Lomé hosts pivotal african aviation summit in june 2026

Lomé to shape the future of African aviation at June 2026 summit

The Togolese capital will be the epicenter of African aviation from June 15 to 19, 2026, as it hosts the African Air Transport Convention and Exhibition—a landmark event dedicated to charting the continent’s aviation future. Organized under the auspices of the African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC), the gathering will bring together key stakeholders to drive progress in the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) and deepen continental integration.

This high-profile event is co-organized with the African Union Commission and enjoys the patronage of Togolese President Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé. Its primary mission: accelerating the implementation of SAATM and fostering a more connected, competitive, and sustainable aviation sector across Africa.

Who will be in attendance?

More than 500 delegates are expected in Lomé, including heads of state, aviation regulators, airline executives, airport managers, investors, development institutions, and international partners. Among the distinguished participants are:

Lerato Dorothy Mataboge, African Union Commissioner for Infrastructure and Energy
Wamkele Mene, Secretary-General of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA)
Nardos Bekele-Thomas, CEO of the African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD)
Representatives from the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), Airports Council International Africa (ACI Africa), and International Air Transport Association (IATA)
Senior officials from the Togolese government and AFCAC

A five-day agenda for transformation

The summit will unfold over five thematic days, each addressing critical pillars of Africa’s aviation future:

Market integration: Strengthening connectivity, reducing air transport costs, and aligning with Agenda 2063 and AfCFTA objectives
Cargo and air corridors development: Expanding trade routes and logistics efficiency
Investments and infrastructure: Mobilizing funding for airports, runways, and digital upgrades
Technological innovation: Embracing digital transformation and sustainable aviation fuels
Partnerships and cooperation: Forging alliances to enhance competitiveness

Central to the discussions will be the modernization of aviation infrastructure, the promotion of green aviation fuels, and the strengthening of intra-African air links to boost economic growth and regional integration.

Expected outcomes and legacy

Organizers anticipate tangible results, including:

The adoption of the Lomé Ministerial Declaration, outlining commitments to a unified air transport market
The launch of the African Air Routes Development Platform (ARDP), a new initiative to map and expand aviation corridors
New investment and cooperation frameworks to support a more competitive and integrated African aviation industry

With Africa’s aviation sector poised for rapid expansion, this summit in Lomé is set to become a turning point—uniting leaders, unlocking investments, and paving the way for a more connected, sustainable, and prosperous continent.