On the eve of the 42nd International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Assembly held in Montreal, global aviation leaders underscored the critical role Africa plays in advancing sustainable aviation and climate goals. The assembly, which convenes every three years, charts the work program and priorities of ICAO for the upcoming cycle, impacting 193 member states including numerous African nations.

Willie Walsh, Director General of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), highlighted the ongoing focus on accelerating environmental initiatives such as the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA), a worldwide framework to mitigate aviation emissions. Walsh noted that only one country to date has made available the necessary emissions units, urging greater participation from states globally to meet agreed climate commitments.

Africa’s unique position as both an emerging aviation market and a region vulnerable to climate change was discussed in the context of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) development. SAF is expected to contribute a significant portion of global emissions reductions by 2050, but industry leaders acknowledged current production falls short of demand. Calls were made for increased incentives and policies to boost SAF production capacity, particularly in emerging markets including Africa.

Panelists stressed the importance of equitable access to supply and fair consideration of feedstocks for aviation fuel, recognizing the continent’s vast renewable resources as critical to future green aviation growth. However, technological and financial challenges remain barriers to scaling SAF production and implementation. Discussions also highlighted the environmental and economic benefits of supporting the transition toward cleaner aviation fuels and technologies across Africa. The assembly emphasized international collaboration to help African states build capacity, improve regulatory frameworks, and attract investment for sustainable aviation projects