Africa's first sustainable aviation fuel refinery: A historic $82 million deal | What's the story?
Partnership between Kenya Airways and Robis
Written by: Omnia Hassan
Preparing Africa To enter a new phase in the green aviation industry after signing an agreement between Kenya Airways and Rubis Energy Kenya, a subsidiary of the French Rubis Energy Group, to establish the first refinery dedicated to producing sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) on a commercial scale in the continent.
The agreement was reached in the presence of Presidents William Rutte and Emmanuel Macron during an official visit reflecting the growing economic partnerships between Kenya And France.
Strategic location near Jomo Kenyatta International Airport
The project site was chosen near Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi, one of the largest jet fuel consumption centers in East Africa.
This proximity gives the refinery an important logistical advantage, and enhances its ability to meet local and regional demand with high efficiency, especially with the growing air traffic in the region.
Annual production of 32,000 tons and investment of up to $82 million
The refinery is planned to produce approximately 32,000 metric tons per year of sustainable aviation fuel, with investments ranging between €60 million and €70 million ($70.5 million–$82.2 million). The project is expected to represent a significant step from limited pilot production to large-scale commercial production within Africa.
Why is SAF the hub of green transformation in aviation?
Sustainable aviation fuel is produced from renewable materials such as used cooking oils, agricultural waste, and biomass, instead of crude oil.
It can be blended with conventional Jet A1 fuel without the need for major modifications to aircraft engines, with a remarkable ability to reduce carbon emissions over its lifecycle.
African gap in domestic production
To date, most countries on the continent have relied on imports of sustainable fuel or limited pilot projects. Although refineries such as Natrive in South Africa have obtained sustainability certifications, Africa has not had a facility dedicated exclusively to producing SAF on a commercial scale.
Economic and environmental gains for Kenya Airways
For Kenya Airways, the project represents an opportunity to reduce future fuel costs and enhance sustainability standards, at a time when fuel is one of the largest items of operating expenditure for airlines.
Strengthening the French presence in Africa's energy transition
The deal also reflects the expanding French presence in the clean energy, infrastructure and transport sectors in Africa, amid a growing European trend to build strategic partnerships that support the low-carbon transition.
If the project is completed as planned, Kenya could become an early African hub for the production of sustainable aviation fuel, with promising export opportunities in the future as global demand for this type of fuel accelerates.
