September Hydrogen Summit harnesses Africa’s green resources
Africa is poised to play a crucial role in the global shift toward sustainable energy, leveraging its abundant renewable resources like solar, wind, hydro and geothermal energy. By harnessing these, the continent can support a just transition to cleaner energy, end energy poverty, and contribute significantly to global decarbonisation efforts.The African Union's Agenda 2063 emphasises the need for inclusive, environmentally sustainable growth. Investing in renewable energy infrastructure can help African nations reduce their dependency on hydrocarbons, decrease greenhouse gas emissions, and foster economic growth that benefits all segments of society.
The upcoming Global African Hydrogen Summit, set for 3 to 5 September 2024 in Windhoek, will bring together policymakers, innovators and stakeholders to explore Africa’s green hydrogen potential. The summit aims to develop strategies for meeting Africa's energy demands through a just and inclusive economic transition that supports global decarbonisation efforts.
Just transition
William Shilamba, director of energy.com.na, highlighted the importance of the summit, especially for Namibia’s smaller, less privileged communities. A just transition in Africa requires policies and investments that ensure all communities benefit from the green economy. This includes job creation, skills development, fair labour practices, capacity building, and technology transfer. By fostering local entrepreneurship, hydrogen can drive economic growth across all societal segments.
Inclusive initiatives championed by the summit include women empowerment, youth engagement, and support for MSMEs and start-ups. In a recent docufilm, The Road to Namibia, Toni Beukes, Head of ESG at Hyphen Hydrogen Energy, emphasised the importance of socioeconomic development for Namibians, stating that the project’s driver is ensuring the benefits reach local communities.
The Global African Hydrogen Summit aims to facilitate collaboration between African nations and international stakeholders. Achieving a just, fair, and inclusive economic transition requires active involvement from marginalized groups, including women, youth, and indigenous communities, ensuring that no one is left behind in this transformative shift.