Africa is rapidly positioning itself as a significant player in the global green hydrogen economy, leveraging its abundant solar and wind resources, with a technical potential exceeding 1,000 terawatts—enough to produce over 45,000 million tonnes of hydrogen annually. Various African nations are developing formal hydrogen strategies, viewing green hydrogen as a critical driver of industrialization, export revenue growth, and energy sovereignty. Key countries such as Uganda are entering the race to integrate green hydrogen into their industrial sectors, from steel production to aviation fueling.
Despite this promise, Africa’s hydrogen sector remains in a nascent stage with limited final investment decisions, reflecting broader challenges related to policy clarity, financing, and infrastructure. International partnerships, such as the EU’s Clean Trade and Investment Partnership (CTIP) with South Africa, underscore the geopolitical and economic interest in Africa’s green hydrogen potential while simultaneously raising concerns about equity and exploitation.