Over 70 civil aviation experts from across Africa have convened in Pretoria for a four-day continental workshop aimed at accelerating the transition to environmentally sustainable aviation.
The summit, running from 24 to 27 March 2026, is reviewing key draft instruments on aviation environmental protection under ICAO Annex 16, as well as a policy guideline for the development and deployment of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF).
Hosted by the South African Civil Aviation Authority and organised by the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa in collaboration with the African Civil Aviation Commission and the African Union, the initiative seeks to strengthen regulatory frameworks across the continent and position Africa to produce and utilise sustainable aviation fuels for both domestic consumption and export.
Opening the workshop, COMESA Director of Infrastructure and Logistics, Dr Bernard Dzawanda, highlighted the strategic role of air transport in regional integration and economic growth.
“Air transport occupies a uniquely strategic position as it is the fastest means of connecting people, businesses and markets across vast distances,” he said.
Dr Dzawanda emphasised that sustainability is now central to the sector’s future.
“A resilient and sustainable air transport sector is essential for the economic transformation of our region and continent. Environmental sustainability is no longer peripheral to aviation policy; it is central to the competitiveness, legitimacy and growth of the industry.”
The South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) Director, Poppy Khoza called for stronger collaboration among African states to unlock investment in sustainable aviation fuels.
“We are here to align on governance, technology and implementation frameworks. This process must translate policy into implementable and bankable actions,” she said.
Speaking on behalf of the African Union Commission, Eng Eric Ntagengerwa said Africa has significant potential to become a global leader in sustainable aviation fuel production.
“With the right policies and investments, Africa can transform these assets into a thriving green aviation fuel industry,” he said.
Delegates acknowledged that sustainable aviation fuels and other low-carbon alternatives are critical to reducing emissions in the aviation sector. The workshop is expected to produce a roadmap and concrete recommendations to guide Member States in adopting and implementing international environmental standards.
The summit forms part of the EU-funded Support to Air Transport Sector Development programme, which supports 29 countries in Eastern, Southern Africa and the Indian Ocean region.
