South Africa assumes chairship of Africa Green Hydrogen Alliance at Africa Climate Summit in Nairobi

Minister in the Presidency for Electricity, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, has concluded his working visit to Nairobi Kenya, where he was  handed chairship of the Africa Green Hydrogen Alliance (AGHA) on the sidelines of the Inaugural Africa Climate Summit (ACS) which took place from 04-06 September 2023.

Green hydrogen and its associated large scale renewable energy production has the potential to support the expansion of the electricity transmission infrastructure, to add additional renewable energy generation capacity and to support the local development of renewable energy. As such it is a key component of South Africa’s future energy mix to achieve sustainable energy security.

AGHA was formed in May 2022, by six African countries, Egypt, Kenya, Mauritania, Morocco, Namibia and South Africa, to drive decarbonisation through green hydrogen. 

The alliance seeks to intensify collaboration and  supercharge the development of green hydrogen projects on the African continent in line with the Just Energy Transition. 

It focuses on public and regulatory policy, capacity building, financing and certification needs to mobilise green hydrogen production for domestic use and export.

The inclusion of the Ethiopia and Angola’s membership were also announced alongside South Africa’s chairship.

Minister Ramokgopa expressed that he will use the Chairship to advance the green hydrogen agenda on the continent in line with the objectives of the alliance and support opportunities for peer to peer learning, technology transfer, economic and employment opportunities. 

During the ACS, the minister participated in panel sessions where he shared lessons on South Africa’s energy outlook and the role of green hydrogen in supporting energy security and driving green industrialisation.

On the margins of the Summit the Minister engaged in multiple high level bilateral meetings to explore energy collaborations and meaningful partnerships in the energy space. 

The minister’s participation at the Summit is underpinned by a commitment to consistent, sustainable and affordable energy supply for South Africa. 

Media enquires: Tsakane Khambane on 082 0845566 or tsakane@presidency.gov.za

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria