By: Nana
Appiah Acquaye
South Africa is seeking to
deepen cooperation with Japan on hydrogen technology, research and investment
as it advances its energy transition and industrialisation agenda.
Deputy Minister of Science,
Technology and Innovation Dr Nomalungelo Gina will represent South Africa at
the annual Hydrogen Energy Ministerial Meeting in Makuhari, Chiba, on September
10, 2026.
The engagement aligns with
South Africa’s Just Energy Transition framework, Hydrogen Society Roadmap and
Green Hydrogen Commercialisation Strategy, which seek to diversify energy
sources, promote inclusive economic growth and position the country as a competitive
producer and exporter of green hydrogen and its derivatives.
Gina said Japan remains one
of South Africa’s key strategic partners in hydrogen research, innovation and
technology development.
“Japan's ambition to
establish a mature hydrogen society by 2030, supported by substantial
investments in hydrogen production, transportation, storage and utilisation
technologies, presents significant opportunities for South Africa to leverage
Japanese expertise, investment and market access,” she said.
Japan is also expanding
hydrogen partnerships with countries including Australia, Brazil and the United
Arab Emirates as it seeks to support resilient global hydrogen supply chains.
Gina said South Africa’s
participation in the ministerial meeting provides an opportunity to position
the country as a preferred green hydrogen partner, deepen bilateral cooperation
with Japan, attract investment into its emerging hydrogen economy and contribute
to international discussions on sustainable and secure hydrogen markets.
During the visit, the Deputy
Minister will participate in high-level plenary discussions, ministerial
roundtables and bilateral engagements, as well as the H2 and FC EXPO.
These engagements will
provide opportunities for South African representatives to interact with
governments, industry leaders and technology developers on emerging hydrogen
technologies, investment opportunities and potential areas of cooperation
supporting the global transition towards a hydrogen-based economy.
Gina will also visit Tohoku
University to strengthen cooperation in postgraduate training, research
mobility and innovation, including work towards a proposed South Africa-Japan
doctoral programme.
She is also expected to meet
the President of the Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan, Prof Hiroshi
Okamoto, to advance cooperation on energy policy, hydrogen technologies and the
clean energy transition.
A further meeting with the
President of the Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development, Dr Hitoshi
Nakagama, will focus on strengthening bilateral cooperation in health research
and innovation.
