The European Union (EU) has set its sights on Africa to foster clean jet fuel initiatives through its Global Gateway infrastructure fund. As the demand for greener aviation solutions surges, the EU is poised to allocate half of its ambitious €300 billion ($324 billion) infrastructure blueprint, aimed at rivaling China’s Belt and Road Initiative, to African ventures.
Renowned for its backing of renewable energy projects, green hydrogen advancements, vaccines, and education undertakings across Africa, the Global Gateway fund is now steering its attention toward sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). European Commission spokesperson Stefan De Keersmaecker unveiled, “In the context of the Global Gateway, the Commission is currently looking into possible co-financing mechanisms and guarantee instruments.” He emphasized that the potential for SAF production within Africa is immense.
SAFs, recognized as low-carbon alternatives for the aviation sector, can be derived from diverse sources, including crops. In a substantial move toward bolstering SAF initiatives, the EU is preparing to launch a €4 million capacity-building project by December 31, dedicated to supporting SAF feasibility studies and certifications across 11 African countries and India.
The aviation industry’s contribution of over 2% to global energy-related emissions has prompted the EU to mandate emissions reduction targets. These mandates are expected to drive the aviation sector’s reliance on SAF, leading to an estimated global demand of 450 billion liters of SAF by 2050, as projected by the International Air Transport Association. Consequently, Africa’s expansive tracts of under-utilized agricultural land are gaining prominence as attractive potential resources.
Despite the promising prospects, Africa’s nascent SAF landscape presents challenges. With limited infrastructure, refining capacity, and regulatory frameworks, establishing viable feedstock supply chains could pose delays and escalated costs for projects. Allan Kilavuka, Chief Executive at Kenya Airways, emphasized that local manufacturing is pivotal in reducing SAF costs sustainably on the African continent.
Even in the face of challenges, companies including Eni from Italy, Sasol from South Africa, Linde from Germany, and Denmark’s Topsoe are committed to advancing SAF and biofuel investments in Africa. According to Frankline Omondi, Environmental Manager at the African Civil Aviation Commission, the organization aspires to initiate SAF production in at least two African nations within the next few years, with the potential for a third. South Africa, Kenya, and Ethiopia are earmarked as likely candidates for this endeavor.
As the EU’s Global Gateway fund sets its sights on Africa’s SAF potential, the collaboration between the two regions is poised to reshape the aviation industry’s trajectory towards environmental sustainability, while also contributing to the continent’s economic growth and development.
