The various challenges facing air transportation in Africa, especially in West and Central Africa, will soon be a thing of the past as experts and investors in the sector come together under one umbrella to address these issues.

The Jet Afrique Aviation Services Limited, in partnership with the West Africa Tourism Organisation (WATO), is set to organise the AeroWest 2026 summit, which would convene a diverse group of stakeholders, including airlines, airport authorities, aircraft manufacturers, lessors, financiers, aviation associations, policymakers, regulators and travel industry players.

The Chief Executive Officer of Jet Afrique Aviation Services Limited, Mr Theodore Chikelu, said the summit, which would hold in Lagos between September 2 and 4, 2026, would foster meaningful dialogue and drive actionable outcomes.

He expressed that for too long, Africa’s aviation industry, particularly in West and Central Africa, had been caught in prolonged discussions with limited tangible results.

He added: “AeroWest 2026 is focused on shifting from dialogue to delivery. It provides a platform for collaboration, innovation, and practical solutions that will redefine the region’s aviation landscape.

Anyone committed to the future of air transport in Africa should be part of it.”

Also, the CEO of WATO, Ola Wright, noted that the summit aligns closely with WATO’s goal of advancing regional integration and cooperation.

According to her, AeroWest 2026 formed a key component of WATO’s West Africa Integrated Travel (WAIT) initiative, which aims to promote seamless mobility, trade and tourism across West and Central Africa.

“Aviation is the backbone of that vision. Without efficient air connectivity, we cannot unlock the full potential of intra-African travel. AeroWest will help bridge that gap and drive real, sustainable progress,” she added.

The summit would spotlight issues such as aviation finance and leasing, safety and insurance, regulatory harmonisation, sustainable aviation, MRO development and the impact of air transport on AfCFTA’s success.