In September, Togo earned one of the aviation industry's most prestigious honors: the ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) Certificate of Recognition. This places the country in the very exclusive group of nations that demonstrate over 90% compliance with international aviation safety and security standards.

Between February 25 and March 6, 2025, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) conducted an audit in Lomé under its Universal Security Audit Programme Continuous Monitoring Approach (USAP-CMA). The result: a compliance rate exceeding 90%, a score that propels Togo to the top rank in West and Central Africa, second on the continent—behind Kenya (91%)—and tied for third globally with Israel (99%).

The distinction was formally presented to Colonel Idrissou Abdou Ahabou, Director General of the National Agency of Civil Aviation of Togo(ANAC-Togo), during the 42nd ICAO Assembly held in Montreal earlier this week. "This victory is first and foremost collective. It commits us to maintaining and reinforcing this level of excellence," the director commented.

Lomé Consolidates its Status as a Regional Hub

The high compliance rating solidifies Lomé's position as a growing air transport hub in West Africa. The Togolese capital’s airport already services several international carriers. Operating as the platform for Asky Airlines and a regional base for Ethiopian Airlines, the airport registered 1.5 million passengers in 2024, marking a 6.2% increase over 2023. In the first three months of 2025, traffic reached 329,618 travelers, a year-on-year progression of 1.2%. Freight volumes jumped 11.5% over the same period, while aircraft movements grew by 7.8%.

These operational performances are underpinned by a policy of continuous investment, according to sector authorities. Following an initial renovation in 2016, the airport is currently undergoing an extension and modernization project, which includes terminal expansion, redevelopment of the southern zone, improvements to the freight terminal, and the creation of two parking bays for large-body aircraft. The project is already 99% complete.

The Lomé-Tokoin Airport Company (SALT) manages these projects, which are designed to elevate Lomé’s airport to the rank of the region's top-performing facilities. In December 2023, the platform’s administration also launched the first edition of Security Week, an event dedicated to reviewing airport and air safety issues.

Togolese authorities state the ICAO distinction is the result of years of sustained reforms. ANAC-Togo has strengthened its supervisory capacity, control mechanisms, and training programs, with the stated goal of meeting international standards and establishing the country’s credibility in a highly competitive sector where Abidjan, Accra, and Dakar also aim to be regional hubs.

"This certificate sends a strong signal to investors and international partners," a senior official stated.

The next step is to maintain the success. Under the USAP-CMA program, ICAO mandates continuous monitoring. Togo must sustain its compliance level, invest in necessary security equipment, and continue personnel training. The stakes are high: preserving the confidence of foreign airlines, attracting new routes, and strengthening the country's appeal in a sector where regional competition is intensifying.

Fiacre E. Kakpo