From June 15 to 19, 2026, the Togolese capital will host the inaugural African Air Transport Convention and Exhibition, marking a turning point for aviation on the continent. This landmark event aims to accelerate plans for a unified and sustainable African airspace, bringing together industry leaders under one roof.

Lomé’s transformation into the nerve center of African aviation is no coincidence. The five-day convention, held under the high patronage of President Faure Gnassingbé, is jointly organized by the African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC) and the African Union (AU). It represents the first tangible step toward realizing a long-held vision: a fully integrated African air transport market.

Breaking down borders: the push 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“A Single African Sky: Connectivity and Sustainable Air Transport Development,” underscores the urgency of dismantling outdated airspace restrictions. Launched by the AU in 2018, the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) seeks to liberalize the sector, slash exorbitant inter-African flight costs, and foster seamless connectivity across the continent.

This gathering is more than a discussion forum—it’s a catalyst for action. Delegates will tackle regulatory harmonization, explore cutting-edge aviation technologies, and forge partnerships to unlock new financial avenues for airlines and infrastructure development.

A gathering of decision-makers shaping the future

The event will draw heads of state, transport ministers, aviation authority heads, airline executives, investors, and tech innovators. Expert panels will dissect challenges in sustainable aviation, while exhibition spaces showcase breakthroughs in aircraft technology, air traffic management, and green aviation solutions.

With such a diverse and influential audience, the convention is poised to produce concrete commitments that will reshape Africa’s aviation landscape for decades to come.

Why Lomé? The strategic hub of West Africa’s skies

The choice of Lomé as host city is deliberate. As home to the regional carrier Asky Airlines—a model of sub-regional integration—the Togolese capital already serves as a vital aviation crossroads. The airline, which connects over 20 African destinations, provides a real-world testing ground for SAATM’s ambitions.

By hosting this historic summit, Togo solidifies its role as a key player in Africa’s economic integration. The message is clear: the continent’s future growth will be written in the skies, and Lomé is leading the charge.