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By Uche Usim
Global aviation fuel supply chains are undergoing a major structural shift as airlines, refiners and logistics operators increasingly turn to Africa to reduce dependence on traditional fuel transit routes amid persistent geopolitical and supply chain risks.
The development was a major theme at the recently concluded International Air Transport Association (IATA) Aviation Energy Forum in Paris and the African Airlines Association (AFRAA) Stakeholders Convention in Johannesburg, where industry leaders highlighted growing vulnerabilities in global fuel distribution networks.
Analysts said a combination of post-pandemic recovery pressures, rising maritime insurance costs and recurring disruptions in global trade routes has exposed weaknesses in long-established energy supply systems.
Although the June 2026 Memorandum of Understanding between the United States and Iran is expected to ease tensions around the Strait of Hormuz and provide temporary stability to energy markets, experts warned that the broader lesson from recent disruptions is the need for more diversified and resilient supply chains.
Data presented at the summits showed that several Western economies are increasingly looking toward African refining capacity to secure fuel supplies and strengthen operational continuity.
According to discussions at the IATA Energy Forum, Europe continues to face significant constraints in jet fuel distribution. Italy imports about 30 per cent of its jet fuel requirements, while major logistics centres, including Germany’s Leipzig cargo hub, are operating within increasingly stretched supply networks. With pipeline infrastructure in several parts of Europe running near capacity, aviation stakeholders called for accelerated diversification of fuel sourcing and distribution channels.
The shift coincides with the growing prominence of Nigeria’s Dangote Refinery, which emerged in April as the world’s largest exporter of jet fuel. Industry observers say the refinery’s rising output, combined with supply disruptions in parts of the Middle East, is helping reshape global energy trade flows.
Speaking on the sidelines of both events, Chartered Marketer and B2B energy strategy consultant, Modupe Ladipo, said recent geopolitical developments should not distract companies from addressing underlying supply chain vulnerabilities.
“The U.S.-Iran agreement may provide temporary relief, but the fundamental fragility of the Western supply chain has been exposed,” Ladipo said.
“Africa is no longer just catching up. It has demonstrated that it can serve as a reliable aviation fuel supply hub during periods of international disruption.”
Despite the growing importance of African refining capacity, stakeholders noted that the continent still faces major structural challenges in aviation.
IATA projections indicate that Africa will account for a significant share of future aviation growth, supported by a rapidly expanding population that represents about 19 per cent of the world’s total.
However, the continent currently accounts for only 2.9 per cent of global air traffic.
AFRAA data presented in Johannesburg showed that airline profitability across the region remains under pressure, with average net profit estimated at just $1.30 per passenger.
Industry experts attributed the low profitability partly to limited intra-African connectivity, restrictive visa regimes, infrastructure bottlenecks and high passenger taxes imposed to fund airport development projects.
According to AFRAA, intra-African air connectivity remains below desired levels, restricting business mobility and slowing regional economic integration.
To address these challenges, African transport ministers and representatives of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) called for stronger regional cooperation and investment in refining and aviation fuel infrastructure.
Participants also reiterated support for the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM), a flagship African Union initiative aimed at liberalising air transport across the continent, although implementation challenges remain.
While discussions at the IATA forum focused on emerging technologies, including biometrics and Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) initiatives, AFRAA delegates stressed that immediate priorities for African airlines remain improved coordination, liquidity support and operational efficiency.
Industry stakeholders concluded that integrating African refining and fuel supply corridors into global aviation networks is becoming increasingly important as airlines seek to reduce exposure to geopolitical disruptions and strengthen long-term energy security.
