Africa’s role in decarbonising global energy
At COP29 in Baku last week, UN Secretary-General António Guterres urged world leaders to support Africa’s transition into a global energy leader.He highlighted the continent’s vast potential in renewable energy, emphasising its ability to deliver affordable electricity, improve health, create sustainable jobs and drive socioeconomic growth across Africa.
Guterres stressed that renewable energy allows Africa to lead a global energy revolution, fuelling economic prosperity for future generations. With abundant natural resources, Africa can power its development and unlock new markets, making it an attractive destination for investors seeking to build critical infrastructure.
Africa’s energy transition aims to meet the growing electricity needs of its 1.5 billion people by diversifying its energy mix. This includes scaling up solar, wind, geothermal, hydropower, and nuclear energy to eliminate energy poverty and drive large-scale green industrialisation.
Hydrogen: Africa’s Green Energy Catalyst
Hydrogen is set to play a critical role in Africa’s green revolution. The continent has immense potential to produce:
Green hydrogen using renewable energy: Pink hydrogen through nuclear-powered electrolysis; Blue hydrogen from natural gas with carbon capture; and White hydrogen, which occurs naturally.
Countries like Angola, Egypt, Kenya, Namibia and South Africa are leading this hydrogen push.
In September, the EU’s energy commissioner Kadri Simson announced €53.9 million (U$59.9 million) in funding for hydrogen and renewable energy projects across Africa, with €36.9 million allocated to Namibia. Simson emphasised the importance of seizing these economic and employment opportunities.
The Global African Hydrogen Summit, hosted by the Namibian Government and supported by key stakeholders like the Ministry of Mines & Energy and the Namibia Green Hydrogen Council, has been a key platform for advancing green energy projects. Following the success of the 2024 summit, the next edition will be held from 9 to 11 September 2025 in Windhoek, further positioning Africa as a leader in the global green energy transition.