Almot Maqolo, Staff Writer 
ZIMBABWE used 70,1 million litres of Jet A1 fuel in the first nine months of 2024, marking a 19 percent increase from the 59,07 million litres used during the same period in 2023, according to data from the Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (Zera).
Jet A1 is a type of aviation fuel designed for aircraft equipped with compression ignition or turbine engines.
The increased consumption reflects a boost in Zimbabwe’s aviation sector, likely linked to economic growth.
In September 2024, the country’s Jet A1 fuel consumption rose to 8,39 million litres, a 33 percent increase from the 6,3 million litres consumed in the same month of 2023. The surge in flights suggests heightened trade, tourism, and business activities, enhancing connectivity within and beyond Zimbabwe, fostering regional integration, and promoting economic opportunities.
April 2024 recorded the highest diesel consumption of the year, at 8,6 million litres. The average Jet A1 consumption for 2024 stood at 7,78 million litres, compared to 6,56 million litres in 2023.
While this growth indicates economic progress and improved connectivity, it also underscores the rising demand for fossil fuels, which has significant environmental implications. The aviation sector remains a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, and increased fuel consumption exacerbates the global climate crisis.
Zimbabwe is exploring the establishment of a Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) plant at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport. This facility aims to serve as a regional hub for the production and supply of SAF, a biofuel with properties similar to conventional jet fuel but with a smaller carbon footprint.
A feasibility study conducted by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) in 2023 identified Zimbabwe as having strong potential for SAF production. Speaking at a recent workshop on SAF promotion, the deputy minister of Transport, Joshua Sacco, said Zimbabwe is ready to become a SAF producer.
“We are moving on to the business plan stage, examining the finer details to determine if establishing a SAF plant makes financial sense for Zimbabwe,” said Sacco.
“Given our geographical location within the SADC region, we are ideally positioned to produce SAF, fuelling both local and regional airlines as we work to reduce our carbon footprint.”
Sacco emphasised that SAF production would benefit the economy by stimulating upstream and downstream industries, including small-scale farming and product processing, while attracting more airlines to the country.
“Ultimately, the vision is for Harare’s Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport to become the regional hub for SAF fuelling and supply,” he added.
Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe (CAAZ) board chairperson, Nonkosi Ncube, described the initiative as a positive step.
“Currently, our aviation fuel is not environmentally friendly. This move demonstrates progress, and as CAAZ, we play a pivotal role in this transition,” she stated.
ICAO representative César Velarde noted that the organisation’s feasibility study identified viable feedstock and technological options for Zimbabwe.
“We are now in the second stage, focusing on a business implementation study,” he said.
“This involves narrowing down the options identified earlier and pinpointing potential SAF production projects.”
Globally, the total aviation fuel bill for 2024 is estimated at approximately US$291 billion, an increase of about US$100 billion compared to the previous year.
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