Meeting in Lomé from 15 to 19 June 2026, the key players in African aviation are seeking to remove the obstacles that still hinder the continent’s connectivity. Through the implementation of the African Single Aviation Market, this meeting aims to attract more investment, reduce air transport costs and make aviation a driving force for African economic integration.
In Lomé, more than 500 decision-makers will be attending the first African Air Transport Convention and Expo from 15 to 19 June 2026. Organised by the AFCAC and the African Union, the event aims to accelerate the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM). The aim is to remove barriers to continental connectivity by reducing taxes, liberalising airspace and strengthening the competitiveness of airlines to facilitate the movement of people and goods.
Higher connectivity at its core is about Africa’s ability to act collectively and obtain concrete results. For decades we have spoken about integration, trade and free movement. We know what has to be done. We just have to do it. Africa is home to almost a fifth of the world’s population and yet accounts for only a small fraction of global air traffic.
Paul Kagame, President of the Republic – Rwanda
The Lomé Summit is promoting reforms to open up African airspace, including freight and training. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) highlights that the African aviation sector contributes $75 billion to the continent’s GDP and supports 8.1 million jobs. Despite projected revenues of $120 billion by 2025, Africa accounts for less than 3% of global air traffic. The challenge is to establish air transport as a pillar of integration, in line with the AfCFTA and Agenda 2063.
In many cases the fastest route between two African cities is through another continent. This weakens trade, discourages investment and prevents business from operating at scale. The single African air transport market provides the right framework for change.
Paul Kagame, President of the Republic – Rwanda
A crucial aspect of this initiative lies in mobilising funding for infrastructure modernisation, whilst attracting new strategic partners. Greater connectivity would reduce costs and boost intra-African trade, tourism and investment. The implementation of the African Single Aviation Market should enable airlines to expand their destinations and offer competitive fares, transforming African skies into a driver of sustainable growth and employment for the continent.
