Eastern Africa regional Green Hydrogen Symposium launched in Nairobi

The first-ever Eastern Africa Regional Green Hydrogen Symposium officially kicked off on Wednesday in Nairobi bringing together over 250 stakeholders from across Eastern Africa and beyond to chart a sustainable path for green hydrogen in the region.The high-level event, hosted by Kenya’s Ministry of Energy and Petroleum in partnership with the German Government, Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, and the East African Centre of Excellence for Renewable Energy and Efficiency (EACREE) aims to accelerate the development of a green hydrogen ecosystem that is inclusive, equitable, and regionally integrated.Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary (CS), Opiyo Wandayi, emphasized the region’s potential to become a global hub for clean energy exports, leveraging its abundant renewable energy resources, including geothermal, solar, wind and hydro.“This symposium is not just another meeting. It is a convening of minds, of vision, and of resolve,” he declared.Wandayi highlighted Kenya’s ongoing efforts to develop a National Energy Policy anchored on Vision 2030 and the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).“Green hydrogen must be part of a broader vision for a resilient, industrial, and sustainable Africa,” he added.State Department for Energy Principal Secretary (PS), Alex Wachira, highlighted Kenya’s Green Hydrogen Strategy and Roadmap (2023) and newly established development guidelines to spur private sector investments and technology partnerships.Wachira further emphasized the need for regional cooperation to decarbonize hard-to-abate sectors and position Africa in the global clean energy market, calling for the Symposium to be a springboard for joint action towards an inclusive and low-carbon economy.German Ambassador to Kenya, Sebastian Groth, reaffirmed Germany’s commitment to supporting Kenya’s green hydrogen journey, noting that the German government has committed 4 billion Euros (approximately KShs600 billion) in sustainable energy projects across Africa by 2030.“Eastern Africa’s abundant renewable energy resources position it as a key player in the emerging global green hydrogen economy,” he said.GIZ, a key implementing partner, has been at the forefront of supporting Kenya’s green hydrogen strategy. With over 79 projects in the country, GIZ has been instrumental in building local capacity, supporting policy development, and promoting innovations in the green hydrogen sector.The organization is helping Kenya implement its Green Hydrogen Strategy and Roadmap (2023-2032).The symposium’s first day featured high-level ministerial dialogues, expert panel discussions on funding models, industrial applications of green hydrogen, and breakout sessions exploring green hydrogen’s role in agriculture, shipping, and industrialization.The event continues on May 15, 2025 with a Youth Breakfast Session on Green Hydrogen, further emphasizing the region’s commitment to involving the next generation in sustainable energy development.