Momentum within Africa is also accelerating. In March 2025, the HyIron Oshivela Project in Namibia began producing renewable-energy-derived hydrogen for industrial applications, including clean steel, marking one of the first commercial-scale footholds for green hydrogen in southern Africa. That momentum continued in September 2025 when Cleanenergy Solutions Namibia launched its integrated green hydrogen production and refuelling facility. In South Africa, the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research is leading the design of a green hydrogen production zone stretching from Saldanha on the west coast to Namakwa, producing hydrogen through electrolysis and converting it into ammonia for both local use and global export by 2029. These initiatives illustrate that hydrogen is moving from vision to operational reality, but they also underscore a fundamental challenge: production alone is not enough. Without robust transport and export infrastructure, African hydrogen risks being stranded or underutilized in global value chains.

An upcoming panel at the Invest in African Energy (IAE) 2026 Forum in Paris entitled Developing Green Hydrogen Transport Networks for African Exports will explore these challenges in depth. Experts will examine the full hydrogen value chain, including pipelines, ports, storage hubs and conversion facilities, while considering operational, financial and environmental risks. Water scarcity, critical mineral dependencies and ecosystem impacts are pressing concerns in regions where resources are already constrained. The session will also highlight how public-private collaboration and innovative financing mechanisms can help de-risk projects, ensuring that African developers are able to meet international market expectations.

Europe’s backing of the SoutH2 Corridor demonstrates that hydrogen corridors are increasingly being treated as strategic infrastructure, supported by both policy and finance. African developers that align with these frameworks and invest in end-to-end infrastructure are positioned to capture first-mover advantages, whereas those focusing solely on production may struggle to compete globally. Timing is critical: projects that can demonstrate reliable supply chains, operational excellence and adherence to environmental and social standards will secure high-value export contracts.

For oil and gas stakeholders, the evolving landscape presents both opportunities and challenges. While fossil fuels remain central to electricity generation in many African countries, integrating green hydrogen provides a potential new revenue stream and a pathway to industrial decarbonization. Scaling supply chains, however, requires careful planning and coordination, particularly where infrastructure is still under development. Countries that couple renewable generation with export-ready logistics and robust conversion capabilities will position themselves as reliable global suppliers and shape Africa’s role in the growing international hydrogen economy.

IAE 2026 will bring together policymakers, financiers, developers and technical experts to explore these dynamics and provide actionable insights into the infrastructure, governance and investment frameworks needed to transform Africa’s hydrogen potential into export reality. For stakeholders across the energy sector, attending this session offers a unique opportunity to engage with industry peers, explore strategic partnerships and help shape Africa’s emerging position in one of the fastest-growing clean-energy markets globally.

IAE 2026 is an exclusive forum designed to connect African energy markets with global investors, serving as a key platform for deal-making in the lead-up to African Energy Week. Scheduled for April 22–23, 2026, in Paris, the event will provide delegates with two days of in-depth engagement with industry experts, project developers, investors and policymakers. For more information, visit www.invest-africa-energy.com. To sponsor or register as a delegate, please contact sales@energycapitalpower.com