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 aims to turn the vision of a unified and sustainable African airspace into reality.

For five days, Africa’s aviation industry will converge on the Togolese capital, transforming it into the nerve center of continental aviation. Under the patronage of President Faure Gnassingbé, the convention is spearheaded by the African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC) in close collaboration with the African Union (AU). It represents a pivotal step toward reshaping the continent’s air connectivity landscape.

uniting africa’s skies: the push for a single air transport market

The central theme of the convention, “A Single African Sky: Connectivity and Sustainable Air Transport Development,” underscores the urgency of advancing the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM). Launched by the AU in 2018, SAATM seeks to dismantle outdated airspace restrictions, foster industry liberalization, and slash exorbitant inter-country flight costs. The ultimate goal? To create a seamless, interconnected network that spans every corner of the continent.

a high-level platform for transformative decisions

More than just a networking event, this convention serves as a critical decision-making platform. Over five days, Lomé’s conference halls will welcome heads of state, transport ministers, aviation authority leaders, airline executives, investors, and technology providers. The agenda includes high-level plenary sessions to align regulatory frameworks, a showcase for cutting-edge aviation innovations, and structured business meetings to forge future financial partnerships.

Sustainability experts and logistics specialists will also contribute to discussions, ensuring that economic growth and environmental responsibility advance hand in hand.

why Lomé? the strategic choice behind the summit

The selection of Lomé as host was no coincidence. The Togolese capital has emerged as a key transit hub in West Africa, home to the regional airline Asky’s headquarters. Asky already connects over 20 destinations across the continent, making its Lomé-based hub a natural testing ground for SAATM’s ambitions.

By hosting this historic event, Togo solidifies its role as a driving force in African integration. It signals that the continent’s economic future will increasingly be shaped not just on land, but in the skies.