### Hydrogen green in Africa: an current energy revolution or a mirage?
While the world is struggling with colossal energy challenges, a brilliant light emerges from the vast African lands: that of green hydrogen. The European Union, recognizing the importance of this source of clean energy, set its sights on the partnership with the continent, given as a central pillar of the global energy transition. However, turning a potential in reality requires more than a simple vision: this requires an integrated strategy, an investment structuring, as well as a systemic innovation.
#### An energy revolution at hand
The gap between natural resources and the infrastructure necessary to valorize them effectively should not make us lose sight of the opportunities. The report of the International Agency for Renewable Energies (Irena) highlights the spectacular drop in solar technologies costs, with reductions exceeding 80 % since 2010. If we combine this with advances in electrolysis and ‘increasing expertise that Africa accumulates, mainly in Namibia and South Africa, we are faced with a turning point that could redefine the energy economy of the continent.
But what does green hydrogen really mean for African countries beyond simple export to Europe? It is a powerful lever to create local jobs, strengthen energy independence and integrate a sustainable approach to industrial development. The objective must be clear: do not limit oneself to being suppliers of raw materials, but becoming technological leaders in a sector of the future.
#### Challenges and obstacles: beyond investments
Despite this promise, there are many challenges. The 2023 report of the International Energy Agency (AIE) highlights concerns about financing, the feasibility of exports and a still stammering market. The lack of stable buyers and the increase in production costs seem to compromise the dream of seeing Africa as the next major source of green hydrogen.
From an economic point of view, this situation is similar to what has been observed in other renewable energy projects around the world. Take the example of wind power in Europe: many initiatives have failed for lack of political support and long -term vision. The development of green hydrogen should not be treated simply as a short -term project but as a systemic approach.
#### to local and global integration
For Africa to become a reliable supplier of green hydrogen, a solid infrastructure is essential. This includes pipelines for transport, distribution stations, and storage networks. In addition, the legislative framework must be judicious, established so as to encourage innovation while protecting local interests. It is crucial that African countries are developing balanced partnerships with foreign investors. This requires daring negotiations that guarantee mutual benefits and technology transfers.
Let us compare this to the Nordic model where, since the 2000s, countries like Sweden and Denmark have built a successful dynamic of innovation around renewable energies by making local and foreign partner actors in its own right in the decision -making process. Such an approach could result in similar successes on the African continent.
In terms of regulation, a well -structured framework can also facilitate private initiatives. This could imply the implementation of tax incentives for companies investing in green hydrogen in Africa, or the development of green certificate systems to encourage the use of this clean energy source.
#### Education and training for the future
The lack of local skills represents another major obstacle. To transform the green hydrogen potential into a tangible profit, African countries must invest in specialized training programs. As Dr. Nicodemus Nyandiko points out, the role of the private sector is essential, and entrepreneurial commitment must go hand in hand with public policies favorable to the emergence of a local industry.
Finally, and this is a crucial point, green hydrogen should not be perceived only as a commodity to export but as an opportunity for sustainable development, completing local energy systems. For this, it would be wise to inspire climate action policies of the strategies already implemented successfully in other regions of the world.
### Conclusion: a promising future
Ultimately, green hydrogen reveals an immense potential for Africa, but its effective implementation requires a collective vision and a solid strategy. While European investors converge on the continent in search of partnerships, the key lies in a balanced approach that benefits all stakeholders, allowing Africa to not only win on the global energy market , but also to forge a lasting future for its populations. The time has come to transform promises into concrete actions, and to make green hydrogen not only a resource, but a real pillar of African economic emergence.