Lomé is set to become the epicenter of African aviation progress next June, hosting the African Air Transport Convention and Exhibition from the 15th to the 19th. This landmark event, organized under the auspices of the African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC), will bring together industry leaders to chart the future of air travel across the continent.

With high-level backing from the Togolese Republic and the African Union Commission, the summit aims to fast-track the implementation of the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM). The goal is clear: deepen air transport integration across Africa and unlock new economic opportunities for the region.

The gathering will welcome over 500 delegates, including ministers, regulators, airline executives, airport managers, investors, development agencies, and international partners. Among the prominent figures confirmed are 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.

Key global aviation bodies will also be represented, such as the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), Airports Council International Africa (ACI Africa), and the International Air Transport Association (IATA). The Togolese government and AFCAC will play central roles in shaping the discussions.

The five-day agenda will explore critical themes, including:

• Market integration – Strengthening connections between African countries and boosting air travel accessibility
• Cargo and trade corridors – Expanding freight networks to support economic growth
• Investments and infrastructure – Mobilizing funding for airports and aviation facilities
• Technological innovation – Leveraging digital tools to modernize air transport
• Sustainable aviation fuels – Advancing cleaner energy solutions for the industry

Central to the discussions will be strategies to lower air travel costs, improve regional connectivity, and align aviation development with the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the AfCFTA objectives. The summit is expected to produce tangible outcomes, such as the Lomé Ministerial Declaration, the launch of the African Route Development Platform (ARDP), and new investment frameworks to foster a more competitive and unified African air transport sector.

The event underscores Lomé’s growing role as a key player in Africa’s aviation landscape, positioning the city as a hub for dialogue, innovation, and partnership in shaping the continent’s air travel future.