AfDB and Japan’s JGC Partner to Drive Sustainable Aviation Fuel in Africa

The African Development Bank (AfDB) and JGC Corporation, one of Japan’s leading engineering companies, have signed a strategic agreement to explore cooperation in the development and deployment of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) across Africa. The landmark agreement was formalized on the sidelines of the Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9), held in Yokohama in August 2025, underscoring the growing importance of green aviation solutions in the global push for climate resilience.

A Partnership for Green Aviation

The Letter of Intent (LoI), signed on 21 August 2025 by Solomon Quaynor, AfDB Vice President for Private Sector, Infrastructure & Industrialization, and Shoji Yamada, President and Representative Director of JGC Corporation, establishes a framework for joint collaboration. The cooperation aims to:

• Promote the production and adoption of SAF in Africa.

• Share knowledge and technical expertise between Japanese and African stakeholders.

• Conduct demand studies and feasibility assessments for SAF projects.

• Identify investment pipelines and financing options, including debt, equity, and feasibility study support.

• Strengthen dialogue with governments and aviation stakeholders to create a favorable policy environment.

Why Sustainable Aviation Fuel Matters

Sustainable aviation fuel is a next-generation jet fuel produced from renewable sources such as plant oils, waste residues, used cooking oil, and even captured carbon. SAF can reduce greenhouse gas emissions from aviation by up to 80% compared to conventional fossil-based jet fuel, making it one of the most promising solutions for decarbonizing the aviation sector.

Given Africa’s abundant natural resources, growing aviation markets, and rising energy demand, SAF development represents a strategic opportunity to align with the continent’s broader goals of energy transition, sustainable mobility, and industrial growth.

Roles and Responsibilities

Under the agreement:

• The African Development Bank will coordinate with public-sector aviation authorities, identify viable project pipelines, and mobilize financing. AfDB will also promote global partnerships to ensure African SAF development benefits from international expertise and investment.

• JGC Corporation will apply its expertise in plant engineering and sustainable energy to conduct technical feasibility studies, demand assessments, and evaluate SAF deployment tailored to Africa’s local resources, infrastructure, and markets. JGC will also explore ways to transfer and adapt Japanese technology to African contexts.

Leaders’ Perspectives

Solomon Quaynor emphasized the importance of SAF for Africa’s climate ambitions: “Adopting Sustainable Aviation Fuel in Africa is a crucial component of 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, JGC Corporation’s President, echoed the sentiment: “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 decarbonization efforts while fostering local economic growth and innovation.”

Aligning with Africa’s Climate and Development Goals

The collaboration falls squarely within the AfDB’s sustainable transport and mobility strategy, as well as its energy transition agenda. SAF production in Africa could create new green industries, strengthen local supply chains, reduce reliance on imported fossil fuels, and generate jobs in bioenergy, engineering, and aviation services.

It also contributes to Africa’s commitment under the Paris Agreement and global net-zero pathways by offering a practical solution to decarbonize a sector that is traditionally difficult to green.

Looking Ahead

This partnership highlights Africa’s potential to become a global hub for SAF production, leveraging its renewable resources and youthful workforce while responding to growing global demand for low-carbon aviation fuels. By aligning cutting-edge Japanese technology with African development priorities, the AfDB–JGC partnership could set the stage for large-scale SAF projects that serve both domestic and international aviation markets.

If successful, the initiative could transform African aviation into a green growth sector, making the continent a leader in sustainable transport innovation.