The African Development Bank and JGC Corporation, a leading Japanese engineering company, have signed an agreement to explore cooperation in the development of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) in Africa.
The two parties signed a Letter of Intent to this effect on the sidelines of the Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9) in Yokohama, which concluded last month. Sustainable aviation fuel refers to any jet fuel produced from renewable sources such as plant oils, waste materials, or captured carbon, designed to reduce the environmental impact of air travel.
African Development Bank Vice President for Private Sector, Infrastructure and Industrialisation, Solomon Quaynor, and Mr Shoji Yamada, Representative Director and President of JGC Corporation, signed the agreement in Yokohama on 21 August.
The Letter of Intent establishes a framework for cooperation between the two institutions to jointly promote development, share information and knowledge, and explore co-financing opportunities for sustainable aviation fuel and other green aviation solutions in Africa.
The production and adoption of SAF in Africa aligns with the Bank’s Sustainable Transport and Mobility and Energy Transition strategies. Cooperation with JGC will include the undertaking of demand and feasibility studies, as well as the potential adoption of Japanese technology in Africa.
Under the agreement, the African Development Bank will facilitate coordination and dialogue with public-sector aviation stakeholders, identify potential project pipelines, and explore possible financing options — including feasibility study support, the promotion of global partnerships across Africa, and debt/equity financing.
JGC Corporation will conduct demand studies for SAF in African markets, perform technical feasibility assessments, evaluate deployment opportunities tailored to local resources and infrastructure, and promote the adoption of Japanese technology in Africa.
Quaynor commented: “Adopting sustainable aviation fuel in Africa is a crucial component of the continent’s journey towards reducing carbon dioxide emissions. Moreover, it will strengthen the sector’s competitiveness over time. This partnership with JGC will help unlock new opportunities for green aviation and position Africa as a pacesetter in the field.”
Mr Shoji Yamada, President of JGC Corporation, added: “We are proud to collaborate with the African Development Bank in advancing sustainable aviation fuel in Africa. By leveraging our expertise in plant engineering and sustainable energy, we aim to contribute to Africa’s decarbonisation efforts while fostering local economic growth and innovation.”
