Sustainability in African Airports and A Just Transition

This study explored Airports Council International (ACI) Africa and its member airports can strengthen policy design and implementation to foster environmentally sustainable and socially just transitions. The study specifically focused on analyzing current sustainability initiatives in African airports, analyzing the potential for renewable energy integration, investigating the socio-economic impacts of sustainable practices, evaluating policy frameworks, exploring stakeholder engagement, and examining challenges and opportunities for a just transition.  The study was anchored on the just transition and sustainability theory, which advocate for environmentally responsible development that ensures equity and inclusion. A comparative case study design was employed, focusing on four major African airports: Johannesburg OR Tambo (South Africa), Mombasa Moi (Kenya), and Félix-Houphouët-Boigny International Airport in Abidjan (Ivory Coast). Secondary data collection was primarily through document analysis, including policy documents, sustainability reports, and academic literature.  A thematic analysis approach was used to identify patterns and themes across the data, with a focus on governance, policy, stakeholder engagement, and financial mechanisms. The study findings indicated that, while there are efforts to adopt sustainable practices, many African airports still face significant challenges, including limited funding, outdated infrastructure, and insufficient policy frameworks. Renewable energy adoption and circular economy practices were identified as key opportunities for reducing carbon footprints, but progress was hindered by financial and institutional barriers.  The study results also highlighted the importance of stakeholder engagement in promoting sustainability, with varying levels of involvement from local communities, governments, and private sectors. Based on the study findings, it was recommended that it was crucial to enhance stakeholder engagement, prioritize renewable energy adoption and implement circular economy practices in African airports. The study recommends that the airports should focus on developing comprehensive sustainability policies, strengthening regulatory frameworks, and promoting a just transition that ensures equitable outcomes for workers and communities. The study also recommends investigating the long-term impact of renewable energy adoption on airport operations and financial sustainability since it is vital for scaling green initiatives across African airports. Keywords: Climate Change, Just Transition, Sustainability