Festus Keyamo, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, highlighted the crucial role of a robust aviation sector in Africa’s economy at the Third ICAO Conference on Aviation and Alternative Fuels in Dubai.
He emphasized the need for Global Aviation Stakeholders to coordinate efforts in developing Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF). Keyamo stressed that Africa’s vast landmass necessitates a strong aviation system for efficient movement of people and goods, supporting socio-economic development and integration.
Addressing the commitment to African aviation growth, Keyamo mentioned that efforts, led by AFCAC, aim to accelerate the development and deployment of SAF and other cleaner energy sources.
The minister underlined the importance of environmental sustainability and climate change mitigation in the continent’s aviation plans, aligning with the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the Single African Air Transport Market.
Looking towards the future, Keyamo urged global aviation stakeholders to collaborate in achieving the collective goal of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. He emphasized the need for a global framework addressing the affordability, reliability, and availability of SAF/LCAF (Low Carbon Aviation Fuels), considering their potential impact on airfares.
Keyamo advocated for an inclusive approach, ensuring that no region is left behind in developing and deploying cleaner energy for aviation. Additionally, he highlighted the necessity for accessible financing, technology transfers, and capacity building, especially for developing countries, in alignment with the principle of “no country left behind.”
