African Aviation Leaders Convene in Harare to Advance Sustainable Aviation Fuels and Environmental Protection

Aviation leaders from across Africa have gathered in Harare, Zimbabwe, for a three-day working group on Aviation Environmental Protection and Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF). The meeting is organized by the African Centre for Air Transport (AFCAC) and the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA).

The session aims to harmonize Africa’s aviation policies with global climate objectives, particularly in line with ICAO’s Annex 16 on emissions and noise pollution. Key goals include developing model regulations for Annex 16, establishing a continental policy framework for SAF and low-carbon aviation fuels, and enhancing capacity-building for African states to achieve net-zero aviation emissions by 2050.

During the opening ceremony, Mr. George Mashababe, Director General of the Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe, highlighted SAF as a critical solution for reducing carbon emissions in the aviation sector. Dr. Bernard Dzawanda, Director of Infrastructure and Transport, emphasized the meeting as a demonstration of collaboration and shared commitment to sustainable development in African aviation.

Representing the African Union, Eng. Erick Ntagengerwa, Head of the Transport and Mobility Division, stressed the role of aviation in connecting Africa and leading climate action under Agenda 2063.

With backing from the European Union, COMESA is advancing a strategy to introduce 2–5% SAF into Africa’s aviation fuel supply by 2030. The initiative reflects a broader continental effort to align Africa’s aviation industry with global sustainability standards while fostering innovation and climate-conscious practices.

The working group in Harare represents a significant step toward building a unified approach to sustainable aviation in Africa, supporting both environmental goals and the growth of the continent’s aviation sector.