President Paul Kagame has called for stronger cooperation, harmonised regulations and greater openness across Africa, saying improved air connectivity is essential to unlocking the continent’s economic potential.
President Kagame arrived in Lomé, Togo, where he was received by President Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé ahead of the inaugural African Air Transport Convention & Expo 2026, which is being held in the Togolese capital.
Speaking at the convention, Kagame urged African countries to adopt predictable and consistent policies that will enable the continent to function as a truly integrated single market.
“A single market works best when rules and standards are predictable and consistent across jurisdictions. The institutions mandated to lead this work already exist, and they deserve our support. The same principle applies to visa policies,” Kagame said.
The high-level gathering has brought together African heads of state, aviation industry leaders, policymakers, regulators, investors and development partners to discuss the future of African aviation and its role in accelerating regional integration and economic growth.
Using Rwanda as an example, Kagame highlighted the benefits of adopting open visa policies, noting that the country’s decision to remove barriers to entry has generated measurable economic gains.
“In Rwanda, we removed this particular barrier because we wanted people to visit, connect and discover opportunities. And as we know, it is just the right thing to do. We saw stronger business activity, increased tourism, and expanded air links,” he said.
The President emphasised that Africa’s development ambitions cannot be achieved if countries continue operating in isolation.
According to him, greater collaboration and easier movement across borders are fundamental ingredients for sustainable growth.
“Experience, therefore, shows us that openness and cooperation are powerful drivers of development.
No single region has unlocked its potential while remaining fragmented. Air connectivity opens immense opportunities and possibilities,” Kagame added.
The African Air Transport Convention & Expo 2026 is focusing on some of the most pressing issues affecting the continent’s aviation sector, including regulatory differences between countries, expensive air travel, limited direct connections between African cities, infrastructure challenges and restrictive visa policies.
Participants are discussing ways to strengthen cooperation among African states, harmonise aviation standards, expand air routes and attract investment into airports and aviation infrastructure.
The conference also highlights the need to accelerate existing continental initiatives aimed at creating a seamless African air transport market.
Beyond aviation, discussions are centred on how improved connectivity can drive broader economic transformation.
Experts note that efficient air transport systems can boost intra-African trade, increase tourism, create jobs, facilitate business expansion and strengthen regional integration.
The conference also serves as a reminder that many of Africa’s biggest challenges are no longer about creating new policies, but about implementing existing frameworks more effectively.
Leaders acknowledge that institutions and agreements already exist to support integration, but inconsistent adoption across countries continues to slow progress.
President Kagame’s message ultimately framed aviation as more than just a transport sector.
Instead, he presented it as a strategic pillar for Africa’s future development, arguing that a connected continent will be better positioned to compete globally and create opportunities for its growing population.
The discussions in Lomé delivered a clear message: Africa’s economic future will depend heavily on its ability to remove barriers, harmonise policies and make the movement of people, goods and services easier across borders.
Through stronger air connectivity and collective action, leaders believe the continent can unlock new opportunities and accelerate its journey toward greater prosperity and integration.