Africa discards an estimated 170 million tons of agricultural waste, according to a recent report.
Despite being rich in agricultural resources, the continent faces a dual challenge: managing vast amounts of crop waste and contributing to global decarbonization efforts.
A UK-based startup, AfriSAF, is stepping up to address both by transforming Africa’s agricultural waste into sustainable aviation fuel (Saf).
This innovative approach not only offers a cleaner alternative to conventional jet fuel but also presents a significant economic opportunity for the continent.
AfriSAF aims to harness this untapped potential, turning an environmental burden into a valuable resource.
By converting this waste into Saf, the company projects a potential economic opportunity of up to $4.5bn.
This initiative aligns with global aviation’s ambitious target of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, with Saf expected to contribute significantly to this goal.
AfriSAF’s strategy involves creating a digital marketplace that connects African farmers, who are feedstock owners, with industrial buyers.
This comprehensive approach includes providing logistics and support services to foster a robust feedstock economy.
Their focus includes partnering with agricultural out-growers and commercial farmers to produce energy oil crops using intercropping and marginal land approaches, which comply with EU Annex IX A (Advanced Biofuels) under the Renewable Energy Directive.
AfriSAF’s supply chain model extends beyond transactions. It integrates data collection tools and pilot biodigesters to trace biomass availability—creating what Bekoe describes as an “intelligence layer” for Africa’s emerging clean-fuel economy
The broader impact of this initiative on African agriculture is substantial.
Beyond mitigating environmental challenges posed by agricultural waste, this venture offers a new, stable market for farmers, potentially boosting incomes and ensuring the continued use of existing farmland.
While challenges remain in scaling up production and securing substantial investment because of the high cost of constructing a large-scale SAF production facility (costing up to $380m), the shift towards SAF is gaining momentum globally.
Coordinated efforts between governments, industries, and financiers are crucial to overcome these cost barriers and accelerate the green transformation of aviation in Africa.
Regional strategy and scalability
First focused on Ghana, AfriSAF plans to extend its footprint to Kenya, Ethiopia, Uganda, Tanzania and South Africa. In Kenya, abundant resources like jatropha and castor oil seeds complement the strong renewable grid and climate suited for bioenergy
In Uganda and South Africa, AfriSAF is already forming partnerships—such as with a dairy co-operative and trials using invasive alien plants as SAF feedstock.
Future roadmap
Initially, AfriSAF will channel collected biomass into Alcohol‑to‑Jet (ATJ) SAF plants.
Longer term, it aims to advance into e‑SAF by integrating Africa’s vast solar and wind potential—and explore projects in desert regions like the Sahara for utility-scale fuel production
“If you take 2% of the land of the Sahara and cover that with solar panels, you produce enough SAF to provide for the world,” Bekoe notes.
In essence, AfriSAF is forging a path from environmental nuisance to economic engine—providing clean fuel, rural jobs, and climate benefits across the continent.
[…] a related development, The Bavijas Club recently reported that UK-based AfriSAF is pioneering a similar model in Africa by converting agricultural waste into […]