The Federal Government of Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to eliminating malaria, recognising the disease as a critical public health challenge.
Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Salako
With efforts focused on reducing the prevalence and impact of malaria, the government aims to strengthen strategies that will accelerate progress towards a malaria-free nation.
Dr. Iziaq Salako, Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, said this on Sunday, January 26, 2025, in Abuja, in a statement signed by Alaba Balogun, Deputy Director of Information and Public Relations of the ministry.
Salako reaffirmed the government’s commitment to malaria elimination, adding that it remained a priority in President Bola Tinubu’s administration due to its socio-economic impact.
He spoke while receiving a delegation of the Malaria Consortium, led by Dr Nnenna Ogbulafor, National Coordinator of the National Malaria Elimination Programme (NMEP).
The Minister highlighted the government’s progress in tackling malaria through its Sector Wide Approach (SWAp) initiative.
“This strategy fosters collaboration between the Federal Government and sub-national governments, enabling better tracking of annual operations and implementation plans at the state level under a unified healthcare policy,” he said
He also underscored the role of digital health initiatives in streamlining malaria interventions, describing the initiative as crucial for creating a centralised health data repository.
Commending the consortium for its independent assessments of government interventions, the minister pointed to the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund (BHCPF) as a key driver in strengthening primary healthcare, including malaria management
“We have the Digital in Health initiative, a nationwide effort to digitalise healthcare at primary, secondary, and tertiary levels.
“The BHCPF covers malaria, and under this administration, its management has been reorganised to ensure more regular fund disbursement.
“I appreciate your feedback from field assessments, and I assure you that Nigeria will continue to value and support the Malaria Consortium in delivering on its mandate,” he said.
Recognising the malaria consortium as a critical global partner, Salako reiterated the ministry’s appreciation for its contributions to malaria eradication in Nigeria.
Meanwhile, Dr Kolawole Maxwell, Director of Programmes at Malaria Consortium, briefed the Minister on the organisation’s research and assessment visits to northern and southern Nigeria.
Maxwell emphasised the importance of collaboration with stakeholders, particularly in Kano and Osun states, to enhance malaria case management.
He highlighted ongoing efforts to identify incentives and barriers affecting the use of mosquito nets.
“In the first phase, we are working with stakeholders to understand the factors influencing net usage.
“The second phase involves leveraging these findings to develop tailored solutions,” he said.
The announcement highlights the importance of sustained interventions, collaborations, and investments in health systems to achieve this vital goal.
On the 24th anniversary of Republic Act (RA) 9003, also known as the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000, Filipino environmental justice group, BAN Toxics, has called for a comprehensive review of the law’s implementation and advocated for stronger enforcement measures.
Solid waste management in The Philippines
RA 9003 serves as the framework for establishing an integrated solid waste management programme focused on resource conservation and recovery. It aims to protect public health and the environment through effective waste reduction, segregation, collection, transport, storage, treatment, and disposal.
BAN Toxics laments that, more than two decades after its enactment on January 26, 2001, the impact of RA 9003 remains underwhelming. Challenges such as improper waste disposal, insufficient infrastructure, and gaps in public awareness persist, underscoring the need for stronger action to fully realise the law’s potential.
The 2023 Commission on Audit (COA) report highlights a concerning rise in solid waste, from 9.07 million metric tons in 2000 to 16.63 million in 2020, with projections reaching 24.5 million tons by 2045. The audit also found a significant lack of material recovery facilities (MRFs) and sanitary landfills (SLFs), with only 39% of barangays (16,418 out of 42,046) served by MRFs in 2021, and only 29.25% (478 of 1,634 LGUs) having access to SLFs.
Without proper MRFs for waste reduction, such as recycling and composting, most solid waste ends up in dumpsites or is openly burned, further worsening pollution, as noted in a 2020 study published by ScienceDirect.
The Philippine Centre for Investigative Journalism (PCIJ) found that, from 2017 to 2020, LGUs in NCR spent an average of PHP 384 million annually on waste management, funded by the DENR, taxes, and other revenue streams. Quezon City had the highest expenditure, allocating PHP 2.13 billion in 2020.
