Africa's Aviation Industry Gears Up for Green Future
Africa is gearing up to reduce its aviation carbon footprint. While no country currently produces sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) at a commercial scale, Ethiopia's sustainable biomass projects hint at future potential. Key players like the African Development Bank (AfDB) and South Korea are stepping in to drive this change.
AfDB has committed to supporting African aviation's shift towards sustainability. It has signed a Letter of Intent with JGC Corporation to develop a framework for SAF and other green aviation initiatives. The bank will work with governments and public groups to identify, plan, and fund new SAF projects.
South Korea, meanwhile, is set to introduce mandatory SAF blending for international flights departing the country. The blend will start at 1% in 2027, increasing to 3-5% in 2030 and 7-10% in 2035. This move could inspire similar policies in Africa, where aviation contributes around 3% of global CO2 emissions.
Morocco is already positioning itself as an early mover in African SAF production. With plans to produce hydrogen and e-fuels at scale for export, it could become a key player in the continent's green aviation future.
African aviation's transition to sustainable fuels is underway. With AfDB's support, South Korea's lead, and Morocco's early moves, the continent is poised to reduce its aviation emissions significantly. As these initiatives progress, more African countries could follow suit, driving a greener future for African skies.
