IATA Sees Global South as Key to Aviation’s Green Future | By Joojo Maapa
The race to decarbonise global aviation is creating a multi-billion-dollar opportunity for Brazil, Ghana and other countries across the Global South, as airlines search for new sources of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) to meet ambitious net-zero emissions targets.
Speaking at the 82nd International Air Transport Association (IATA) Annual General Meeting in Rio de Janeiro, IATA officials said the future of green aviation could increasingly depend on countries with abundant agricultural resources, strong biofuel industries and the capacity to develop new energy value chains.
According to IATA, airlines will require approximately 500 million tonnes of SAF by 2050 to meet the industry’s net-zero carbon commitment. Yet global production remains extremely limited, creating a significant supply gap.
Brazil’s Natural Advantage
IATA believes Brazil is uniquely positioned to become a global leader in SAF production.
The country possesses one of the world’s largest biomass feedstock potentials, estimated at around 180 million tonnes by 2050, capable of generating about 60 million tonnes of SAF. By 2030 alone, Brazil could produce approximately 12 million tonnes of SAF, five times the estimated global output expected in 2026.
Brazil’s established ethanol industry, refining infrastructure and expertise in biofuel production provide a ready-made platform for scaling advanced SAF technologies, including ethanol-to-jet fuel pathways.
“Brazil has all the ingredients to be a global SAF powerhouse,” said IATA Director General Willie Walsh, noting that the opportunity could create jobs, strengthen energy security and reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels.
A Window of Opportunity for Ghana and Africa
While Brazil may currently lead the conversation, the wider African continent also possesses many of the same advantages.
Ghana and several African economies have abundant agricultural resources, significant biomass potential and large areas suitable for cultivating sustainable feedstocks that do not compete with food production.
As airlines increasingly demand SAF, countries capable of producing sustainable biofuels could become strategic suppliers to both African and international carriers.
For Ghana, the development of a SAF industry could complement ongoing efforts to position the country as a regional aviation hub while creating new opportunities in agriculture, manufacturing, logistics and export trade.
The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) could further strengthen these prospects by creating larger regional markets for sustainable energy products.
Airlines Need More SAF Than the Market Can Supply
One of the strongest signals emerging from the 82nd IATA AGM held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, is that demand for SAF is significantly outpacing supply.
Current global production remains insufficient to meet airline requirements, creating attractive investment conditions for countries willing to develop the necessary infrastructure and regulatory frameworks.
IATA says targeted policy incentives, financing mechanisms, investment in production facilities and internationally recognised sustainability standards will be essential to unlock growth.
The organisation also supports the development of book-and-claim systems and alignment with global programmes such as CORSIA to facilitate international SAF trade.
Building a New Aviation Economy
Beyond environmental benefits, the economic implications could be transformative.
A mature SAF industry would create value chains spanning agriculture, biomass cultivation, transport logistics, refining, advanced fuel production and exports. It could also generate skilled employment, strengthen rural economies and improve national energy resilience.
For Brazil, Ghana, and the wider Global South, the transition to sustainable aviation is increasingly becoming more than an environmental obligation. It represents a strategic industrial opportunity that could redefine these countries’ role in the future of global aviation while helping airlines achieve their climate commitments.
