Air Côte d’Ivoire, AfDB Explore Aircraft Finance and SAF

Air Côte d’Ivoire and the African Development Bank have signed a Letter of Intent to explore cooperation across aircraft financing, aviation training, and sustainable aviation initiatives, marking a step toward strengthening airline capacity and infrastructure in West Africa. The agreement reflects a broader effort to modernize the region’s aviation sector while improving access to capital and skills development.

The LOI was signed in Abidjan on January 23 by Laurent Loukou, chief executive of Air Côte d’Ivoire, and Mike Salawou, director for infrastructure and urban development at the African Development Bank. The two parties said the collaboration will initially focus on assessing viable financing solutions to support aircraft acquisition and fleet renewal for the Ivorian carrier.

Beyond aircraft funding, the agreement also covers potential cooperation on pilot and technician training. One area under consideration is the creation of a regional aviation training center in West Africa, aimed at building local expertise for pilots, engineers, and maintenance professionals. Such a facility could help address long-standing skills shortages in the African aviation industry, while reducing reliance on overseas training programs.

Sustainability is another key pillar of the partnership. Air Côte d’Ivoire and the AfDB plan to explore initiatives related to sustainable aviation fuel, as airlines across Africa face growing pressure to reduce emissions while managing rising operating costs. Although SAF production and supply remain limited on the continent, the parties see early engagement as essential to positioning African carriers for future regulatory and environmental requirements.

Commenting on the agreement, Loukou said the approach would improve access to affordable financing for African airlines’ fleet expansion and renewal, while supporting the transition toward greener aviation. He described the initiative as a comprehensive framework that addresses both operational growth and long-term sustainability.

The African Development Bank characterized the LOI as an early milestone under its Integrated Aviation Transformation Programme, which aims to modernize Africa’s aviation ecosystem through infrastructure investment, policy reform, skills development, and environmental initiatives. The bank has increasingly positioned aviation as a critical enabler of economic integration, trade, and tourism across the continent.

The partnership also aligns with several continental policy frameworks, including the African Union’s Agenda 2063, the Single African Air Transport Market, and the African Continental Free Trade Area. These initiatives seek to liberalize air transport, boost intra-African connectivity, and strengthen regional value chains. The agreement is further consistent with the AfDB’s 2024–2033 strategy, which emphasizes sustainable infrastructure and private sector development.

For Air Côte d’Ivoire, the collaboration comes as the airline continues to expand its regional network from Abidjan and evaluates future fleet needs. Access to structured financing, local training capacity, and sustainability expertise could play a significant role in supporting its long-term growth strategy while contributing to the broader transformation of African aviation.

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Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com