The inaugural African Aviation Convention and Expo held in Lome, Togo from June 15 to 20, 2026 was novel in many ways. It once again reinforced that the economic development of Africa must be driven by a healthy air transport sector that is inclusive, forward-thinking and sustainable. Air transport must also be efficient, affordable and accessible to the wider African population.

This understanding was echoed by no less personalities than the Special Guest and Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) Champion President, His Excellency Faure Gnassimgbe, President of the Council of Togo; His Excellency Paul Kagame, President of Rwanda and His Excellency Olusegun Obasanjo, former President of Nigeria, who delivered timely political shots in the arm to the ambition of a more connected, integrated and prosperous Africa.

The large turnout of African Ministers responsible for aviation, tourism, and trade at the Convention reassured African aviation leaders that governments on the continent are paying attention and perhaps have mustered the political will and courage to overcome the lethargic implementation of continental commitments.

The mix of participants was notable: Directors General of civil aviation, technocrats, players in financial and legal services, airports, ANSPs, amongst others. Very noteworthy was the presence of Development Financial Institutions and international partners which offered opportunities not only to brainstorm and share experiences, but also offer practical solutions for the growth of the air transport sector in Africa. The financiers vividly articulated their prerequisites to fund the African aviation sector while taking back with them the industry’s expectations.

The focus areas of the Convention namely, connectivity, affordability, infrastructure financing, sustainable aviation growth and support for African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC) as the Executing Agency of the SAATM were quite apt. The African Women and Youths In Aviation (AWAYA) outreach added flavour to the gathering, while at the same time drawing attention to gender diversity and inclusion and the needed investment in the Next Generation of Aviation Professionals.

The Lome Ministerial Declaration, which was the highpoint of the event, with its measurement matrix, marks another milestone in Africa’s march to engender air transport growth. This measurement approach is rather very comforting.

It must be said that the ingredients for the success of Africa’s air transport industry have been aptly embedded in the Lome Declaration. What is therefore required is the political will to move from aspiration to implementation. I therefore urge governments in Africa and aviation stakeholders to step up and implement.  

In this Special Publication on the Convention, we have reproduced verbatim the Lome Declaration. We also present the highlights of the Convention including our exclusive interviews with the Director General of Eswatini Civil Aviation Authority, Ms. Andile Mtetwa-Amaeshi and the Secretary General of AFCAC, Ms Adefunke Adeyemi.

Ms Adeyemi has left no doubt about her commitment to the growth of African air transport and seeing the industry play its role as an economic enabler. In her, we have a real working engine for air transport in Africa. And with what was witnessed in Lome, the future of Africa’s air transport is bright.

Finally, I congratulate the AFCAC team for the exceptional organisation of the Convention, and assure them of the support of Aviation & Allied Business Journal in driving the implementation of the Lome Declaration.

Thank you.

Capt. Edward Boyo