Cape Town, South Africa – A new era of African industrialisation and climate resilience is on the horizon, powered by green hydrogen. This was the powerful message shared at the inaugural Africa Green Hydrogen Summit, where leaders from across the continent gathered to forge a united path toward a cleaner, greener energy future.
Hosted in South Africa and attended by high-ranking dignitaries including H.E. President Cyril Ramaphosa, Minister of Electricity and Energy, Dr. Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, and Premier of the Western Cape, Mr. Alan Winde, the summit marked a significant evolution. What began in 2022 as a national platform to articulate South Africa’s green hydrogen vision has now grown into a continental mission, enabling African nations to take their place at the centre of the global green hydrogen movement.
Africa’s Natural Advantage
Africa holds a unique position in the green energy transition. With its abundant solar, wind, and hydropower resources, and vast tracts of undeveloped land, the continent is primed for large-scale renewable energy projects. These advantages offer the chance not only to decarbonise industries, but to stimulate inclusive economic growth, create millions of jobs, and open new avenues for trade and industrial development.
The Africa Green Hydrogen Alliance, which includes Egypt, Kenya, Mauritania, Morocco, Namibia, and South Africa, exemplifies continental cooperation. Together, Alliance members aim to produce between 30 to 60 million tonnes of green hydrogen by 2050, potentially creating up to 4 million new jobs. Projects like South Africa’s Coega Green Ammonia, Mauritania’s AMAN, and Morocco’s Project Nour are just some of over 50 large-scale developments already announced.
Progress on Policy and Infrastructure
South Africa has already committed more than R1.49 billion to the Hydrogen South Africa programme. Collaborative efforts with the European Union are fuelling projects such as Sasol’s HySHiFT programme, which aims to produce up to 400,000 tonnes of sustainable aviation fuel annually, anchoring demand for up to 20GW of green hydrogen.
Key reforms are being implemented to support these ambitions:
The South African Renewable Energy Masterplan aligns hydrogen development with local manufacturing and job creation.
An Independent Transmission Projects Office is accelerating the expansion of electricity infrastructure.
New wheeling regulations are enabling private power producers to service hydrogen projects efficiently.
Furthermore, exploratory work on naturally-occurring “white hydrogen” in Limpopo, Mpumalanga and Gauteng is underway—offering potential for a new, clean energy source if proven commercially viable.
Closing Gaps, Building Demand
Despite progress, challenges remain. High capital costs, financing barriers, and global investment biases are slowing the pace of project development across the continent. The summit highlighted the urgent need for:
Policy and regulatory certainty
Regional certification frameworks
Domestic demand stimulation
Cross-border hydrogen corridors and export platforms
The commitment of international partners is proving vital. For instance, Germany’s H2Global initiative has allocated one of four project lots specifically to Africa, ensuring offtake agreements that de-risk investments. A Joint Declaration of Intent between South Africa and Germany further supports green steel and fertiliser production for both regional and international markets.
A Platform of Commitments
As the International Energy Agency (IEA) tempers growth forecasts and urges realism, Africa’s leaders are embracing both the challenges and opportunities of this pivotal moment. The Africa Green Hydrogen Summit is a platform of ideas that calls those capable to action.
South Africa’s G20 Presidency prioritises just energy transitions as a catalyst for inclusive economic development. Green hydrogen is more than an energy source, it is a bridge to new industries, a driver of infrastructure investment, and a beacon of continental unity and progress.
As Africa rises to meet the urgency of climate change and industrial transformation, ISA reaffirms its commitment to enabling strategic infrastructure that supports green growth, regional integration, and economic justice.
Together, as Africans and as global partners, we are building the bridge to a sustainable future powered by hydrogen.
