Why this matters:
- Supports the EU Green Deal and the global target of net zero emissions in international aviation by 2050.
- Strengthens EU–Africa partnerships through the Global Gateway initiative, focusing on SAF development in African countries.
- Mobilises international financial institutions to address financing barriers and support SAF and cleaner energy production in Africa.
- Contributes to socio-economic development in partner countries while aligning with ICAO’s No Country Left Behind initiative.
In alignment with the EU Green Deal and the global commitment to achieving net zero emissions in international aviation by 2050, the European Commission is fostering the global development and production of sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs) to decarbonise air transport. The EU extends its SAF efforts beyond Europe through its Global Gateway initiative, focusing especially on African countries.
Recently, the Commission and the African Civil Aviation Commission organised a high-level meeting to address financing barriers and explore solutions for the financing of SAF and other cleaner energies in Africa. The meeting was joined by high-level representatives from both organisations, from the ICAO, the African Union (AU), the European Investment Bank, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the World Bank, and the African Development Bank.
During the meeting, the financial institutions expressed their strong intent to collaborate on financial support for the production and development of SAF and cleaner energy solutions in Africa. This collaborative effort reinforces the EU’s commitment to nurturing its partnership with the African Union, leading into the EU-AU Summit in November 2025.
Opening the event, Director-General for Mobility and Transport Magda Kopczyńska, said: “The EU is proud to strengthen its partnerships with African States and institutions to build momentum towards decarbonising aviation on the path to net-zero. The Commission will continue to advance the global production of SAF as well as renewable and low-carbon fuels, in line with the ICAO’s No Country Left Behind initiative. In doing so, we also contribute to socio-economic development in our partner countries. I look forward to continuing this dialogue at the upcoming 42nd ICAO Assembly.”
