Lomé hosts pivotal african aviation summit in june 2026
The bustling city of Lomé is set to become the epicenter of African aviation from June 15 to 19, 2026, as it hosts the African Air Transport Convention and Exhibition. This high-profile event will focus on charting the future trajectory of the continent’s aviation sector, with key stakeholders gearing up for groundbreaking discussions and strategic planning.
Uniting Africa’s aviation leaders in Lomé
Organized under the auspices of the African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC), in collaboration with the African Union Commission, and with the patronage of Togolese President Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé, the summit aims to fast-track the implementation of the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM). The initiative seeks to deepen integration within Africa’s aviation industry, fostering greater connectivity and economic growth across the continent.
A diverse and influential assembly
More than 500 delegates are expected to converge in Lomé, including policymakers, aviation regulators, airline executives, airport operators, investors, development institutions, and international partners. Among the notable figures slated to attend are:
- Lerato Dorothy Mataboge, Commissioner for Infrastructure and Energy at the African Union;
- Wamkele Mene, Secretary-General of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA);
- 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), International Air Transport Association (IATA), the Togolese government, and AFCAC will also contribute to the dialogue.
Strategic themes for Africa’s aviation future
The five-day program will delve into critical themes essential for the continent’s aviation evolution:
- Market integration and the expansion of the Single African Air Transport Market;
- Cargo development and the enhancement of air corridors;
- Investments and infrastructure expansion to meet growing demand;
- Technological innovation to modernize operations and services;
- Strengthening partnerships to foster collaboration and sustainable growth.
Discussions will also emphasize improving intra-African connectivity, lowering air transport costs, financing critical infrastructure, and embracing digital transformation. A key focus will be on promoting sustainable aviation fuels, aligning with the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the AfCFTA’s objectives.
Anticipated outcomes and commitments
Organizers anticipate that the summit will yield tangible progress, including the adoption of the Lomé Ministerial Declaration, the launch of the African Routes Development Platform (ARDP), and the establishment of new cooperation and investment mechanisms. These steps are designed to cultivate a more competitive, integrated, and resilient aviation market across Africa.
