AFRAA and AfriSAF Sign Memorandum of Understanding to Accelerate Sustainable Aviation Fuel Development Across Africa.
The African Airlines Association (AFRAA) and AfriSAF today signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that establishes a comprehensive framework for collaboration to accelerate the deployment and production of Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) across Africa.
The agreement was formally signed by Mr. Abderahmane Berthé, Secretary-General of AFRAA, and Mr. Kwame Bekoe, Chief Executive Officer of AfriSAF.
The partnership reflects a shared commitment to advancing the socio-economic integration and sustainable development of Africa’s aviation sector. Under the MOU, the two parties will work together to support SAF adoption, develop bankable SAF production projects, strengthen feedstock supply chains, and promote policies that enhance aviation safety, security, efficiency, and environmental sustainability.
A Strategic Collaboration for Africa’s Decarbonisation Pathway
Through this MOU, AFRAA and AfriSAF will collaborate on a series of joint initiatives:
- Advocacy and Policy Support:
Combining AFRAA’s continental industry leadership with AfriSAF’s technical expertise to support governments, regulators, and partners in crafting SAF-friendly policies and decarbonisation frameworks. - Capacity Building and Training:
Developing and delivering training programmes, workshops, and learning materials on SAF value chains, sustainability certification, feedstock systems, and SAF business models for African airlines and stakeholders. - SAF Project Development:
Co-creating a pipeline of SAF production projects across Africa, with AfriSAF leading technical project stages, such as screening, feasibility studies and engineering design, while AFRAA mobilises airline engagement and supports early offtake commitments to enhance project bankability. - Resource Mobilisation:
Jointly engaging development partners, climate funds, and financial institutions to secure grants and funding for pre-construction and project preparation activities. - Feedstock Mapping and Sustainability:
Expanding sustainable, traceable feedstock supply chains using AfriSAF’s digital traceability platform, and advocating for recognition of African SAF pathways under international sustainability schemes.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Mr. Abderahmane Berthé, Secretary-General of AFRAA, emphasised the significance of the partnership:
“This collaboration with AfriSAF marks a major step in supporting African airlines on their decarbonisation journey. SAF is essential to the future of sustainable aviation, and Africa has immense potential to become a competitive global supplier. Through this partnership, AFRAA will help convene airlines, regulators, and development partners to unlock that potential.”
Mr. Kwame Bekoe, CEO of AfriSAF, highlighted the transformational impact of the agreement:
“Africa has one of the world’s largest untapped volumes of sustainable biomass suitable for SAF production. By combining AfriSAF’s feedstock intelligence, project development capabilities, and digital traceability tools with AFRAA’s industry leadership, we are creating the conditions for Africa to lead in global aviation sustainability. This MOU catalyses a new era of SAF development on the continent.”
About AFRAA
The African Airlines Association (AFRAA) is the leading trade association for African airlines. Headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, AFRAA works to promote, serve, and represent African airlines, strengthen collaboration, improve operational efficiencies, and drive the sustainable development of aviation across the continent.
About AfriSAF
AfriSAF Ltd is a digital marketplace, traceability platform, and SAF project developer focused on aggregating and upcycling agricultural residues and other sustainable feedstocks across Africa. AfriSAF partners with airlines, communities, and industry stakeholders to develop viable, sustainable, and scalable SAF production pathways that support global Net Zero ambitions.
For media inquiries:
AFRAA Communications Office
Email: mkahonge@afraa.org
AfriSAF Media Relations
Email: contact@afrisaf.com