In the Namibian desert, the sun rises over sand dunes and windswept coastline, perfect conditions to produce renewable energy. Solar irradiation and coastal winds make green hydrogen (GH2) production cheaper here than almost anywhere in the world, and many countries globally, and especially in Europe, are looking to the African continent as a key exporter of GH2.
While several hydrogen and broader energy-transition-focused partnerships have emerged between African countries and the European Union (EU) – such as the EU-Morocco Green Partnership – a key question remains: how can these partnerships deliver mutual benefits for both African countries and the EU? It is critical that these partnerships align with the objectives set out in key policy frameworks, including the EU’s Clean Industrial Deal and Africa’s Agenda 2063, ensuring that they contribute to broader sustainable development, energy security, and just transition goals.
Major player potential
Global decarbonisation efforts, from Europe’s Clean Industrial Deal to the hydrogen roadmaps of Japan and South Korea, have placed green hydrogen at the centre of energy transition strategies. The EU estimates that hydrogen could make up to 10% of its final energy demand by mid-century. For Africa, this creates an opportunity to become a supply partner to external markets, while also building local industry, jobs,