08/09/2026
South Africa advances its energy transition agenda in Japan
The Deputy Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr Nomalungelo Gina, will advance South Africa’s energy transition agenda in Japan during the annual Hydrogen Energy Ministerial Meeting taking place in Makuhari, Chiba, on Thursday, 10 September.
The visit is set to strengthen South Africa’s industrialisation agenda while expanding international partnerships in science, technology and innovation.
The meeting aligns with South Africa’s Just Energy Transition framework, Hydrogen Society Roadmap and Green Hydrogen Commercialisation Strategy. It also supports national objectives to diversify energy sources, stimulate inclusive economic growth, and position South Africa as a competitive producer and exporter of green hydrogen and its derivatives.
Speaking ahead of the meeting, the Deputy Minister said Japan remains one of South Africa's most significant strategic partners in hydrogen research, innovation and technology development.
Cooperation between the two countries includes programmes such as the Green Ammonia Synthesis Project, industry engagement through the Japan External Trade Organization, the Japan International Cooperation Agency, and partnerships with leading Japanese universities and research organisations.
“Therefore, Japan's ambition to establish a mature hydrogen society by 2030, supported by substantial investments in hydrogen production, transportation, storage and utilisation technologies, presents significant opportunities for South Africa to leverage Japanese expertise, investment and market access,” said Dr Gina.
Furthermore, Japan continues to strengthen international hydrogen partnerships with countries such as Australia, Brazil, the United Arab Emirates and other strategic partners to establish resilient global hydrogen supply chains.
“South Africa's participation in the HEM therefore provides an important opportunity to position the country as a preferred green hydrogen partner, deepen bilateral cooperation with Japan, attract investment into South Africa's emerging hydrogen economy, and contribute to international dialogue on the development of sustainable and secure hydrogen markets,” said the Deputy Minister.
While in Japan, the Deputy Minister will attend high-level plenary discussions, ministerial roundtables, bilateral engagements and participate in the H2 and FC EXPO, enabling delegates to engage directly with governments, industry leaders and technology developers on emerging trends, investment opportunities and collaborative initiatives that support the global transition to a hydrogen-based economy.
Dr Gina will also visit Tohoku University to strengthen cooperation in postgraduate training, research mobility, and innovation, particularly to support the proposed South Africa-Japan doctoral programme.
She will also meet with the President of the Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan, Prof Hiroshi Okamoto, to advance collaboration on energy policy, hydrogen technologies and the clean energy transition, as well as the President of the Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development, Dr Hitoshi Nakagama, to advance bilateral cooperation in health research and innovation.
