By Jacobs Botha,
Africa could become one of the world’s leading producers of low-carbon hydrogen within the next decade, with new research suggesting the continent could generate up to 50 million tonnes a year by 2035. The projection comes from the African Energy Chamber’s State of African Energy 2026 Outlook, which links the growth potential to stronger policy frameworks and rising investment in large-scale hydrogen projects.
The report describes Africa as uniquely positioned to compete in the global hydrogen economy thanks to its abundant renewable resources and proximity to major export markets. Demand for clean hydrogen is rising across transport, industry, agriculture and export sectors, creating what the Chamber calls a “transformational opportunity” for the continent.
“Africa has the renewable potential, the talent and the drive to lead the world in low-carbon hydrogen, but realizing that vision depends on bold investment and sound policy,” said NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber. “When investors put their capital into African hydrogen projects, they’re not only backing clean energy; they’re backing industrialization, job creation and long-term prosperity for an entire continent.”
Several large-scale developments are already moving forward. In Egypt, a $40 billion green hydrogen strategy is underway, with the SCZone project—developed by SK Ecoplant and China State Construction Engineering Corporation—set to produce 50,000 tonnes of hydrogen and 250,000 tonnes of ammonia annually by 2029. The EU-backed SoutH2 Corridor is targeting four million tonnes a year by 2030, linking Algeria and Tunisia to Italy. Namibia and South Africa are advancing similar ambitions, with Namibia’s $10 billion Tsau // Khaeb project expected to yield two million tonnes annually by 2030, while South Africa’s Hydrogen Valley and Green Hydrogen National Program continue to progress. In West Africa, Mauritania is leading efforts with the $40 billion AMAN project, which will use 30 GW of renewable capacity to produce 1.7 million tonnes a year, alongside Project Nour, featuring 10 GW of electrolysis capacity.
Despite these advances, domestic hydrogen consumption in Africa remains limited due to high costs and inadequate infrastructure. The Chamber’s report notes that expanding use in the transport, maritime and industrial sectors will depend on regulatory support and targeted incentives. It highlights the heavy-duty vehicle market as a key opportunity, with global demand expected to grow sharply and hydrogen forecast to account for a quarter of the total fuel mix by 2035.
The maritime industry is also expected to drive demand following new International Maritime Organization rules on carbon emissions introduced earlier this year. African ports are being urged to upgrade facilities to handle hydrogen-based fuels, creating fresh investment opportunities.
Hydrogen could also play a crucial role in strengthening Africa’s food security. With more than 85 percent of the world’s ammonia currently produced from fossil fuels, green hydrogen offers a cleaner route for fertilizer production and could reduce the continent’s dependence on imports.
The African Energy Chamber believes upcoming gatherings such as the African Energy Week 2026 conference, scheduled for October in Cape Town, will be vital in bringing together investors, policymakers and developers to accelerate hydrogen adoption. The goal, the Chamber says, is to move Africa closer to producing 50 million tonnes of low-carbon hydrogen per year by 2035, supporting both local growth and the global transition to cleaner energy.
