At the Africa Green Hydrogen Summit in Cape Town, Team Europe announced two new Global Gateway projects aimed at mobilising investment and expanding cooperation with South Africa on green hydrogen, critical raw materials and sustainable industrial value chains.
Backed by more than €57.8 million, the initiatives are designed to help South Africa attract new investment while retaining more value domestically from its mineral and metal resources. At the same time, they will support the development of the foundations needed for a green hydrogen economy.
Both initiatives form part of the Team Europe Global Gateway Investment Package, announced by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in October 2025 to support South Africa’s sustainable development.
Commissioner for International Partnerships Jozef Síkela said: “These two Global Gateway projects show how Team Europe, together with South Africa, can create the right conditions for private investors to enter markets with high potential and deliver solutions that boost sustainable development. By mobilising investments in renewable hydrogen, sustainable minerals and metals value chains, it supports the transformation of South Africa’s renewable energy potential into benefits for its companies and people with quality jobs in a competitive and decarbonised industry.”
Supporting South Africa’s green hydrogen and critical minerals sectors
The first project will focus on developing value chains for critical raw materials and batteries, renewable and low-carbon hydrogen, and processed metals and minerals in South Africa. Measures will include improving access to investment for local companies, supporting research and development, and strengthening local capacity.
Mobilising investment in green hydrogen
The second project is specifically aimed at unlocking investment in South Africa’s green hydrogen sector. It will support promising projects in becoming bankable investments while helping to lower financing barriers.
The initiative will also strengthen cooperation around the clean energy transition, with benefits for businesses, including South African companies.
Grants, equity and concessional finance
Team Europe will support the projects through a combination of grants, equity and concessional finance, complemented by technical assistance and policy cooperation.
The initiatives bring together the European Union, Germany, Denmark and the Netherlands. They will be implemented by Germany’s development agency GIZ and development bank KfW, working closely with South African public institutions and development finance organisations.