From June 15 to 19, 2026, Lomé will take center stage as the host of the inaugural African Air Transport Convention and Exhibition. This landmark event will position the Togolese capital as the nerve center of African aviation, driving forward the continent’s unified airspace vision.
Under the patronage of Togo’s President Faure Gnassingbé, the five-day gathering is organized by the Civil Aviation Commission of Africa (CAFAC) in collaboration with the African Union. Industry leaders, policymakers, and aviation stakeholders will converge to shape the future of air travel across Africa.
Breaking down borders for a unified African sky
The convention’s core theme, “A Single African Sky: Connectivity and Sustainable Aviation Development”, underscores a bold mission: accelerating the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) initiative.
The SAATM, launched by the African Union in 2018, aims to dismantle outdated airspace restrictions inherited from colonial eras. By fostering open skies, the initiative seeks to slash exorbitant inter-country airfare costs, enhance regional connectivity, and unlock economic potential across the continent.
A high-level forum for decisive action
This summit will serve as a premier networking hub, uniting heads of state, transport ministers, aviation regulators, airline executives, investors, and technology providers. Discussions will focus on regulatory alignment, sustainable aviation practices, and logistical innovations. Attendees can expect plenary sessions, a technology showcase, and matchmaking platforms to forge future partnerships.
Why Lomé? The strategic gateway to Africa’s aviation future
The selection of Lomé as the host city is no coincidence. As a key transit hub in West Africa, the city already houses the headquarters of Asky Airlines, a regional carrier connecting over 20 destinations. Its well-established infrastructure and central location make it the ideal testing ground for SAATM’s ambitions.
By hosting this historic event, Togo reaffirms its role as a pivotal player in Africa’s economic integration, proving that the continent’s growth trajectory will soar to new heights—literally.