By Baboloki Semele: In a landmark move set to redefine the continent’s energy landscape, the African Energy Commission (AFREC) of the African Union, in partnership with the African Refiners & Distributors Association (ARDA), has launched a roadmap to develop a harmonised Clean Fuel Standard for Africa.
The initiative was officially unveiled during a high-level virtual kickoff meeting held this month, bringing together key stakeholders from across the continent. The goal: to establish a unified standard for gasoline and diesel fuel quality, crucial in a region where fuel regulations vary drastically from country to country. Mr. Ocitti Bob Felix, Senior Policy Officer for Oil and Gas at AFREC, highlighted the urgent need for this harmonisation. “Africa currently permits a wide range of sulfur content in fuels—diesel ranges from 10 to 10,000 parts per million (ppm), and gasoline from 10 to 2,500 ppm,” he said. These inconsistencies not only jeopardise public health and the environment but also create bottlenecks for cross-border trade and industrial growth.
Drawing inspiration from the European Union and United Kingdom’s strict sulfur cap of 10 ppm, Africa now aims to align with these global benchmarks. The adoption of a continent-wide clean fuel standard is expected to significantly reduce air pollution and related respiratory illnesses, while also contributing to climate goals outlined in the Paris Agreement. This clean fuel standard roadmap builds upon the African Common Position on Energy Access and Just Transition, adopted by African leaders in July 2022. The policy framework champions universal energy access, a diversified energy mix, and climate-friendly industrialisation.
Ocitti stressed that the harmonisation initiative “is not just about environmental benefits—it’s a lever for economic integration and industrial growth across Africa.”
The roadmap also dovetails with the objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which is now ratified by 48 of the 54 African Union Member States as of August 2024. A harmonised fuel standard would enable smoother, more efficient trade in refined petroleum products across African borders.
With Africa’s demand for refined petroleum expected to surge to 5.1 million barrels per day by 2040, the region faces a critical need for coordinated refining efforts. Eastern Africa, for instance, meets only 5% of its demand through local refineries despite having abundant crude oil resources.
AFREC announced that throughout 2025, it will collaborate with ARDA to engage national focal points and technical working groups in drafting and refining the continent-wide clean fuel policy. These teams will ensure that proposed standards are both technically sound and economically viable for member states.
The harmonised Clean Fuel Standard is expected to serve as a cornerstone policy for sustainable development, health improvement, and regional economic transformation. AFREC reaffirmed its commitment to supporting member states in adopting and implementing cleaner, standardised fuel regulations. As Ocitti put it, “Africa has the resources, the policy frameworks, and now the collective will to drive this transition.”
This initiative marks a pivotal step forward, not only for environmental health but for Africa’s economic sovereignty and global competitiveness in the energy sector.