The South Africa Green Hydrogen Summit 2025 took place from 12 to 13 June at the Century City Conference Centre & Hotel in Cape Town, bringing together high-level government officials, international partners, and industry leaders to shape Africa’s role in the global green hydrogen economy.

The Summit was officially opened by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, whose address emphasized green hydrogen as a national strategic priority for industrialisation, energy security, and job creation. The South African Minister of Electricity and Energy, Dr. Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, and the Premier of the Western Cape, Alan Winde, also underlined the government’s strong support for building a competitive local hydrogen economy under the motto ‘From PowerPoint to Gigawatt‘

One of the highlights was the launch of the African Green Hydrogen Report, presenting a continent-wide perspective on project pipelines, investment needs, and regional cooperation opportunities. The signing of the South African Renewable Energy Masterplan (SAREM) pledge further demonstrated the government’s commitment to creating enabling frameworks for clean energy industries.

Throughout the two-day event, discussions focused on scaling up hydrogen production, electrolyser manufacturing, and Power-to-X (PtX) applications. Dedicated Technology Tracks and Hydrogen Tank Project Pitching sessions showcased innovative projects and business models, reflecting the dynamic growth of the hydrogen sector in Africa. A strong emphasis was placed on the need for regional grid development, cross-border trade in renewable electricity, and investment in resilient value chains.

From left: Paul Thiele (SU), Paul Mangold (SU)

From left: Prof Prathieka Naidoo (SU), Paul Mangold (SU), Paul Thiele (SU)

 

The Summit highlighted the importance of international partnerships, with representatives from countries including Namibia, Angola, Germany, the Netherlands, and Japan sharing insights and pledging support for African-led hydrogen development. European partners expressed particular interest in securing long-term green hydrogen imports from Africa.

The Centre for Renewable and Sustainable Energy Studies (CRSES) at Stellenbosch University was represented by Prof. Prathieka Naidoo and Paul Thiele, who used the opportunity to engage in fruitful discussions with key stakeholders, including colleagues from CSIR, around research collaboration in various fields of the hydrogen economy.

The Summit confirmed that South Africa – and the continent as a whole – is positioning itself as a globally relevant player in the emerging green hydrogen economy, with a strong focus on inclusive growth, sustainable development, and technology innovation.