Lomé hosts groundbreaking African aviation summit in 2026
Between June 15 and 19, 2026, the Togolese capital will serve as the epicenter of African aviation innovation. The city is set to host the continent’s first-ever African Air Transport Convention and Exhibition, a landmark gathering poised to reshape the future of air travel across Africa.
This five-day event, under the patronage of Togo’s President Faure Gnassingbé, is spearheaded by the Civil Aviation Commission for Africa (CAFAC) in close collaboration with the African Union (AU). Its mission? To accelerate the implementation of the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM), a visionary initiative launched by the AU in 2018 to liberalize and unify the continent’s skies.
The path to a unified African sky
The convention’s central theme—“A Single African Sky: Connectivity and Sustainable Aviation Development”—reflects a bold ambition. The SAATM aims to dismantle the legacy of fragmented airspace regulations that have long hindered seamless travel and economic growth. By fostering open skies, the initiative seeks to drastically reduce airfare costs, enhance intra-African connectivity, and unlock new economic opportunities for nations across the continent.
A high-level platform for transformation
The event will convene a global assembly of decision-makers, including heads of state, transportation ministers, aviation regulators, airline executives, investors, and technology providers. Over five days, attendees will engage in strategic discussions, policy harmonization sessions, and business networking opportunities designed to drive tangible progress.
The program features plenary debates on regulatory alignment, an innovation showcase highlighting cutting-edge aviation technologies, and matchmaking forums to foster new financial and operational partnerships.
Why Lomé? The strategic advantage
The choice of Lomé as host city is no coincidence. The Togolese capital has emerged as a vital nexus in West Africa, home to the headquarters of Asky Airlines, a trailblazing regional carrier connecting over 20 African destinations. Its well-established hub provides the perfect testing ground for the SAATM’s ambitious goals, offering a blueprint for how open skies can drive economic integration and sustainable growth.
By hosting this historic summit, Togo reaffirms its role as a key player in Africa’s economic future, proving that the continent’s development trajectory is increasingly taking flight—literally.
