News

With the energy transition gaining pace, Africa’s potential to become a global hub for low-carbon hydrogen is drawing increasing attention. Abundant renewable resources and deepening international partnerships position the continent as a future leader in green hydrogen. In the lead-up to African Energy Week (AEW) 2025: Invest in African Energies, focus is turning to what this opportunity could mean for Africa’s industrialization, energy access and competitiveness on the global stage.

According to the African Energy Chamber’s (AEC) State of African Energy 2025 Outlook Report, Africa could supply up to 10% of the world’s green hydrogen demand by 2050. Unlocking this potential, however, will depend on coordinated investment, enabling regulation and robust regional infrastructure.

Flagship Projects Signal Long-Term Promise

Major projects across the continent are establishing Africa’s role in reshaping the global hydrogen economy. In North Africa, the SoutH2 Corridor – a €13-billion, 3,300-km green hydrogen pipeline linking Algeria and Tunisia to Italy – stands as one of Africa’s most advanced infrastructure projects. With capacity targets of up to four million tons annually by 2030, this EU-backed corridor is poised to become a vital channel for exporting decarbonized fuels to Europe.

In Southern Africa, both South Africa and Namibia are positioning themselves as early leaders. South Africa’s Hydrogen Valley and its Green Hydrogen National Program are laying the foundation for a complete hydrogen value chain. Namibia’s $10-billion Hyphen project, located in the Tsau // Khaeb National Park, aims to become one of the world’s largest green hydrogen hubs, targeting two million tons of green ammonia per year by 2030.

West Africa is also making strides. Mauritania, leveraging exceptional solar and wind potential, is pursuing one of the world’s most ambitious hydrogen strategies. The $40-billion AMAN project, developed in partnership with CWP, plans 30 GW of installed renewable capacity to produce 1.7 million tons of green hydrogen annually. Supported by additional initiatives like Chariot’s Project Nour and GreenGo’s Megaton Moon, Mauritania is targeting 1.5% of the global hydrogen market by 2050 – underpinned by the world’s first national hydrogen law.

Investment Outlook: Bridging Vision and Delivery

Africa’s hydrogen future hinges on timely infrastructure deployment, harmonized policy and rising global demand. By 2030, green hydrogen production could exceed 10 million tons annually, supported by over 100 GW of planned wind and solar capacity. Job creation is another compelling benefit – Namibia alone projects up to 600,000 new jobs by 2040.

Downstream applications are critical to this trajectory. Green hydrogen is expected to fuel industrial sectors such as steel, chemicals, and fertilizer, while advancing decarbonization in heavy transport and power generation. For Africa, this means not just export gains, but also the potential to build domestic industrial capacity – provided infrastructure and financing align.

AEW 2025: A Platform for Progress

As African nations advance efforts to commercialize their hydrogen potential, AEW 2025: Invest in African Energies – taking place in Cape Town from September 29 to October 3 – will serve as a key platform for regional dialogue, investment promotion and technology collaboration. The event will feature dedicated sessions on hydrogen corridors, infrastructure financing and sector integration, convening public and private stakeholders to shape Africa’s hydrogen future.

Ensuring inclusive and sustainable development remains essential. In its 2025 report, the AEC emphasizes that green hydrogen strategies must be integrated into national development agendas – prioritizing local value chains, workforce development and energy access. If these elements are realized, green hydrogen could become a cornerstone of Africa’s industrial and low-carbon transformation.

AEW: Invest in African Energies is the platform of choice for project operators, financiers, technology providers and government, and has emerged as the official place to sign deals in African energy. Visit www.aecweek.com for more information about this exciting event.