SA’s Ramaphosa opens Africa’s first green hydrogen summit in Cape Town

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa delivered the keynote address at the inaugural Africa Green Hydrogen Summit held at the Century City Conference Centre on Thursday, urging African countries to shape a continent-led green hydrogen agenda and secure their place in the global energy transition. Ramaphosa emphasized the importance of leveraging Africa’s abundant renewable resources, such as solar and wind, to produce green hydrogen, create jobs, and drive industrial growth. He projected that the sector could generate between two to four million jobs by 2050 and called for Africa to move from raw material extraction to value-added production.

South African Energy Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa echoed these sentiments, saying that green hydrogen is a “strategic enabler” for structural transformation. Highlighting its potential to decarbonize heavy industries, unlock skills, and foster new value chains, Ramokgopa underlined that energy reform is essential for unlocking jobs, industrialisation, and a sustainable green economy in South Africa and across Africa.

The summit theme, “Unlocking Africa’s Green Hydrogen Potential for Sustainable Growth,” drew over 200 delegates, including energy ministers, investors, researchers, and industry leaders. Discussions focused on investment strategies, technology deployment, standards setting, and Africa’s competitive role in the global hydrogen supply chain. Ramaphosa pointed to over 52 large-scale green hydrogen projects already announced in countries like South Africa, Morocco, and Mauritania, with ambitions to produce between 30 to 60 million tonnes annually by 2050.

Africa’s transition to green hydrogen comes amid broader climate commitments and economic priorities. With a $300 billion market opportunity and growing EU investment, such as a recent $35 million grant, African countries are stepping into a leadership role in clean energy. However, successful implementation hinges on regulatory reform, infrastructure investment, and intra-African collaboration