The 21st Lomé International Fair runs from Friday 27 November to Sunday 13 December 2026. It takes place at CETEF Togo 2000, in the Golfe 2 district, which is also home to our neighbourhood, Kégué. Whether you are coming on business or simply want to see the city at the end of the year, here is what we know about this edition and how to plan a stay around it.
What the fair is
The FIL (Foire internationale de Lomé) is the city’s big annual trade fair. It is run by CETEF, the Togolese centre for exhibitions and fairs. The 2026 theme is “Lomé, hub of trade and investment in Africa”.
Last year’s figures give a sense of scale. The 2025 edition reported more than 1,000 exhibitors and 813,000 visitors. For comparison, the Made in Togo Fair, organised by the same CETEF in July 2026, drew 215 exhibitors and 39,376 visitors.
At the time of writing, we have not found reliable information on opening hours or ticket prices for 2026.
The venue: CETEF Togo 2000
The fairground sits in Golfe 2, the district that also covers the international airport, the Hédzranawoé area and Kégué market. All three of our apartments are in Kégué, so you sleep in the same district as the fair.
The easiest way to get there is the Gozem app. The fare is set by the app before you leave, and you can pay in cash, by card or by mobile money. It runs around the clock. If you take an ordinary taxi instead, recognisable by its yellow number plate, always agree the fare before getting in.
Planning your dates
The fair lasts 17 days and spans three weekends: 28–29 November, 5–6 December and 12–13 December. If you can only manage one weekend, the 5th has an edge: King Mensah plays a concert in Lomé on the Sunday.
The timing is good for the weather, too. The Routard guide names November and December as the best months for Togo, at the start of the dry season.
Sort out the paperwork early:
- apply for your visa online at voyage.gouv.tg at least 5 days before arrival, as visas on arrival are suspended;
- African nationals with a valid passport can enter without a visa for 30 days;
- yellow fever vaccination is compulsory, and you will need to show your certificate;
- the French Foreign Ministry advises a passport valid for 6 months after your return date.
Once you land, Kégué is 4.7 to 6 km from the terminal, a 6 to 10-minute drive without traffic.
Other dates in December
The fair is not the only thing on. Three dates worth noting during or just after it:
- Sunday 6 December: King Mensah’s “Dekonu” concert at the Palais des congrès in Lomé. Dekonu means “tradition” in a local language, and the singer describes the show as a tribute to Togolese roots, aimed at the younger generation. The same building houses the National Museum.
- 9 to 12 December: the first AFESTACC in Accra, a pan-African festival of arts and creative industries. Accra is 206 km from Kégué, about 3 hours before the border crossing. French nationals must get their Ghanaian visa from the embassy in Paris before travelling; check the rules for your own passport.
- Friday 25 December: Christmas Day, a public holiday in Togo.
The rest of the year is on our Lomé and Togo events page.
Where to stay during the fair
Our three apartments are in Kégué, in the same district as CETEF Togo 2000:
- Le Nid des Lys, for two, with its own terrace;
- La Petite Cachette, for two, in a quiet spot;
- Le Cocon Coloré, two bedrooms for four guests, handy for a small team or a family.
Simone welcomes you with Chantal. She can book your airport transfer, at 10,000 FCFA (about €15) per ride, and a car with or without a driver, priced on request. You can pay for your stay by card or by mobile money (Flooz or TMoney).
Our tip
With over 1,000 exhibitors last year, one visit will not cover it. Split the fair into two trips, one on a weekday and one at the weekend, and keep the rest of your stay for the city. From Kégué, the Grand Marché is 10.8 km away and the Palais de Lomé 11.4 km, roughly a quarter of an hour without traffic.
FAQ
When is the Lomé International Fair 2026?
The 21st edition runs from Friday 27 November to Sunday 13 December 2026 at CETEF Togo 2000.
How do I get to the fair from Kégué?
The fairground is in the same district, Golfe 2. The simplest option is a taxi booked through Gozem, which you can pay in cash, by card or by mobile money.
Do I need a visa for Togo?
French nationals do, and must apply on voyage.gouv.tg at least 5 days before arrival. If you hold another passport, check the portal. African nationals with a valid passport can stay 30 days without a visa. Yellow fever vaccination is compulsory for everyone.
