DMEA: EU scouts Africa for SAF projects

The European Union has banked on Africa backing sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) projects for its Global Gateway infrastructure fund ahead of an expected increase in demand for sustainable air travel, according to an EU official.

The fund has seen the EU promise to allocate more half of its $324bn infrastructure plan to Africa, with Global Gateway already having supported the development of renewable plants, green hydrogen initiatives and vaccines and education projects. It has been seen as a rival to China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

European Commission spokesperson Stefan De Keersmaecker noted that the fund would now look into SAF. "In the context of the Global Gateway, the Commission is currently looking into possible co-financing mechanisms and guarantee instruments." He added that "SAF production in the African continent has great potential."

The EU is set to launch a €4mn capacity building project by December 31 in order to conduct feasibility studies and certification in 11 African countries as well as India.

De Keersmaecker mentioned that “following feasibility studies, selected projects could draw funds from the Global Gateway.”