Member Countries of AFCAC Set the Tone at the 3rd ICAO Conference in Dubai
Published: Wednesday, 22 November 2023 20:55
The second day of the conference focused on the initiatives and policies of states for sustainable aviation fuels, Low-Carbon Aviation Fuels (LCAF), and cleaner energies for aviation. The voice of Africa was heard through Cameroon, which presented the viewpoint of the African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC) member countries on November 21, 2023, in Dubai. 
Since the beginning of the conference, it has been clear that work on these SAF and LCAF issues in Africa has not yet begun in earnest. However, in October 2022, governments committed to starting the energy transition with new fuels worldwide. The urgent need to support the production of Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) in Africa was emphasized during the conference.
On behalf of CAFAC, Cameroon reiterated the need for harmonious and balanced policies to promote the development and deployment of SAF and LCAF (Low Carbon Aviation Fuels) in Africa while considering the specific characteristics of developing countries. The wish is that Africa should not be seen solely as a source of raw materials, while SAF and LCAF are produced elsewhere. The group expressed their wish for Africa to also engage in producing SAF and LCAF locally.
Nigeria also pointed out that transitioning to clean energy sources could be achieved by developing and harmonizing policies, attracting necessary funding, building human capacity, and mobilizing resources to build production industries.
After the presentations, each country was allowed to express their opinion. Before this, the conference elected a chairman and two vice-chairs. The experts gathered in Dubai will continue to follow the working notes of the states until Friday, November 24, 2023, the closing date of the conference.
Translation
Mireille GALABE
