Togo Takes Steps Toward Greener Aviation with New SAF and Fuel‑Storage Agreements
On June 19, 2026, during the African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC) meeting and exhibition in Lomé, two strategic agreements were signed that could reshape the country’s aviation landscape. Togo Oil Company SA (T‑OIL) and Lomé‑Tokoin Airport Company (SALT) committed to introducing Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) at Gnassingbé Eyadéma International Airport (AIGE) and to building a 1,500 cubic‑meter Jet A1 fuel storage tank at the same facility.
Agreement One: Launching a Sustainable Aviation Fuel Supply Chain
The first pact focuses on establishing a local supply chain for SAF, a fuel derived from renewable feedstocks such as used cooking oil, agricultural residues, and municipal solid waste. According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), SAF can cut lifecycle carbon dioxide emissions by up to 80 percent compared with conventional jet kerosene1. IATA also projects that SAF could deliver nearly 65 percent of the emissions reductions required for the global aviation sector to reach net‑zero by 20502.
By integrating SAF into its fuel mix, Lomé would become one of the first West African airports to offer a low‑carbon alternative to airlines operating in the region. The initiative aligns with tightening international environmental standards—such as the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA)—and could enhance the airport’s attractiveness to carriers seeking to meet sustainability targets.
Beyond emissions cuts, the SAF program is expected to unlock financing for broader green‑industry projects in Togo. Development banks and climate‑focused investors often prioritize nations that demonstrate concrete steps toward renewable energy adoption, potentially spurring job creation in feedstock collection, processing, and logistics.
Agreement Two: Expanding Jet‑A1 Storage Capacity
The second agreement outlines the construction of a 1,500 cubic‑meter Jet A1 fuel storage tank at AIGE. This infrastructure upgrade aims to:
- Strengthen the security and reliability of aviation fuel supplies for both domestic and international flights.
- Support the anticipated growth in air traffic, which the African Development Bank forecasts will rise by an average of 5.4 percent annually across West Africa through 20303.
- Enable the airport to handle larger aircraft and increased flight frequencies without fuel‑logistics bottlenecks.
Officials say the tank will also reinforce Lomé’s role as a regional logistics hub, facilitating smoother connections between West African markets and global trade routes.
Government Perspective and Strategic Vision
Robert Koffi Messan Eklo, Togo’s Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources, highlighted the agreements as a direct reflection of national leadership’s ambitions.
“It is a striking example of the vision of the President of the Council, who has instructed us to make every effort to continue positioning the country and this airport in particular among the leading hubs in the sub‑region and even on the continent.”
The minister emphasized that the initiatives are part of a broader governmental strategy to balance economic development, logistics performance, and environmental sustainability—a triad frequently cited in Togo’s national development plan (Plan National de Développement 2025‑2030).
Why This Matters for Togo and the Region
Experts note that early adoption of SAF can provide a competitive edge for airports seeking to attract environmentally conscious airlines. A 2024 study by the Air Transport Action Group found that airports offering SAF incentives saw a 12 percent increase in premium‑carrier landings over two years4. Moreover, bolstered fuel storage capacity reduces the risk of supply disruptions, which can cause costly delays and affect an airport’s reputation for reliability.
By moving forward on both fronts—Togo is addressing immediate operational needs while laying groundwork for long‑term decarbonization. The dual approach demonstrates how infrastructure investment and sustainability initiatives can be pursued in tandem, a lesson that may be replicated by other nations in the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) seeking to modernize their aviation sectors.
Looking Ahead
Implementation timelines have not been publicly disclosed, but stakeholders indicate that feasibility studies for the SAF supply chain will commence in the third quarter of 2026, with pilot blends expected by late 2027. The Jet A1 tank construction is slated to begin shortly after the signing, aiming for completion within 18 months.
As Togo advances these projects, continued transparency, stakeholder engagement, and adherence to international safety and environmental standards will be critical to building trust among airlines, investors, and the traveling public.
1 International Air Transport Association, “Sustainable Aviation Fuel: Fact Sheet,” 2023.
2 IATA, “Net‑Zero Aviation by 2050: The Role of SAF,” 2022.
3 African Development Bank, “African Economic Outlook 2024,” Chapter on Transport.
4 Air Transport Action Group, “Incentivizing SAF Use at Airports,” 2024.
