SADC – Harmonization of Low Sulphur Fuel Standards and Regional Clean Air Cooperation

RATIONALE

This project supported the organization of a regional clean air workshop aimed at strengthening cooperation among SADC Member States and advancing the harmonization of low sulphur fuel standards across the region. The initiative responded to increasing demand from countries to address air pollution and its linkages with climate change, particularly in the transport sector.

Air pollution remains one of the leading environmental health risks in Africa, responsible for approximately one million premature deaths annually. Rapid urbanization, rising motorization rates, and continued reliance on high-emitting fuels and vehicles are further exacerbating air quality challenges across the region.

At the same time, fragmented policies and uneven implementation of fuel and vehicle standards across countries limit the effectiveness of national actions. A harmonized regional approach is therefore essential to prevent the importation of high-emitting vehicles and fuels, strengthen enforcement, and unlock economies of scale for cleaner technologies.

The project builds on ongoing regional efforts led by the SADC Secretariat and UNEP, including the development of draft harmonized fuel standards, as well as the broader Africa Clean Air Programme (ACAP)—for which Madagascar is playing a leading role—which promotes integrated action across key sectors such as transport, energy, waste, and agriculture.

ACTIVITIES

Outcome 1: Strengthened regional cooperation and alignment on air quality and clean transport policies in the SADC region

• Output 1.1: Regional workshop convened bringing together SADC Member States, technical experts, and partners to discuss air quality and fuel standards
• Output 1.2: Key regional priorities and recommendations identified to strengthen cooperation under ACAP and related frameworks
• Output 1.3: Linkages established between regional initiatives (ACAP, Lusaka Agreement, SADC processes) to improve policy coherence

Outcome 2: Progress achieved towards the adoption of harmonized low sulphur fuel standards in the SADC region

• Output 2.1: Draft harmonized diesel and gasoline standards reviewed and refined by SADCSTAN technical committees
• Output 2.2: Consensus reached on key parameters, including transition toward ultra-low sulphur fuels (10 ppm)
• Output 2.3: Roadmap agreed for finalization, circulation, and adoption of standards across Member States

Outcome 3: Regional roadmap and recommendations developed to support clean air action and policy implementation

• Output 3.1: Recommendations formulated for SADC Summit and high-level political engagement
• Output 3.2: Inputs developed for the revision and strengthening of the Lusaka Agreement on air pollution
• Output 3.3: Priority actions identified across sectors (transport, energy, waste, agriculture) aligned with ACAP

Outcome 4: Increased awareness and momentum for clean air and sustainable transport action in the SADC region

• Output 4.1: Multi-stakeholder engagement strengthened across governments, technical institutions, and partners
• Output 4.2: Evidence and messaging on health, climate, and economic co-benefits of clean air promoted
• Output 4.3: Opportunities identified for scaling up investment and technical support for clean transport solutions