- A strategic potential in Africa
- An opportunity in the face of global challenges
- Three keys for Moroccan momentum
With its enormous potential in renewable energies and its assertive ambition in terms of green hydrogen, Morocco aspires to establish itself as a key player in the ecological transition of air transport. A recent study by Boston Consulting Group (BCG) reveals how the kingdom can transform sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) into a real industrial and strategic asset at the regional level.
In a context where the global aeronautical industry actively seeks to reduce its carbon footprint, SAF appear as an essential technological solution. However, their adoption progresses slowly. Despite a growth of 1,150 % of the supply over the past three years, these fuels only represented 0.3 % of the total used in 2024.
A strategic potential in Africa
According to the BCG study entitled “Sustainable Aviation Fuels Need A Fast Takeoff” (sustainable fuels for aviation need faster takeoff), the country has a unique combination of assets: Abundance of renewable resources, advanced airport infrastructure, privileged geographical position at the gates of Europe and strong commitment to green hydrogen.
“The kingdom has all the ingredients to become a key player in their own aviation,” says Émile Detry, managing director and partner of BCG in Casablanca. Indeed, in a sector still marked by prudence (two thirds of the companies questioned by BCG prefer to observe before acting), Morocco is distinguished by its ability to anticipate major industrial transformations.
Investing today in SAFs would not only contribute to the decarbonization of air transport, but also to strengthen the country’s energy sovereignty, to stimulate sustainable green growth and to create qualified jobs in the technological and industrial sectors.
- An opportunity in the face of global challenges
The report also highlights a disturbing paradox: while 80 % of companies say they are confident in their ability to achieve the SAF objectives for 2030, only 14 % consider themselves really prepared. In addition, current investments are unbalanced: if developers and manufacturers are committed, airlines and airports remain reluctant.
This imbalance opens a window of opportunity for agile savings and turned towards the future. By creating a favorable ecosystem based on tax incentives, green funding and strategic alliances, Morocco can position itself as a privileged destination for investments in SAF and benefit from an industrial training effect.
Three keys for Moroccan momentum
To transform this potential into a tangible advantage, BCG identifies three essential levers of action : articulate a common roadmap between public and private actors, similar to European mandates which oblige to integrate SAF into the energy mix of the sector; Launching industrial pilot projects, taking advantage of the country’s logistics poles and in collaboration with international technological partners; And create an attractive environment for investments, thanks to mechanisms such as fixing carbon prices, long -term purchase contracts and rapid access to climate financing.
Although the production of SAF, in particular those based on electronic fuels such as green hydrogen and captured carbon, remains expensive, their adoption will become inevitable over time. In this regard, countries that will position themselves early will benefit from decisive advantages of scale.
The study concludes that by positioning itself as a pioneer in the production and adoption of SAF, Morocco can not only take a step ahead of its neighbors, but also strengthen its energy autonomy in a strategic sector and project a modern image and committed for the future of the planet.
