The African Development Bank (AfDB) and Japan’s JGC Corporation have signed a landmark Letter of Intent to collaborate on the development of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and other green aviation solutions across Africa. The agreement was formalized on the sidelines of the Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9) in Yokohama last month.
Sustainable aviation fuel—derived from renewable sources such as plant oils, waste materials, and captured carbon—offers a significant opportunity to cut the environmental impact of air travel.
The Letter of Intent creates a framework for cooperation between the two institutions to promote knowledge-sharing, explore co-financing opportunities, and accelerate the production and adoption of SAF in Africa. This aligns with the AfDB’s sustainable transport, mobility, and energy transition strategies.
Under the agreement, the African Development Bank will lead coordination with public-sector aviation stakeholders, identify potential project pipelines, and examine financing options, including feasibility study support and debt/equity funding. JGC Corporation will conduct demand studies, assess technical feasibility, evaluate deployment opportunities based on local resources and infrastructure, and facilitate the transfer of Japanese technology to African markets.
“Adopting Sustainable Aviation Fuel in Africa is a crucial component of cutting the continent’s carbon emissions and boosting the competitiveness of the sector over time,” said Solomon Quaynor, AfDB Vice President for Private Sector, Infrastructure & Industrialization. “This partnership with JGC will unlock new opportunities for green aviation and position Africa as a pacesetter.”
Shoji Yamada, Representative Director and President of JGC Corporation, added: “We are proud to collaborate with the African Development Bank in advancing SAF in Africa. By leveraging our expertise in plant engineering and sustainable energy, we aim to contribute to Africa’s decarbonization efforts while fostering local economic growth and innovation.”
About JGC Corporation
Founded in 1928 and headquartered in Yokohama, Japan, JGC Corporation is a global engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) leader specializing in energy and infrastructure. The company has expanded into renewable energy, green innovation, and sustainable fuels, underscoring its commitment to worldwide decarbonization.
