Following the announcement of a green hydrogen project pipeline totaling $17.8 billion over the next decade, the visit highlights South Africa's commitment to becoming a global hydrogen hub. The timing is also significant, as it builds on discussions and partnerships expected to take place at the upcoming Invest in African Energy (IAE) Forum in Paris, where global stakeholders will gather to explore energy investment opportunities across the continent.

Green Hydrogen Investment Prospects

Japan’s deep commitment to sustainable energy offers a unique opportunity for South Africa. As the world’s third-largest economy, Japan has long been at the forefront of technological innovation and energy development, with companies like Mitsui, IHI, ITOCHU, MHI and JERA playing a crucial role in global hydrogen projects. Minister Ramokgopa’s visit was not only aimed at securing investment for South Africa’s flagship hydrogen projects, but also at establishing technical partnerships and co-financing opportunities with these major players.

South Africa’s green hydrogen sector, for its part, presents a wealth of investment opportunities. The country’s extensive renewable energy resources, particularly in wind and solar, make it an ideal location for hydrogen production, positioning it as a competitive supplier in the global hydrogen market. Flagship projects include the construction of a new port and railway lines to support the planned Boegoebaai hydrogen production hub, which will serve as the central infrastructure for hydrogen exports, including an electrolyzer park, a green ammonia production plant, and related operations. The Coega Green Ammonia hub, a $5.8 billion flagship project led by Hive Energy and BuiltAfrica, is set to produce green ammonia in South Africa's Eastern Cape. The project will be powered by 372 MW of wind energy from Genesis Eco-Energy’s wind farms in the Western Cape, and will eventually require 3,480 MW of power, contributing significantly to the country's energy grid and creating jobs in the region. Japan’s interest in these projects is driven by its need to diversify its hydrogen sources and meet its 2050 net-zero carbon objectives, making South Africa an attractive partner.

Japan-Africa Energy Cooperation

The visit also highlights growing cooperation between Japan and Africa in the energy sector. Japan has been actively engaging with African nations to build partnerships in renewable energy and hydrogen, with countries such as Morocco, Egypt, Namibia, Algeria and South Africa taking the lead. As Japan works to establish itself as a global hydrogen player, African countries with abundant renewable resources align with the country’s ambitious net-zero carbon goals and Hydrogen Society Promotion Act, which seeks to position Japan as a global leader in hydrogen utilization.

Japan’s expertise in hydrogen technology and infrastructure development is particularly critical for advancing South Africa’s hydrogen ambitions. Collaboration between the two nations could pave the way for significant technical advancements, including the establishment of certification standards for green hydrogen and the development of hydrogen mobility solutions within South Africa. By leveraging Japan’s technological expertise and investment capabilities, South Africa is positioning itself to meet the rising global demand for hydrogen. The IAE 2025 Forum will further amplify this momentum by providing a platform for investment and collaboration in Africa’s energy future, underscoring the importance of international partnerships in advancing the global hydrogen economy.

IAE 2025 is an exclusive forum designed to facilitate investment between African energy markets and global investors. Taking place May 13-14, 2025 in Paris, the event offers delegates two days of intensive engagement with industry experts, project developers, investors and policymakers. For more information, please visit www.invest-africa-energy.com. To sponsor or participate as a delegate, please contact sales@energycapitalpower.com.