Kenya Airways and Rubis Energy Kenya Partner to Develop Africa’s First Dedicated Sustainable Aviation Fuel Refinery

Kenya Airways and Rubis Energy Kenya have signed a landmark agreement to develop Africa’s first dedicated sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) refinery, marking a major step toward cleaner aviation and energy transition on the continent.

The agreement was announced during the official visit of French President Emmanuel Macron to Kenya, underscoring the growing international collaboration around climate-focused infrastructure and green energy investment in Africa.

Project Overview and Capacity

The proposed facility is expected to:

• Produce approximately 32,000 metric tons of SAF annually
• Require an estimated investment of $70.5 million to $82.2 million
• Serve as a regional hub for sustainable aviation fuel production in Africa

Once operational, the refinery would significantly reduce reliance on imported SAF, which currently dominates Africa’s limited supply chain.

Advancing Africa’s Aviation Decarbonization

Sustainable aviation fuel is widely regarded as one of the most important pathways for reducing carbon emissions in the aviation sector. Unlike conventional jet fuel, SAF is produced from renewable feedstocks and can significantly lower lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions.

The partnership between Kenya Airways and Rubis Energy Kenya positions Kenya as a pioneer in Africa’s transition toward greener aviation infrastructure.

Strengthening Local Production Capacity

Currently, Africa’s SAF market remains in an early stage of development, with most supply dependent on imports and small-scale pilot projects. The absence of large-scale domestic production has limited the continent’s ability to integrate SAF into mainstream aviation operations.

The new refinery is expected to address this gap by:

• Building domestic production capacity
• Reducing import dependency
• Supporting aviation industry decarbonization goals
• Creating a scalable model for other African countries

Strategic Investment and International Collaboration

With an estimated cost ranging between $70.5 million and $82.2 million, the project represents a significant investment in Africa’s green energy future.

The involvement of international stakeholders during the announcement highlights growing global interest in Africa’s renewable energy and sustainable infrastructure sectors, particularly in aviation and transport decarbonization.

Positioning Kenya as a Regional Green Aviation Hub

Kenya has increasingly positioned itself as a leader in climate action and green innovation in Africa. The SAF refinery project further strengthens this position by aligning aviation development with sustainability goals and international climate commitments.

Industry analysts believe the project could establish Kenya as a regional hub for sustainable aviation fuel production, potentially serving airlines across East Africa and beyond.

Conclusion

The partnership between Kenya Airways and Rubis Energy Kenya to develop Africa’s first dedicated SAF refinery represents a major milestone in the continent’s energy transition journey.

As Africa continues to expand its aviation sector, the project signals a shift toward cleaner, locally produced fuel alternatives that could reshape the future of sustainable air transport across the region.