Financing aviation decarbonisation is emerging as one of the most contentious issues ahead of ICAO Aviation Climate Week 2026.
While developed countries are investing billions in hydrogen propulsion research and next-generation aircraft technology, African carriers are still grappling with high operational costs and currency volatility.
The ICAO Finvest Hub, expected to feature prominently at the Montréal summit, aims to unlock funding for sustainable aviation initiatives.
Dr. Gabriel Olowo, President of Sabre Network Africa, said African states must strengthen project preparation frameworks to attract green aviation financing.
“Investors will not fund vague ideas. We need bankable, measurable decarbonisation projects,” he said.
A senior official at Nigeria’s Ministry of Environment confirmed that inter-ministerial discussions were ongoing to align aviation decarbonisation strategies with broader climate finance mechanisms.
“We are integrating aviation into Nigeria’s updated Nationally Determined Contributions,” the official said.
Experts warn that without strong institutional coordination, Africa could miss out on funding opportunities being developed under ICAO’s climate architecture.
Olowo concluded, “Climate financing is competitive. Africa must show readiness.”
By Oladokun Gbemisola & Ogundele Fawas
