CAPE TOWN, South Africa — September 7, 2026 (XOL Africa) — South Africa is seeking to strengthen its position in the emerging global hydrogen economy as Deputy Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation Dr Nomalungelo Gina prepares to represent the country at the annual Hydrogen Energy Ministerial Meeting in Japan on September 10.
The meeting, taking place in Makuhari, Chiba, will provide South Africa with an opportunity to advance cooperation with Japan on hydrogen technology, research, investment and industrial development as the country works to diversify its energy mix and accelerate its just energy transition.
South Africa’s participation is aligned with its Just Energy Transition framework, Hydrogen Society Roadmap and Green Hydrogen Commercialisation Strategy, which seek to develop new clean-energy industries while creating opportunities for economic growth and industrialisation.
South Africa targets role in global hydrogen supply chains
Dr Gina said Japan remains an important strategic partner for South Africa in hydrogen research, innovation and technology development.
Existing cooperation between the two countries includes the Green Ammonia Synthesis Project, as well as engagement involving the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Japanese universities and research institutions.
Japan’s plans to establish a mature hydrogen economy by 2030 could create opportunities for South African companies to access Japanese technology, investment and potential export markets.
“Japan’s ambition to establish a mature hydrogen society by 2030 … presents significant opportunities for South Africa to leverage Japanese expertise, investment and market access,” Dr Gina said.
The partnership is particularly relevant as countries seek to develop international hydrogen supply chains capable of supporting the production, transportation, storage and utilisation of hydrogen and its derivatives.
Green hydrogen and industrialisation
For South Africa, green hydrogen is being positioned not only as an alternative energy carrier but also as a potential driver of industrial development.
The country has significant renewable-energy resources that could support the production of green hydrogen and derivatives such as green ammonia and sustainable fuels.
Government sees the sector as having potential to attract investment, support new industrial value chains and create export opportunities as international demand for lower-carbon energy and industrial products develops.
South Africa’s participation in the ministerial meeting is therefore expected to focus on positioning the country as a reliable partner in future hydrogen supply chains while attracting investment into domestic projects.
High-level engagements planned in Japan
During the visit, Dr Gina is expected to participate in ministerial plenary sessions, roundtable discussions and bilateral meetings with government officials, industry representatives and technology developers.
She will also participate in the H2 & FC EXPO, providing an opportunity for South African representatives to engage with companies developing hydrogen and fuel-cell technologies and explore potential partnerships.
Beyond hydrogen policy, the visit will include engagements aimed at strengthening broader scientific and technological cooperation between South Africa and Japan.
Dr Gina is scheduled to visit Tohoku University, where discussions will focus on postgraduate training, research mobility and innovation, including a proposed South Africa-Japan doctoral programme.
She will also meet Prof Hiroshi Okamoto, President of the Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan, to discuss cooperation in energy policy, hydrogen technologies and the clean-energy transition.
A further meeting with Dr Hitoshi Nakagama, President of the Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development, will focus on bilateral cooperation in health research and innovation.
Japan partnership supports South Africa’s energy transition
South Africa is attempting to balance the need to reduce emissions with the economic and social challenges associated with transforming an energy system historically dependent on coal.
Developing hydrogen production and related industries could provide an additional pathway for diversifying the country’s energy economy while creating demand for renewable power, infrastructure, technology and specialised skills.
The engagement in Japan consequently extends beyond energy diplomacy. It forms part of South Africa’s wider effort to use international science, technology and investment partnerships to build domestic industrial capacity.
Dr Gina said the Hydrogen Energy Ministerial Meeting provides an opportunity to deepen bilateral cooperation, attract investment and contribute to international discussions around the development of sustainable and secure hydrogen markets.
For South Africa, the objective will be to translate its renewable-energy potential and emerging hydrogen strategy into bankable projects, industrial opportunities and a stronger position in the global clean-energy economy.
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