While the government is increasing its budget to ecological solid waste management, as reflected in the General Appropriations Act (GAA) for FY 2024 – allocating PHP 334,707,000 to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) for the implementation of waste management regulations, a slight increase from PHP 325,912,000 in 2023 – significant gaps remain in addressing the full scale of the waste crisis.
“RA 9003 is crucial but poorly implemented, and its shortcomings are evident, particularly during floods. There are also unseen effects, such as toxic waste contaminating the environment and posing long-term health risks to communities,” stated Thony Dizon, Campaign and Advocacy Officer of BAN Toxics.
Dizon emphasised that the country should adopt the principle of Zero Waste, which encourages reducing the production and consumption of goods that will eventually become waste. Zero waste also serves as a strategy for conserving natural resources and protecting ecosystems. He also highlighted plastic pollution as a critical issue that needs to be addressed.
The DENR reports that the Philippines generates 2.7 million tons of plastic waste annually, contributing to the 61,000 metric tons of solid waste produced daily – enough to fill 37 Olympic-sized pools. This includes 163 million plastic sachets, 48 million shopping bags, and 45 million thin-film bags. Alarmingly, only a third of this waste ends up in landfills, while 35% is discarded into the ocean. In response, BAN Toxics calls for a nationwide ban on single-use plastics.
One of the key responsibilities of LGUs, as mandated by RA 9003, is also to divert at least 25% of waste through practices like reuse, recycling, and composting. However, waste diversion is often handled through informal channels, such as recycling operations at junk shops.
In a discussion paper published in 2021, the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) highlighted the “prominent role” of the informal economy in the solid waste processing phase, noting that it “bridged the gaps across material collection, segregation, and recycling.” Junk shops served as pseudo-material recovery facilities, and scavengers and street collectors retrieved recyclables for their market value, the analysis stated.
BAN Toxics highlights the vital role of informal waste collectors and junk shops in waste recovery and recycling efforts. The group calls for formalisation of their work through the provision of health benefits, training, support, and access to proper facilities and equipment. Empowering them would improve the effectiveness of waste minimisation programmes, increase waste diversion rates, and foster a more inclusive approach to environmental sustainability.
“On the 24th anniversary of RA 9003, BAN Toxics reaffirms its commitment to advancing environmental awareness and developing innovative, long-term solutions for more effective solid waste reduction,” Dizon concluded.
Nigeria’s power sector is a key component of the nation’s economy. However, it is grappling with challenges as it navigates to 2025.
Minister of Power, Mr Adebayo Adelabu
From power shortages to outdated infrastructure and the inability to meet increasing energy demands, the sector’s inefficiencies continue to hinder economic growth.
With daily power outages, especially in rural areas, and frequent grid collapses, businesses and households face deepening frustrations.
In spite of these challenges, there is renewed optimism for reform.
Government actions, such as strategic investments in renewable energy and infrastructure improvements, are expected to pave the way for a more reliable, sustainable power future.
The push for renewable energy which include solar, wind and hydropower, represents a positive shift toward diversification.
This will potentially reduce the nation’s dependency on fossil fuels and addressing environmental concerns.
In an interview on Sunday, January 26, 2025, Dr. Olukayode Akinrolabu, Chairman of the Customer Consultative Forum for Festac/Satellite Town, Lagos, emphasised the need for proper oversight and infrastructure investment.
He said these would help to guarantee the sector’s long-term success.
“The progress of the power sector could be hindered by corruption, inadequate monitoring, and the involvement of inexperienced personnel,” he said.
Akinrolabu called for thorough evaluations of Nigeria’s power generation and transmission systems, ensuring that every part of the value chain is scrutinised for effectiveness.
He also suggested that DisCos be allowed to directly manage their electricity allocations, improving operational efficiency and customer satisfaction.
“While some DisCos have made strides in customer service, others continue to face challenges with estimated billing and the need for infrastructure upgrades.
Akinrolabu advocated structural reforms that would empower DisCos to improve their service delivery, benefiting both businesses and consumers alike.
Also, Biodun Ogunleye, Lagos State Commissioner for Energy, underscored the importance of integrating renewable energy sources.
According to him, it is important to expand the nation’s transmission and distribution networks and invest in smart grid technologies to tackle grid collapses and inefficiencies.
