Speaking at the opening ceremony of the African Air Transport Convention and Expo 2026 in Lomé, Kagame said air connectivity is central to Africa's ability to act collectively and unlock its economic potential.

"For decades, we have spoken about integration, trade and free movement. We know what has to be done. We just have to do it," he said.

Kagame thanked the Government of Togo and President Faure Gnassingbé for hosting the convention and championing efforts to improve air transport across the continent.

The Head of State noted that although Africa is home to nearly a fifth of the world's population, it accounts for only a small share of global air traffic. He attributed this gap to the high cost and difficulty of travel within Africa, observing that in many cases the fastest route between two African cities passes through another continent.

"This weakens trade, discourages investment and prevents business from operating at scale," Kagame said.

He emphasised that the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) provides the right framework for transforming the sector but requires stronger implementation.

"What it now needs are clear timelines and measurable outcomes," he said.

Kagame also highlighted the importance of investing in modern airports, aircraft maintenance capacity and reliable fuel supply chains to support the growth of the aviation industry.

He urged development banks, sovereign wealth funds, institutional investors and private capital to view investment in Africa as a strategic opportunity rather than a risk.

"Investment in Africa should not be viewed as a risk but as a strategic lever that drives economic growth," he said.

The President further called for urgent action to address barriers that continue to hinder the sector, including high taxes and fees on air travel, which he said are among the highest in the world.

"Reducing these costs is vital," Kagame said, adding that regulatory alignment across countries is equally important to ensure predictable and consistent standards throughout the continent.

He also pointed to Rwanda's visa liberalisation policies as an example of how removing barriers can stimulate economic activity.

"In Rwanda, we removed this particular barrier because we wanted people to visit, connect and discover opportunities," he said, noting that the move contributed to stronger business activity, increased tourism and expanded air links.

Kagame said Africa's growing young population will increasingly drive trade, innovation and mobility, making it essential for leaders to create conditions that enable future generations to succeed.

He described the convention as an important platform for building consensus on the future of African aviation and called on leaders and stakeholders to turn commitments into results.

"The task ahead of us is very clear," Kagame said. "I'm sure all of us are prepared for that task."

President Kagame arrived in Togo on Monday and is expected to hold a bilateral meeting with President Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé on the sidelines of the summit to discuss matters of mutual and regional interest.