President Paul Kagame arrived safely in Lomé, Togo, to participate actively in the important African Air Transport Convention and Expo. The continental gathering officially started on Monday, June 15, 2026, and will run through June 19, 2026.
Village Urugwiro announced that the Rwandan Head of State is scheduled to address the high-level audience during the opening sessions. The prominent conference is being organized through a strategic partnership with the African Civil Aviation Commission alongside the African Union Commission.
This major event successfully brings together transportation ministers, civil aviation authorities, airport managers, and prominent industry leaders. Furthermore, numerous international investors and key aerospace stakeholders are attending the sessions to share knowledge.
The main program features ministerial roundtables, bilateral negotiations, and technical workshops at the central venue. Therefore, the city has temporarily transformed into a vibrant capital for continental transport policy.
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Aviation Expo Aims to Advance Single African Air Transport Market Initiative
A key objective of the five-day conference is to accelerate the implementation of the Single African Air Transport Market initiative. This special program seeks to eliminate protectionist barriers to air travel across the continent.
Consequently, the framework aims to strengthen commercial cooperation among African countries. Participants are also expected to discuss new investment strategies for building a more robust and highly competitive air transport industry in Africa.
The Office of the President announced that President Kagame will hold bilateral discussions with Togolese President Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé. The meeting will focus on issues of mutual interest and further strengthen the warm diplomatic relations between Rwanda and Togo. Both leaders continue to advocate for greater economic integration and seamless mobility across different regions.
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Kagame Highlights Growing Opportunities and Structural Challenges Facing African Aviation
The previous African air transport summit took place in Kigali back in May 2025. At that time, President Kagame pointed out that the number of air passengers on the continent will almost double in the coming years. He explained that great efforts have already been made to open African skies through various progressive projects. For example, Rwanda successfully abolished entry visas for all African travelers to boost tourism and trade.
The President also emphasized that promoting women in the aviation sector remains a top priority for the country. He noted that a well-developed aviation industry would definitely create more sustainable jobs and drive technological innovation.
Additionally, President Kagame highlighted the steady expansion of the national carrier, RwandAir, as a positive example. However, he warned that the local sector continues to face tough challenges, including high operating costs and limited airport infrastructure.
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