Signed on the sidelines of the Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9) in Yokohama on 21 August, the accord establishes a framework for cooperation between the AfDB and JGC to promote information sharing, joint development, and potential co-financing of SAF and other green aviation initiatives.

Sustainable aviation fuel — produced from renewable sources such as plant oils, waste materials, and captured carbon — offers a viable path to reducing aviation’s carbon footprint while supporting economic growth through new energy industries.

Under the agreement, the AfDB will coordinate with public sector aviation stakeholders, identify potential project pipelines, and explore financing avenues including feasibility study support and debt or equity financing. JGC will undertake demand and technical feasibility studies, assess deployment opportunities suited to local conditions, and facilitate the transfer of Japanese sustainable fuel technologies to Africa.

“Adopting Sustainable Aviation Fuel in Africa is a crucial component of the journey to cutting the continent’s carbon dioxide emissions,” said Solomon Quaynor, AfDB Vice President for Private Sector, Infrastructure & Industrialisation. “This partnership with JGC will help unlock new opportunities for green aviation and position Africa as a pacesetter in the sector.”

JGC Corporation President Shoji Yamada added, “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 collaboration underscores a shared commitment to sustainability, technology transfer, and inclusive growth — key to shaping Africa’s green aviation future.

For more information: www.AfDB.org | www.JGC.com

.