He acknowledged challenges such as high capital costs and slow project financing, urging coordinated action across the continent to address these issues.

Ramaphosa called for Africa's active participation in global energy policy-making, asserting that hydrogen represents a bridge to a new export industry and a pathway to energy independence.

During the inaugural Africa Green Hydrogen Summit held in Cape Town on June 12, 2025, President Cyril Ramaphosa highlighted Africa's strategic position to lead in green hydrogen production, emphasizing its importance for energy independence and industrial transformation.

In his keynote address, Ramaphosa pointed out Africa's abundant renewable energy resources, including solar, wind, and hydropower, as crucial for the development of green hydrogen.

He commended the Africa Green Hydrogen Alliance, which includes countries like South Africa, Egypt, Kenya, Mauritania, Morocco, and Namibia, announcing over 52 large-scale hydrogen projects across the continent.

Ramaphosa noted ongoing initiatives such as the Sasolburg pilot project, which is already producing green hydrogen for domestic use, and the Coega Green Ammonia Project, which is in advanced planning stages.

South Africa has made significant investments in the Hydrogen South Africa programme, totaling over R1.49 billion, and is advancing projects like the Sasol HySHiFT programme.

He described the green hydrogen economy as a significant opportunity for investment, job creation, and decarbonization of heavy industry, linking Africa's mineral wealth with its renewable energy potential.

To unlock the continent's green hydrogen potential, Ramaphosa stressed the need for robust policy frameworks, certification schemes, and export platforms.

He emphasized the importance of regional certification systems and hydrogen corridors for progress in the sector, warning that success requires more than potential; it needs demand signals and regulatory certainty.

The summit has evolved from a South African initiative in 2022 into a continental forum, uniting the Africa Green Hydrogen ecosystem.

Ramaphosa pointed to notable projects like the Coega Green Ammonia Project in South Africa, AMAN in Mauritania, and Project Nour in Morocco as examples of progress in the green hydrogen sector.