mapAfrica
Sustainable Aviation Fuel Costs Stall Africa’s Green Transition
As global aviation accelerates its shift to sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), Africa is struggling to keep pace due to prohibitive costs and limited infrastructure. The continent has only five SAF projects and a projected production capacity of just 0.6 million tonnes by 2030.
This leaves Africa sidelined in the industry’s green transition, as SAF currently costs two to three times more than conventional jet fuel—a burden that most African airlines cannot bear without substantial financial support. Jet fuel in Africa averages 17% more expensive than elsewhere, with taxes, fees, and financing costs also significantly higher. Despite these challenges, African air traffic is projected to double to 345 million passengers by 2043; yet, intra-African connectivity remains underdeveloped and dominated by non-African carriers.
Africa World Airlines Announces Fare Reductions and New Route
Africa World Airlines (AWA) will reduce airfares by the end of June 2025, aiming to make air travel more accessible. The airline, known for its strong safety record, also announced the launch of direct flights from Accra to Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, starting July 1, 2025. This new route is expected to enhance trade and partnerships between Ghana and Burkina Faso, offering passengers significant time savings and competitive fares starting at $290.
South African Airways Expands Domestic and Regional Network
South African Airways continues rebuilding its network post-restructuring, with plans to launch and revive several domestic and cross-border routes. The airline will resume flights to George and East London and relaunch the Durban–Cape Town route. Internationally, SAA will commence service between Johannesburg and Gaborone (Botswana) in October and introduce a seasonal route between Cape Town and Mauritius in November 2025. The pace of expansion is contingent upon aircraft availability, as SAA continues to rebuild its fleet following the resumption of operations in 2021.
Recognition for Africa’s Leading Low-Cost Carriers
FlySafair, a South African airline, has been named the Best Low-Cost Airline in Africa for 2025 by Skytrax, praised for its punctuality, efficient check-in, and customizable no-frills model. Other notable budget carriers include Lift and Fastjet, which are expanding regional connectivity. Ethiopian Airlines also retained its title as Best Airline in Africa for the seventh consecutive year, underscoring the strength of the continent’s top full-service carriers.
Advanced Air Mobility and Drone Innovation Spotlighted
The Aviation Africa 2025 Summit is highlighting the continent’s growing focus on advanced air mobility, including drones and electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft.
Drones are being used for medical deliveries, agriculture, wildlife conservation, disaster response, and infrastructure monitoring across several African countries. Urban centers like Lagos and Nairobi are exploring the use of drones and eVTOLs for logistics and congestion relief. The summit aims to move from policy to practical implementation, advancing regulatory clarity and readiness for advanced air mobility across Africa.
But like other markets, the business case for eVTOL is a work in progress. If this applies in places like the US, how much more so in Africa?
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