President Cyril Ramaphosa says Africa is uniquely positioned to lead the world in green hydrogen production, calling the fast-developing sector “a bridge to a new export industry” and a cornerstone of the continent’s energy independence and industrial transformation.

Delivering the keynote address at the inaugural Africa Green Hydrogen Summit in Cape Town, Ramaphosa highlighted the continent’s immense renewable energy resources — from high solar irradiance to strong winds and hydropower potential — as critical to unlocking green hydrogen’s potential.

“Africa, the cradle of humanity, is uniquely positioned to become a major player in green hydrogen,” the President said.

“We are perfectly placed to leverage the global shift towards cleaner energy sources for our collective advantage.”

Ramaphosa said the green hydrogen economy presents a massive opportunity to stimulate investment, decarbonise heavy industry, create jobs and drive cross-border economic growth. “Green hydrogen is a way to marry Africa’s mineral riches with our renewable energy endowment,” he said.

He acknowledged the growing global demand for clean hydrogen, which also supports the expansion of platinum group metals industries. “Africa is rising to meet this moment of opportunity and potential,” Ramaphosa added.

The President praised the work of the Africa Green Hydrogen Alliance, which includes countries such as Egypt, Kenya, Namibia, Mauritania, Morocco, and South Africa. More than 50 large-scale hydrogen projects have already been announced across the continent.

To ensure this potential is realised, Ramaphosa stressed the need for proper policy frameworks, certification schemes, and export platforms. “We cannot close the gap with potential alone. We must match it with demand signals, regulatory certainty, and project preparation support,” he said.

Highlighting South Africa’s own progress, Ramaphosa cited the Coega Green Ammonia Project, the HySHiFT sustainable aviation fuel programme in partnership with Sasol and the EU, and early exploration for naturally-occurring “white hydrogen” in Limpopo and Gauteng.

He emphasised that green hydrogen must support inclusive development. “Africa must transition at a pace and scale that reflects our development priorities and our economic realities.”

Acknowledging challenges such as high capital costs and slow project finance, Ramaphosa called for coordinated continental action. “This summit must not only be a platform of ideas. It must be a platform of commitments. We must be authors of our own future.”

The President concluded with a call to unity: “We are called upon to build this bridge together — as Africans, as partners and as builders of a green, prosperous and inclusive future.”