For the first time, senior leaders from the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA), Kenya Airports Authority (KAA), the African Airlines Association (AFRAA), and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) reached agreement on a joint roadmap and policy framework to drive investment and regional SAF production.

 

The comprehensive package of recommendations includes:

• SAF blending mandates to accelerate adoption among African carriers.
• Fiscal incentives such as tax breaks and subsidies for SAF producers.
• Simplified certification processes to reduce barriers to market entry.
• Regional collaboration mechanisms to align governments, regulators, and private sector investment in SAF infrastructure.

This policy breakthrough comes at a crucial moment. While aviation currently accounts for 2–3% of global CO₂ emissions, Africa’s passenger traffic is projected to double by 2035. With its vast biomass resources and growing aviation market, the continent is uniquely positioned to become a key player in the global sustainability transition.

 

The Nairobi roadmap sets out a clear vision for scaling up SAF production and uptake, underpinned by pilot projects in Kenya and the Netherlands. These initiatives will draw on KLM’s expertise in SAF procurement via mass balance systems and Kenya Airways’ corporate SAF uplift model, enabling a practical exchange of knowledge and technology between global and regional partners.

By aligning policy, regulation, and investment, this collaboration signals the start of a new chapter in African aviation — one that could place the continent at the forefront of sustainable flight.