As Saudi Arabia’s NEOM Green Hydrogen Project reaches 80% completion, the implications stretch far beyond the Middle East—offering both a model and a challenge for African nations hoping to stake their claim in the fast-growing green hydrogen economy.
Located in Oxagon, the futuristic industrial city within the larger NEOM smart city zone, the project is being built by the NEOM Green Hydrogen Company (NGHC)—a joint venture between Saudi utility giant ACWA Power, U.S.-based Air Products, and the Saudi sovereign-backed NEOM initiative. Once completed by 2026, it will become the world’s largest carbon-free hydrogen facility, capable of producing 600 tonnes of green hydrogen daily.
But the story is not just about Saudi Arabia. It’s also about what Africa can do next.
Why This Matters for Africa
Africa is home to some of the most abundant solar and wind resources on the planet—especially in regions like North Africa, the Sahel, Namibia, Kenya, South Africa, and the Horn of Africa. These conditions make the continent uniquely positioned to become a global leader in green hydrogen production—if the right policies, investments, and partnerships are put in place.
Saudi Arabia’s NEOM project is powered by 4 GW of clean energy from wind and solar. That’s well within reach for African countries with high renewable energy potential but underutilized infrastructure.
Moreover, green hydrogen has the potential to:
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Decarbonize hard-to-abate sectors like steel, cement, and shipping.
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Drive industrialization without worsening carbon emissions.
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Create thousands of green jobs, particularly in rural or underdeveloped regions.
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Boost export revenue by supplying hydrogen to energy-hungry markets in Europe and Asia.
Lessons for Africa’s Policymakers and Investors
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Think Big and Plan Smart: NEOM’s hydrogen facility is not just a standalone plant—it’s part of a well-funded, integrated smart city and clean energy strategy. African nations can link hydrogen production to broader industrialization agendas.
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Leverage Partnerships: Saudi Arabia partnered with global industry leaders to execute this massive project. Africa must similarly attract private sector expertise and global financing, while ensuring local value retention.
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Act Regionally: African countries can collaborate through AU energy corridors, AfCFTA, or power pools to build transnational hydrogen hubs, similar to cross-border pipelines or energy-sharing agreements.
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Policy First, Projects Follow: Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 provided the policy certainty needed to attract investment. Africa must create clear hydrogen strategies, regulatory frameworks, and investment incentives to move from potential to production.
A Green Hydrogen Future Within Reach
As NEOM prepares for its first shipments of green ammonia (a hydrogen derivative) in 2027, Africa has a window to accelerate its own hydrogen plans—and not be left behind in the next global energy race.
With the right leadership and coordination, the continent can become a clean energy powerhouse, exporting green hydrogen while using it to power sustainable development at home.
The message from the desert is clear: The future is green—and Africa should be part of it.
