Ghana has joined fellow African Union (AU) Member States in adopting the Lomé Ministerial Declaration on Accelerating Accessible, Connected, Affordable and Sustainable Air Transport Across Africa, endorsing its commitment to strengthening air connectivity, reducing the cost of air travel and supporting the full implementation of the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM).

The declaration was adopted during the African Air Transport Convention and Expo 2026 in Lomé, Republic of Togo, bringing together Ministers and Heads of Delegation responsible for Transport, Tourism, Trade and Finance across the continent. The declaration outlines a comprehensive roadmap aimed at transforming Africa’s aviation sector into a key driver of regional integration, trade, tourism, investment and economic growth.

By adopting the declaration, Ghana joined other Member States in reaffirming their commitment to the implementation of the Yamoussoukro Decision and SAATM, a flagship project of the African Union’s Agenda 2063, which seeks to remove market access barriers and improve connectivity among Africans.

As part of the commitments adopted in Lomé, Ghana, and other African countries pledged to strengthen collaboration among institutions responsible for transport, civil aviation, tourism, trade, finance, immigration, customs, and infrastructure to ensure a coordinated approach to aviation development.

A major outcome of the declaration was the launch of the AFCAC Solidarity Commitment 2026–2028, a resource mobilisation initiative designed to support continental aviation programmes and accelerate implementation of SAATM objectives. The initiative is expected to mobilise financial, technical and institutional support from Member States, development partners and industry stakeholders.

The declaration also placed significant importance on reducing the cost of air transport across Africa. Ghana joined other Member States in endorsing a Continental Harmonised Policy Framework on Aviation Taxes, charges aimed at promoting transparent, fair, and growth-oriented approaches to aviation charges. The Ministers committed to working towards the rationalisation of excessive taxes and fees while improving operational efficiency to make air travel more affordable for African travellers and businesses.

Recognising the critical role of aviation in facilitating trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), Member States have committed to supporting the development of strategic air cargo corridors and route networks that enhance the movement of goods across the continent. The declaration noted that air cargo was important in supporting regional value chains, e-commerce, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, and tourism.

The Ministers also pledged to improve visa openness and air transport facilitation across Africa. The declaration called for reforms aimed at reducing passenger and cargo processing delays, streamlining border procedures and enhancing digital travel systems to facilitate the movement of people and goods. These measures are expected to strengthen regional integration while improving passenger experience and trade competitiveness.

On infrastructure development, Ghana and the other Member States committed to support the preparation and financing of bankable aviation projects, including airports, air navigation systems, cargo facilities and digital infrastructure. The declaration encourages stronger collaboration among governments, development finance institutions, private investors and industry stakeholders to mobilise resources for aviation infrastructure development across the continent.

The declaration further highlighted the importance of environmental sustainability and climate resilience in the future development of African aviation. Member States endorsed supporting initiatives related to Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF), lower-carbon aviation technologies and cleaner energy solutions. The measures are expected to contribute to Africa’s broader industrialisation agenda while promoting environmentally sustainable growth within the aviation sector.

The Ministers agreed to promote digital transformation, innovation, and human capital development across the continent. The declaration encouraged investment in digital travel systems, aviation data platforms, air traffic management technologies, training programmes and emerging technologies to enhance the competitiveness and efficiency of African aviation.

The declaration also restated the importance of maintaining high standards of safety, security and regulatory oversight as the continent pursues air transport liberalisation. Member States committed to strengthening regulatory cooperation, capacity building, and implementation of international aviation standards to support safe, secure, and sustainable growth of the sector.

Ghana has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing a more integrated, affordable, and efficient African air transport system by adopting the Lomé Ministerial Declaration. The declaration provides a renewed framework for cooperation among African countries and positions aviation as a strategic enabler of continental integration, economic transformation, trade expansion and sustainable development.