Côte d’Ivoire is exploring plans to produce sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) from agricultural resources, particularly cassava, with initial local production targeted for 2028-2029, according to findings presented by the National Civil Aviation Authority (ANAC).
The feasibility study was presented in Abidjan on September 3, 2026, as the country seeks to develop a domestic supply chain for lower-carbon aviation fuel.
Cassava-derived ethanol is among the main options under consideration, while cashew nuts have also been examined as a potential feedstock. Sustainable aviation fuels can be produced from biomass and waste materials and are designed to reduce aviation’s reliance on conventional fossil-based jet fuel.
One option being prioritised is co-processing at the Société Ivoirienne de Raffinage (SIR), Côte d’Ivoire’s oil refinery. Using existing infrastructure could help limit the initial investment required compared with building a dedicated production facility.
The initiative is being developed under the International Civil Aviation Organization’s ACT-SAF programme, with support from France. The programme helps countries assess the feasibility of producing and deploying sustainable aviation fuels.
Côte d’Ivoire’s agricultural resources could provide a basis for developing the industry, but turning that potential into commercial production will require further technical and regulatory work.
Key challenges include securing certification for the fuel, organising the collection and transport of agricultural residues, establishing an appropriate regulatory framework and creating a national structure to oversee the sector.
Edi Abé Valère, co-founder of Edindia Industry, has previously been associated with efforts to convert cassava residues into bioethanol. An International Civil Aviation Organization study published in 2023 identified the company among local producers and highlighted the potential for bioethanol to be converted into aviation fuel. However, its role as a supplier to the project announced in 2026 has not been confirmed.
The proposed initiative comes as the aviation industry faces increasing pressure to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Sustainable aviation fuel can help lower emissions compared with conventional jet fuel, although the overall benefit depends on how the fuel is produced and the resources used.
The 2028-2029 target remains a projection rather than a confirmed production date. The project’s progress will depend on the outcome of feasibility work, the availability of feedstock, investment decisions and the ability to meet aviation fuel standards.
If implemented, the initiative could create new links between Côte d’Ivoire’s agricultural sector and aviation industry. For now, the country is still working to establish the conditions needed to move from a feasibility study to commercial production.