Leaders call for practical action to strengthen Africa’s aviation integration

LOMÉ, TOGO – Ministers and heads of delegation responsible for transport, tourism, trade and finance from African Union Member States are meeting in Lomé for the inaugural African Air Transport Convention and Expo, organised by the African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC) in partnership with the African Union. The convention, taking place from 15–19 June 2026, is being held under the theme “One African Sky: Connectivity and Sustainable Air Transport Development.”

The event was officially opened by Togolese President and Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) Champion, H.E. Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé, and is attended by Rwandan President Paul Kagame, former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, African ministers, civil aviation leaders, airline executives and representatives from across the continent.

CALL FOR GREATER CONNECTIVITY

In his opening address, President Gnassingbé described the convention as “a defining moment for African aviation, trade and integration”, highlighting the role of improved air connectivity in supporting tourism, trade and economic development across the continent.

He emphasised the importance of implementing the Single African Air Transport Market, stating that liberalisation should translate into practical outcomes including expanded route networks, increased frequencies, improved market access, lower operating costs, stronger competition and more seamless border crossings.

FOCUS ON IMPLEMENTATION

President of the AFCAC Bureau, Florent Serge, said the convention had been designed as a platform for implementation rather than discussion alone. He outlined objectives including commitments on SAATM implementation, progress on air service agreements, action on aviation taxes and charges, support for cargo and trade corridors, mobilisation of bankable aviation projects, and the development of a Ministerial Declaration and implementation roadmap.

Hon. Comla Kadje, Togo’s Minister of Transport, said the convention comes at an important stage in the development of both SAATM and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), with a focus on producing concrete policy, regulatory and market access outcomes.

AVIATION’S ROLE IN AFRICAN INTEGRATION

Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo described air transport as a key measure of Africa’s progress towards integration. He said improved connectivity is essential to supporting the objectives of the AfCFTA and Agenda 2063, calling for action to operationalise SAATM, reduce the cost of air travel, improve mobility across the continent, strengthen aviation infrastructure financing and encourage greater airline cooperation.

The convention will continue throughout the week with sessions covering SAATM implementation, fifth freedom rights, the AfCFTA, air cargo corridors, aviation finance and infrastructure development.