The first-ever African Air Transport Convention & Expo 2026, jointly organised by the African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC) alongside the African Union Commission (AUC), the AfCFTA Secretariat and AUDA-NEPAD, wrapped up after five days of discussions, partnerships and decisive actions aimed at advancing Africa's aviation sector.
The event attracted more than 950 attendees, including 24 government ministers, 32 Directors General of Civil Aviation, Heads of State, aviation regulators, airline and airport executives, development finance organisations, technology companies and international stakeholders. Hosted under the patronage of H.E. Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé, President of the Council of the Republic of Togo and Champion of the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM), the convention also welcomed prominent leaders such as H.E. Paul Kagame, President of the Republic of Rwanda, and Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, former President of Nigeria.
During the week-long programme, participants engaged in ministerial forums, technical workshops, business networking sessions and an international exhibition dedicated to accelerating SAATM implementation. Key topics included making air travel more affordable, strengthening cargo networks and trade corridors, improving passenger mobility, attracting infrastructure investment, promoting sustainable aviation, driving digital innovation and creating greater opportunities for women and young professionals in the aviation industry.
One of the convention's most significant achievements was the approval of the Lomé Declaration and its accompanying Implementation Matrix. Together, these documents establish a continent-wide action plan to speed up aviation liberalisation, improve regional connectivity, lower air transport costs, encourage investment, support sustainable aviation fuel initiatives and foster innovation, technology adoption and workforce development across Africa's aviation landscape.
The gathering also created a unified African position ahead of the International Civil Aviation Organization's (ICAO) Air Transport Conference. In addition, it reaffirmed aviation's importance in achieving the African Union's Agenda 2063 and supporting the 2027 AU Theme of the Year by recognising air transport as a catalyst for trade, tourism, regional integration and economic growth.
"The African Air Transport Convention & Expo 2026 proved that Africa is prepared to move beyond policy commitments and focus on implementation. The partnerships established, the strong political support generated and the adoption of the Lomé Declaration provide a practical framework for developing a more connected, competitive and sustainable aviation industry that delivers meaningful benefits for African people and economies," said Adefunke Adeyemi, Secretary General of AFCAC.
With the convention now concluded, AFCAC and its partners will focus on implementing the commitments outlined in the Lomé Declaration. Their shared objective is to deliver measurable improvements through enhanced connectivity, increased investment and the creation of a fully integrated African aviation market.
The event attracted more than 950 attendees, including 24 government ministers, 32 Directors General of Civil Aviation, Heads of State, aviation regulators, airline and airport executives, development finance organisations, technology companies and international stakeholders. Hosted under the patronage of H.E. Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé, President of the Council of the Republic of Togo and Champion of the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM), the convention also welcomed prominent leaders such as H.E. Paul Kagame, President of the Republic of Rwanda, and Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, former President of Nigeria.
During the week-long programme, participants engaged in ministerial forums, technical workshops, business networking sessions and an international exhibition dedicated to accelerating SAATM implementation. Key topics included making air travel more affordable, strengthening cargo networks and trade corridors, improving passenger mobility, attracting infrastructure investment, promoting sustainable aviation, driving digital innovation and creating greater opportunities for women and young professionals in the aviation industry.
One of the convention's most significant achievements was the approval of the Lomé Declaration and its accompanying Implementation Matrix. Together, these documents establish a continent-wide action plan to speed up aviation liberalisation, improve regional connectivity, lower air transport costs, encourage investment, support sustainable aviation fuel initiatives and foster innovation, technology adoption and workforce development across Africa's aviation landscape.
The gathering also created a unified African position ahead of the International Civil Aviation Organization's (ICAO) Air Transport Conference. In addition, it reaffirmed aviation's importance in achieving the African Union's Agenda 2063 and supporting the 2027 AU Theme of the Year by recognising air transport as a catalyst for trade, tourism, regional integration and economic growth.
"The African Air Transport Convention & Expo 2026 proved that Africa is prepared to move beyond policy commitments and focus on implementation. The partnerships established, the strong political support generated and the adoption of the Lomé Declaration provide a practical framework for developing a more connected, competitive and sustainable aviation industry that delivers meaningful benefits for African people and economies," said Adefunke Adeyemi, Secretary General of AFCAC.
With the convention now concluded, AFCAC and its partners will focus on implementing the commitments outlined in the Lomé Declaration. Their shared objective is to deliver measurable improvements through enhanced connectivity, increased investment and the creation of a fully integrated African aviation market.
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