A landmark agreement backed by France is set to establish Africa’s first dedicated sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) refinery, following a partnership between Kenya Airways and Rubis Energy Kenya, a subsidiary of the French energy company Rubis.
On Tuesday, both firms signed a memorandum of understanding to co-develop the facility, which is projected to produce around 32,000 metric tons of SAF each year.
The investment required for the project is estimated at between €60 million and €70 million, translating to roughly $70.5 million to $82.2 million.
The planned site close to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport is seen as highly strategic, as JKIA functions as Kenya’s main international gateway and one of the largest centres for aviation fuel demand in the country.
The signing ceremony took place during a visit by French President Emmanuel Macron, with Kenya’s President William Ruto also present, as part of efforts to deepen economic and strategic cooperation between France and African partners.
Prior to this initiative, Africa’s sustainable aviation fuel industry was largely confined to small-scale pilot projects, certification efforts, and imported biofuel usage rather than full production facilities.
In earlier developments, South Africa’s Natref refinery obtained sustainability certification connected to SAF production pathways, while Kenya Airways has conducted test flights using imported sustainable aviation fuel.
Despite these steps, the continent has yet to host a fully operational, commercial-scale refinery dedicated solely to SAF production.
SAF reshapes aviation fuel use
Sustainable aviation fuel is increasingly regarded as a key solution in the global push to decarbonise the aviation industry.
It offers substantial reductions in lifecycle carbon emissions compared to traditional jet fuel and is becoming essential for airlines working to meet international climate commitments.
Unlike conventional Jet A1 fuel, SAF is derived from renewable feedstocks such as used cooking oil, agricultural residues, biomass, and other low-carbon materials instead of crude oil.
Jet A1 remains the dominant fossil-based aviation fuel globally, while SAF is designed as a cleaner alternative that can be blended with it and used in existing aircraft engines without requiring major modifications.
Depending on how it is produced, SAF can significantly lower overall carbon emissions across its lifecycle compared to standard aviation fuel.
The new refinery represents a major breakthrough for Africa’s aviation and clean energy ambitions, especially as the continent continues to depend heavily on imported jet fuel while trailing Europe and North America in SAF production capacity.
Africa’s aviation sector pushes toward greener fuel alternatives
The project reflects growing momentum across Africa toward greener aviation solutions, as governments and airlines respond to stricter global climate regulations and sustainability targets.
For Kenya Airways, the partnership could help reduce long-term fuel costs while strengthening its environmental credentials in an industry where fuel expenses account for a significant share of operating costs.
At the same time, the agreement expands France’s commercial involvement in Africa’s energy transition space, as European countries increasingly pursue deeper cooperation in sectors such as energy, infrastructure, logistics, and transport.
If successfully implemented, the refinery could establish East Africa as an early hub for SAF production, with potential to support future exports as global demand for sustainable aviation fuel continues to rise.