- Hydrogen Rising
- Posts
- Concessional finance boosts Africa’s hydrogen ambitions
Concessional finance boosts Africa’s hydrogen ambitions
Dear subscriber, this is a prototype. Please help us with feedback and tips. Just press reply.
 | Egypt, Namibia and South Africa have been selected as inaugural participants in the Climate Investment Funds’ $1 billion Industry Decarbonisation programme. The concessional funding will support green hydrogen, positioning African industrial players at the heart of global efforts to create competitive green economies. |
Despite abundant resources and strong ambition, African countries continue to face persistent financing bottlenecks that delay progress on green hydrogen and slow efforts to decarbonise industries.
Concessional finance can de-risk early-stage investments, boost project bankability, and unlock private capital, enabling the region to shift from hydrogen planning to large-scale industrial implementation.
Our take: Recipient governments must fast-track permitting, align infrastructure plans and provide clarity on offtake……..Read more (2 min)
 | Namibia is emerging as Africa’s benchmark for green hydrogen, driven by targeted policy, state equity, and grassroots support. As South Africa advances its hydrogen agenda, our guest article today suggests that Namibia offers key lessons on aligning national goals with global investment while ensuring tangible local benefits. |
Public policy researcher Suzie Shefeni and scientific researcher Vivian Nou-Gawaseb argue that Namibia’s edge lies in adaptive, fit-for-purpose policies and inclusive frameworks that balance investor confidence with local development.
They contend that South Africa could draw from Namibia’s model by diversifying funding sources, securing strategic state equity and shielding its hydrogen ambitions from external geopolitical shocks.
Click the link to read the full op-ed… Read more (2 min)
 | Kenya's state-owned electricity generator, KenGen, has announced that its 63 MW Olkaria 1 geothermal plant is 70% complete, with the first turbine expected to be operational by June 2026. Officials say geothermal’s high reliability gives Kenya a unique edge in building a cost-competitive and scalable green hydrogen economy. |
The East African Rift System holds vast geothermal potential across Kenya, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Uganda, Djibouti and Eritrea, yet most have yet to harness it, potentially missing a strategic opportunity to pair it with green hydrogen.
Kenya may offer a roadmap for other African countries to de-risk investment, localise technology and scale clean hydrogen using untapped geothermal resources.
Our take: Kenya’s expanding geothermal footprint signals potential for regional hydrogen hubs.… Read more (2 min)
_________//___________
A worker at Daures Green Hydrogen Village with the first harvest of cherry tomatoes
Events
🗓️ Attend the 2nd edition of Green Hydrogen Morocco camp for youths (July 7)
🗓️ Sign up for the Global African Hydrogen Summit in Namibia (September 9)
🗓️ Participate in Africa Energy Week in South Africa (September 29)
🗓️ Be part of the Renewable Energy Forum Africa (REFA) in Ghana (November 12)
Jobs
👷 Be the next Green Hydrogen Junior Consultant at GGGI (Kenya)
👷 Serve as green hydrogen training Project Manager at ICU (Kenya)
👷 Apply for Administration Intern role at Daures Green Hydrogen Village (Namibia)
👷 Help HyIron develop Oshivela green hydrogen project as Senior Engineer (Namibia)
👷 Ensure HyIron preserves Namib desert ecosystem (Namibia)
👷 Manage financial planning for HyIron as Finance Manager (Namibia)
Various
📈 Scatec says Africa has the potential to be a green hydrogen powerhouse
✅ Gravitricity shortlisted as preferred hydrogen storage supplier for Prieska project
🏦 Experts outline what Africa needs from banks to achieve its energy transition
🏧 Octopus Energy launches first African renewable energy fund
🔊 Durban University announces post-doctoral fellowship for green hydrogen
Seen on LinkedIn
Daures Green Hydrogen Village says, “ We’re thrilled to share a milestone: our first harvest of cherry tomatoes! Grown with care, powered entirely by the sun and rooted in sustainable practices. From crisp peppers and cucumbers to vibrant round tomatoes and now these sweet cherries, every Daures vegetable is grown carbon-free and fresh.”