Lome hosts groundbreaking african aviation summit to unify airspace

From June 15 to 19, 2026, Lomé will take center stage in African aviation history as it hosts the inaugural African Air Transport Convention and Exhibition.

For five days, Africa’s aeronautical industry will converge on the Togolese capital, making it the nerve center of continental air travel. Under the high patronage of President Faure Gnassingbé, this landmark event is organized by the African Civil Aviation Commission (CAFAC) in collaboration with the African Union. The gathering aims to accelerate the realization of a unified and sustainable African airspace.

Lomé’s selection as host city is strategic, reflecting its growing role as a pivotal hub in West Africa. Home to the regional airline Asky, which already connects over 20 destinations across the continent, the city embodies the vision of seamless inter-African connectivity.

Breaking barriers with a single African sky

The convention’s core theme—“A Single African Sky: Connectivity and Sustainable Air Transport Development”—highlights a bold initiative: the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM). Launched by the African Union in 2018, SAATM seeks to dismantle outdated airspace restrictions that have long hindered the continent’s growth.

The event will serve as a catalyst to transform this vision into action. By liberalizing air travel, SAATM aims to slash ticket prices—often exorbitant between neighboring countries—and enhance connectivity across all African nations. The ultimate goal is to foster economic integration and unlock the continent’s vast potential.

High-level dialogue shaping the future of aviation

Over five days, Lomé’s conference halls will buzz with high-level discussions. Heads of state, transport ministers, and civil aviation authorities will join airline executives, investors, and equipment manufacturers to chart the future of African aviation.

The program includes plenary sessions to harmonize regulations, a tech exhibition showcasing cutting-edge innovations, and networking events to forge strategic partnerships. Sustainability experts and logistics specialists will also contribute their insights, ensuring a holistic approach to the sector’s evolution.

Why Lomé is the ideal host for Africa’s aviation revolution

The choice of Lomé as the event’s venue is no coincidence. The city’s geographic and economic advantages make it a natural fit. As the operational base for Asky, Lomé already demonstrates the power of regional integration, serving as a model for SAATM’s ambitions.

By hosting this historic convention, Togo reaffirms its position as a key player in African integration, proving that the continent’s economic future is increasingly taking flight.