The African Development Bank (AfDB) and Japan’s JGC Corporation have signed a landmark agreement to collaborate on the development of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) in Africa, marking a significant step toward greener aviation and energy transition on the continent.
The two institutions formalised the partnership through a Letter of Intent signed on 21 August on the sidelines of the Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9) held in Yokohama. The agreement lays the foundation for joint efforts in promoting knowledge exchange, feasibility studies, and co-financing opportunities for SAF and other green aviation solutions.
Sustainable aviation fuel refers to jet fuel derived from renewable resources such as plant oils, waste materials, and captured carbon, offering a lower-emission alternative to conventional fossil-based fuels. The initiative aligns with AfDB’s strategy on sustainable transport, mobility, and clean energy transition.
Under the framework, the AfDB will engage public sector aviation stakeholders, identify project pipelines, and explore financing mechanisms to support feasibility studies and project implementation. The Bank will also promote global partnerships to strengthen Africa’s position in sustainable aviation.
JGC Corporation will complement these efforts by conducting demand assessments for SAF across African markets, evaluating technical feasibility, and supporting the adoption of Japanese clean energy technologies suited to local contexts.
Speaking during the signing ceremony, Solomon Quaynor, AfDB Vice President for Private Sector, Infrastructure and Industrialisation, said:
“Adopting Sustainable Aviation Fuel in Africa is a crucial component of the journey to cutting the continent’s carbon dioxide emissions. Moreover, it should boost the competitiveness of the sector over time. This partnership with JGC will help unlock new opportunities for green aviation and position Africa as a pacesetter in the sector.”
Shoji Yamada, Representative Director and President of JGC Corporation, expressed confidence in the collaboration, noting:
“We are proud to collaborate with the African Development Bank in advancing Sustainable Aviation Fuel in Africa. By leveraging our experience in plant engineering and sustainable energy, we aim to contribute to Africa’s decarbonisation efforts while fostering local economic growth and innovation.”
The partnership is expected to pave the way for Africa to play a more active role in the global shift toward sustainable air transport, while also stimulating investment, innovation, and job creation across the continent’s aviation and energy sectors.
