The must-attend green hydrogen events shaping Africa’s future

From the newsletter

In the near future, four key green hydrogen events are scheduled across the continent and beyond, in Berlin, Johannesburg, Addis Ababa, and Windhoek. These gatherings, ranging from focused workshops to large-scale summits, will unite governments, investors, policymakers and developers to drive Africa’s green hydrogen sector forward.

• The events offer Africa a strategic voice in shaping the global hydrogen market. As countries like Germany set import standards and sustainability requirements, African stakeholders can influence policies, advocate for fair trade, and ensure the continent’s hydrogen boom delivers both international value and local development.

• These events align with Africa’s growing role as a cornerstone of the global green hydrogen market, offering a stage to solidify the continent’s leadership. As African nations advance megaprojects and refine policy frameworks, participating in global forums helps synchronize local progress with international market dynamics. 

More details

• On March 17, 2025, Germany’s Sustainable Hydrogen in Africa – Opportunities and Challenges Workshop will be a must-attend event for African project developers and policymakers. Held during the Berlin Energy Transition Dialogue, this session will dive into the regulatory, environmental and financial factors shaping Africa’s hydrogen export potential. With Germany’s rising hydrogen demand and reliance on imports, the workshop is a key chance for African stakeholders to influence market access requirements.

• The panel will explore sustainability standards, certifications and how to balance large-scale production with local impacts. Engaging with European financiers and certification bodies could give African producers a strategic edge as the global hydrogen market gains momentum.

• Just a few weeks later, on April 7–8, the 2nd Southern African Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Conference will take place in Johannesburg under the theme “Pathway to Industrialisation.” Organised by the Southern African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (SAIMM), the conference will explore hydrogen production, storage, fuel cell integration,and the development of refueling stations. 

• Professor Lindiwe Khotseng is set to deliver a keynote on biomass and waste valorisation for sustainable energy, while Francois van Schalkwyk from HySA Catalysis will delve into next-gen fuel cell technologies. Adding a business perspective, Zanele Mavuso Mbatha, CEO of Bambili Energy, will share insights on South Africa’s Hydrogen Corridor and Hydrogen Valley projects, which are critical for scaling hydrogen mobility and developing local hubs. 

• Beyond the sessions, networking events, poster presentations and panel discussions will offer valuable opportunities to pitch ideas, build partnerships and connect with regulators shaping the future of hydrogen policy.

• Momentum continues on April 8, when leaders across Africa’s energy sector will gather in Addis Ababa for the inaugural African Green and Natural Hydrogen Conference, organised by the African Hydrogen Partnership (AHP). Themed “Realizing Africa's Green and Natural Hydrogen Potential,” the event will serve as a platform to advance Africa’s position in the global hydrogen economy while addressing the continent’s energy transition challenges. 

• As green and natural hydrogen markets grow worldwide, Africa faces a strategic opportunity, but unlocking its full potential will require policy shifts, infrastructure development and innovative financing. The conference will explore balancing export ambitions with local market growth, covering topics like regulatory reforms, transport solutions and phased infrastructure plans. 

• Attendees will also discuss Africa’s natural hydrogen reserves and strategies to build investment-ready projects, making this event a vital space to form partnerships, influence policy and drive action towards a sustainable energy future.

• The largest gathering of the year comes later, from September 9–11, when Windhoek, Namibia, hosts the Global African Hydrogen Summit (GAH2S). Under the theme “Ambition in Action: Fuelling Africa’s Green Industrial Revolution,” this dynamic three-day event will bring together heads of state, policymakers, business leaders, investors and project developers to forge partnerships and secure the investments needed to unlock Africa’s hydrogen potential. 

• The 2024 summit drew over 1,500 attendees from more than 75 countries, including three heads of state, over 25 African and global ministers and 125 industry speakers. It showcased over 50 bankable African green energy projects and facilitated 10 deal signings, including a $27.23 million EU grant for Namibia’s Green Industrialisation Agenda and an MoU with the United States for renewable energy and hydrogen cooperation. 

• The 2025 summit is expected to build on that momentum with strategic panels, leadership roundtables, hands-on workshops and the Global African Hydrogen Awards, which will celebrate innovation and impact across the sector. Attendees can expect sessions on project financing, cross-border hydrogen trade and even youth mentorship programs, making this event an unparalleled opportunity to align on strategy, secure funding and accelerate Africa’s green hydrogen revolution.