The African Development Bank (AfDB) and the World Bank have jointly announced a groundbreaking initiative that promises to reshape Africa’s energy landscape and accelerate green industrialisation. With the AfDB committing US$18.2 billion (about N$330 billion) and the World Bank pledging up to US$40 billion (about N$725 billion) in financing, this ambitious endeavour is poised to unlock new pathways for growth, investment and green energy innovation.
These substantial commitments are expected to catalyse further investments from private sector stakeholders, including sovereign wealth funds, private equity firms and venture capitalists. The goal is to establish a solid financial foundation that enables Africa to harness its renewable energy potential while simultaneously fostering economic growth through sustainable industrialisation.
Central to the objectives of the Global African Hydrogen Summit, scheduled for 9 to 11 September 2025 in Windhoek, is a vision to develop regional synergies among African nations by fostering partnerships and collaboration across borders, to boost economic growth, accelerate infrastructure development, and create robust supply and value chains. This regional integration is essential for overcoming challenges related to energy access, infrastructure gaps and market inefficiencies.
The dynamic sequel edition of the summit will continue to drive partnerships for critical investments and financing into bankable green energy projects across Africa. At the heart of the Summit, mobilising ambition into action, are the Project Investment Roundtables, which will offer a platform for project developers and global financiers to connect and engage in high-level, deal-making discussions. These Roundtables will address key challenges related to bankability, risk perception and regulatory compliance, while presenting a curated pipeline of high-potential projects ready for investment.
As an active participant at the inaugural Project Investment Roundtables in 2024, Benedict Libanda, chief executive officer of the Environmental Investment Fund of Namibia (EIF) commented that “One of the strengths is that the Project Investment Roundtables bring partnerships and networks crucial for the development of the Hydrogen sector.”
The 2025 Project Investment Roundtables ‘Call for Projects’ runs until 31 March 2025, and is inviting green energy and industrial project developers from across the continent to submit their projects to assess the feasibility from origination through to bankability to transaction.
For project developers, the roundtables offer access to investors, tailored feedback on business models and opportunities for collaboration with technical experts, consultancies and government representatives. For investors, the Roundtables present a unique opportunity to gain access to a diverse array of vetted projects, and to engage with African governments and industry leaders shaping the continent’s green energy future.
Project profiles span sectors including hydrogen (inc. electrolysis, ammonia, synth fuels, methanol), renewables (inc. wind, solar, hydro, geothermal and biomass), power, infrastructure, transportation (inc. road, rail, marine, aviation), mining, agriculture, heavy industry, hard to abate (inc. oil, gas, cement, steel, iron, petrochemical), and mobility.
Investor profiles span development banks, hedge funds, multilateral lenders, pension funds, Exim banks, corporate finance and central banks.
The Global African Hydrogen Summit exemplifies how critical investments in green energy infrastructure can unlock Africa’s economic potential, creating a more sustainable, connected and prosperous future for millions.