Lomé to host pivotal African aviation summit in 2026

From June 15 to 19, 2026, Lomé will become the epicenter of African aviation, hosting the African Air Transport Convention and Exhibition. This landmark event, dedicated to shaping the continent’s aviation future, has been unveiled with its core objectives and key participants.

The summit, organized in collaboration with the African Union Commission and under the high patronage of Togo‘s 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 representatives, regulators, airlines, airport operators, investors, development institutions, and international partners.

Key figures set to shape the discussions

The event will feature prominent African leaders, such as 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.

Representatives from the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), Airports Council International Africa (ACI Africa), the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the Togolese government, and the African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC) will also contribute to the deliberations.

Five key themes driving the agenda

The five-day program will focus on critical aviation themes:

• Market integration – Strengthening connectivity and reducing air transport costs across Africa.
• Cargo and air corridors – Expanding freight networks and optimizing trade routes.
• Investments and infrastructure – Accelerating funding for airports and aviation facilities.
• Technological innovation – Embracing digital transformation in aviation operations.
• Strategic partnerships – Fostering collaboration between airlines, governments, and investors.

Sustainability and long-term vision

Discussions will align with Africa’s Agenda 2063 and the AfCFTA, emphasizing sustainable aviation fuels, cost efficiency, and digital innovation. The summit is expected to yield tangible outcomes, including:

• The adoption of the Lomé Ministerial Declaration.
• The launch of the African Air Routes Development Platform (ARDP).
• New cooperation and investment mechanisms to bolster a more competitive and integrated African aviation market.