The International Energy Agency (IEA) has stated the key pillars of decarbonising the global energy system include renewables; hydrogen and hydrogen‐based fuels; In addition to the projected volume of emissions reduction hydrogen is expected to facilitate, hydrogen is positioned to play a significant role in the energy transition.

The vision is to serve as a leading platform that unites energy industry stakeholders, government officials, project developers, investors, thought leaders, and technology innovators in a collaborative effort to advance the dialogue and progress across the hydrogen value chain – both globally and in Africa.

The summit aims to define and amplify Africa's role in the global hydrogen market while fostering collaboration across policy, investment, and industry sectors. Ultimately, the vision is to maximise the hydrogen opportunity in Africa and contribute significantly to the sustainable and equitable global energy transition.

For many African countries, the question is not about reducing their carbon footprint but rather to sustainably harness their existing resources to meet the growing demand for energy that will advance economic development, map a sustainable path to a net zero future and eliminate energy poverty across the continent. To this end, some African countries are setting their sights on clean hydrogen.

In the global drive to develop and commercialise clean hydrogen, Africa is on equal footing with developed economies. Governments around the world are promoting projects for domestic and export markets of clean hydrogen, with billions of dollars expected to be invested over the next few years. To capture the opportunity, supportive and facilitating policy will be needed to incentivise investment as well as:

• Catalyse collaborative R&D innovation platforms to for sustainable, competitive technologies suited to the capabilities of the country.
• Build the needed infrastructure to support hydrogen production, storage, transport and refueling.
• Construct the legal frameworks to support the localised hydrogen value chain.
• Mobilise and skill the specialised workforce and supportive technology infrastructure needed to scale and mature a local hydrogen value chain.