Lomé hosts Africa’s first air transport convention to boost continental connectivity

From June 15 to 19, 2026, the Togolese capital will become the epicenter of African aviation. Lomé is set to host the inaugural African Air Transport Convention and Exhibition, a landmark event aimed at accelerating the vision of a unified and sustainable airspace across the continent.

The five-day gathering, held under the high patronage of Togolese President Faure Gnassingbé, is organized by the African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC) in close collaboration with the African Union. It represents a pivotal moment for the aviation sector, drawing attention from airlines, regulators, investors, and industry leaders from across Africa and beyond.

Breaking barriers for a single African sky

The convention’s central theme, “A Single African Sky: Connectivity and Sustainable Air Transport Development”, underscores the urgency of dismantling outdated airspace restrictions. At its core, the event seeks to propel the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM), a bold initiative launched by the African Union in 2018 to liberalize air travel on the continent.

The SAATM’s mission is clear: slash the high cost of intra-African flights, which often price out travelers from neighboring countries, and enhance seamless connectivity between all 54 nations. By fostering regulatory alignment, reducing bureaucratic hurdles, and encouraging private investment, the convention aims to turn these ambitions into tangible progress.

High-level dialogues shaping the future of African aviation

This isn’t just an industry showcase—it’s a strategic forum where policymakers and business leaders will chart the course for Africa’s aviation future. Heads of state, transport ministers, and aviation authorities will share the stage with airline executives, financiers, and tech innovators. Expert-led sessions will tackle sustainability, logistics, and infrastructure, while exhibition booths highlight cutting-edge aeronautical technologies.

Networking events and business matchmaking platforms will provide fertile ground for forging new partnerships, securing investments, and launching collaborative projects. The goal? To lay the groundwork for a more interconnected, competitive, and resilient African aviation sector.

Why Lomé? The strategic heartbeat of West Africa’s aviation hub

The choice of Lomé as host city is far from arbitrary. As home to the regional airline Asky Airlines, Togo’s capital has emerged as a vital crossroads for West and Central African air travel. The carrier already connects over 20 destinations across the continent, making its hub the perfect testing ground for SAATM’s principles.

By hosting this historic event, Togo reaffirms its role as a key player in Africa’s economic integration. The convention signals that the continent’s future growth will increasingly depend on the skies—connecting people, businesses, and opportunities in ways never before possible.