The Global African Hydrogen Summit 2025 (GAH2S) was officially launched on 23 June, setting the tone for discussion on accelerating the transition to a low-carbon economy that incorporates a mix of solutions and technologies, including green hydrogen as a cost-competitive, scalable and sustainable energy carrier.
Innovation across the hydrogen value chain, collaboration across governments, sectors and private enterprises, as well as commercial-scale infrastructure will be needed to secure widespread demand and to maximise localised and regional benefits created by a new global market.
However, there are several fundamental barriers to overcoming market creation challenges, especially for Africa’s nascent sector, including: cost of capital, climate trade, policies, regulations, standards and certification, licence to operate, skills development, capacity building, technology transfer and a fragmented market to trade.
As the sequel edition of the highly anticipated GAH2S continues to navigate the transformative journey into the future of energy, the 2025 Strategic Conference will shape and frame the critical dialogue that will position Africa at the forefront of this global transformation.
The GAH2S 2025 Strategic Conference programme aims to deliver solutions to the myriad imperative challenges as well as laying out a strategic roadmap to the G20 and COP 30 thereafter.
At the time of the international launch of the Summit’s Strategic Conference programme, Executive Committee member UNIDO’s Director General Gerd Müller reflected that: “The vision you have outlined for Africa’s green energy future is both inspiring and vital for the continent’s sustainable development. Africa holds significant potential to lead in clean hydrogen production and green industrialisation. With its focus on advancing green hydrogen for industrial development across the continent, the 2025 Summit represents a critical milestone in this transformative journey.”
Themed Ambition in Action: Fuelling Africa’s Green Industrialisation, the Strategic Conference programme will present groundbreaking thought leadership and insights from the minds of heads of government, industry leaders, technology experts, and energy pioneers to advocate, showcase and communicate the case for hydrogen, its derivatives and renewable energies as an underpinning solution to both a lower carbon energy system and the blueprint for a green industrial economy.
Hosting over 125 African and global expert speakers, including ministers from Algeria, Brazil, Jordan, Namibia and South Africa, the dynamic Strategic Conference programme will pull into focus eight key macros themes, platform 10 critical industry spotlights, showcase 5 country sessions and unveil young entrepreneur success stories. The programme will once again conclude with over 10 funding declarations, deal announcements, project launches and partnership signings.
As the trailblazing one-of-its-kind platform, the GAH2S Strategic Conference programme is committed to accelerating the global energy transformation by championing African energy solutions.
James Mnyupe, head of the Namibia Green Hydrogen Programme (NGH2P), said last year’s GAH2Sattracted an impressive representation of stakeholders from across the continent and beyond, bringing together approximately 1,500 attendees, nearly 500 registered delegates, and over 20 Ministers and Deputy Ministers from across the world.
“I am informed that this year’s edition is tracking similar, if not greater, momentum, with over 1,500 attendees and representation from close to 70 countries anticipated. These numbers are a testament to the growing interest in green hydrogen as both an energy carrier and an industrialisation enabler, and to Namibia’s position as a key player in this space,” said Mnyupe.
Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB) Executive for Talent, Innovation and Productivity, Julia Muetudhana, said last year’s summit generated direct economic activity worth US$3.5 million for the country.
“Last year, we witnessed a turning point. The inaugural edition of GAH2S established Namibia not only as a global leader in green hydrogen but also as a credible platform for dialogue and investment in Africa’s green industrial revolution,” she said.
Muetudhana said Namibia is positioning itself as an export hub and manufacturing base for hydrogen-based products such as ammonia, fertilisers and synthetic fuels.
“Our position on inclusion is clear. Namibia’s success must serve as a platform for broader African prosperity,” Muetudhana said.
The 2025 summit will increase participation by small and medium enterprises, promote youth involvement and strengthen regional partnerships to support a just transition.
“We have taken deliberate steps to bring in more youth voices, more local SMEs, more academic and community stakeholders, and more continental partners. We are expanding the Innovation Zone, enhancing support for Namibian and African exhibitors, and strengthening regional cooperation platforms. A just energy transition cannot be driven by a few — it must be co-created by many. The 2025 edition of the Global Africa Hydrogen Summit will be a pivotal moment — not only for Namibia, but for the continent. It will serve as a convergence point for investment, policy, technology, and leadership,” said Muetudhana.
