Comesa Okays Green Hydrogen Energy Plan

Why It Matters

The initiative positions COMESA to tap the emerging global hydrogen economy, reducing fossil‑fuel dependence while unlocking investment in resilient, low‑carbon infrastructure. It also addresses the region’s low electricity‑access rate, supporting economic growth and energy security.

Key Takeaways

• COMESA adopts 2026 green hydrogen roadmap to cut thermal reliance
• Centre of Excellence will drive regional research, skills and innovation
• Electricity demand projected to rise 57% by 2030 across 16 states
• Zambia‑Tanzania‑Kenya interconnector aims to link Southern and Eastern power pools
• Only ~50% of population currently has electricity access, highlighting urgency

Pulse Analysis

COMESA’s new green hydrogen roadmap arrives at a critical juncture for Africa’s energy transition. Despite abundant solar, wind, and hydro resources, the bloc still generates roughly three‑quarters of its power from thermal plants, a legacy that fuels high emissions and price volatility. By formalising a regional framework for hydrogen production, COMESA aims to convert its renewable surplus—particularly water‑rich hydro and solar‑powered electrolysis—into a clean exportable commodity, mirroring early adopters in Europe and Asia. The establishment of a Centre of Excellence will centralise research, standard‑setting, and workforce training, ensuring that member states move in lockstep rather than competing in fragmented pilots.

The roadmap’s emphasis on regulatory alignment and cross‑border infrastructure is equally pivotal. Projects like the Zambia‑Tanzania‑Kenya interconnector will physically tie the Southern African Power Pool to the Eastern African network, creating a continent‑spanning electricity corridor from Cape to Cairo. Such integration not only smooths supply‑demand mismatches but also creates a larger market for green hydrogen, attracting foreign direct investment and enabling economies of scale. By 2030, a 57% jump in electricity demand—driven by urbanisation and industrialisation—will strain existing grids, making the diversification into hydrogen both a buffer and a growth engine.

For investors and policymakers, COMESA’s strategy signals a shift from ad‑hoc projects to a coordinated, market‑driven approach. Harmonised policies, transparent monitoring, and a dedicated research hub lower entry barriers for multinational energy firms seeking to tap Africa’s untapped hydrogen potential. As the global hydrogen market is projected to exceed $300 billion by 2035, COMESA’s early alignment could secure a substantial share, while simultaneously advancing energy access for the region’s half‑billion people still living without reliable power.