Air Transport.” The objective is crystal clear: to provide decisive momentum to the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM).

Through this convention, SAATM, initially launched by the African Union in 2018, aims to dismantle the historical air travel boundaries. Consequently, this event positions itself as an essential catalyst to transform a vision into reality. Furthermore, SAATM’s promises are ambitious: a liberalization of the sector intended to open African skies, drastically reduce often-prohibitive ticket costs between neighboring countries, and bolster overall connectivity among all nations across the continent.

A high-level summit to chart the future

The event promises to be a significant platform for networking and top-tier political decision-making. Over five days, Lomé’s conference facilities will welcome Heads of State, Transport Ministers, and leaders from civil aviation authorities, alongside airline executives, investors, and equipment manufacturers.

Additionally, sector experts specializing in sustainable development and logistics will enrich the discussions. The program includes plenary sessions aimed at harmonizing regulations, an extensive exhibition showcasing technological innovations, and dedicated business meetings designed to seal future financial partnerships.

Lomé, an obvious geographical and economic choice

The decision by AFCAC and the African Union to choose this coastal city was far from arbitrary. Lomé has firmly established itself as a pivotal crossroads in West Africa, notably by housing the headquarters of the regional airline Asky. A true model of sub-regional integration, Asky already connects over twenty destinations on the continent, making its Togolese hub the ideal laboratory to test the ambitions of SAATM.

By hosting this historic first, Togo reaffirms its position as an indispensable player in African integration, demonstrating that a significant portion of the continent’s economic development will largely take flight in the skies.