Ogunleye also stressed the need for greater investment in gas infrastructure to provide a reliable power supply and reduce reliance on imports.
He noted a balanced energy mix, with solar, wind and hydropower prioritised alongside traditional energy sources to ensure a more sustainable and affordable energy future.
“The expansion of Nigeria’s transmission and distribution networks is another critical area for improvement.
“As demand for electricity grows, it is essential to invest in infrastructure and technology to enhance grid efficiency and minimise technical losses,” he added.
Ogunleye said that this expansion would require both public and private sector investments to succeed.
Meanwhile, Chinedu Bosah, National Coordinator, Coalition for Affordable and Regular Electricity (CARE), said that government’s focus on the privatisation of the sector had prioritised profit over long-term investment, leading to poor service delivery.
He said that, in spite of these hurdles, stakeholders in the industry remain hopeful that with the right investments and reforms.
According to him, the power sector can be transformed into a more reliable, affordable and sustainable system.
He said that, if successful, these reforms could lead to greater transparency, increased power generation capacity, and a reduction in grid collapses, ultimately supporting the country’s economic growth and development.
The Governing Board of the Specific International Programme (SIP) of the Minamata Convention on Mercury at its Tenth Meeting held in Geneva from January 22 to 24, 2025, approved 10 projects for funding in the Fourth Round, with a total funding of $2,061,813.
Members of the Governing Board of the Specific International Programme in Geneva
Thirty-six applications were submitted by Parties to the Fourth Round, of which 29 were deemed eligible for further consideration by the Board at the meeting.
In a statement, Governing Board Co-Chairs, Mr. Obed Baloyi and Mr. Andrew Clark, disclosed that the Fourth Round resulted in the highest number of applications to the Programme to date, with 14 eligible applications from Africa, seven from Asia and the Pacific, three from Central and Eastern Europe, and five from Latin America and the Caribbean.
The large number of applications, they added, shows the strong commitment of the Parties to the full implementation of the Convention, and also shows the ongoing and growing need for support from the financial mechanism.
According to them, successful projects were submitted by Brazil, Chad, Djibouti, Eritrea, Georgia, Madagascar, Montenegro, Sri Lanka, United Republic of Tanzania, and Zimbabwe.
Baloyi and Clark added: “On behalf of the Board, we would like to congratulate these applicants for developing strong proposals for capacity-building and technical assistance in support of the implementation of their obligations under the Minamata Convention on Mercury.
“The Board would like to commend all the applicants for their diligent work in preparing and submitting their applications. The quality of applications was outstanding, resulting in very challenging deliberations for the Board. The Board notes that, had the funding envelope been larger for this Round, it would have liked to approve more applications. The decisions we took in this meeting will be communicated to all applicants by the Secretariat in the coming days.
“The Board would like to thank Austria, Denmark, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States for their contributions to the Fourth Round of the Specific International Programme.
“The Board looks forward with anticipation to the Fifth Round of applications. Given the high interest shown in the Programme and the significant country needs expressed, we would like to strongly encourage those in a position to do so to contribute to a robust next round of the Programme.”
The Co-Chairs disclosed that the Board would present its full report to the Conference of the Parties at its sixth meeting, submitting: “As Co-Chairs, we would also like to thank our fellow Board members for their diligent and constructive work in preparation for and throughout the meeting. All the members of the Board join us in thanking the Secretariat of the Minamata Convention for its excellent work in support of the work of the Board and of the implementation of all the projects both underway and closed during the life of the Programme to date.”
The escalating impacts of climate-induced disasters are devastating vulnerable communities in East and Southern Africa. To protect people, livelihoods and economies, countries must prioritise the development and implementation of National Adaptation Plans (NAPs), which serve as crucial roadmaps to build climate resilience.
The escalating impacts of climate-induced disasters are devastating vulnerable communities in East and Southern Africa. Photo credit: Thoko Chikondi/AP
In 2023, Cyclone Freddy wreaked havoc in Malawi and Mozambique, causing catastrophic flooding, displacement and loss of life. In 2024, Kenya and Ethiopia continued to suffer from recurring droughts that decimated crops, livelihood and ecosystems. In South Africa, extreme flooding highlighted the region’s increasing exposure to climate risks. Meanwhile, in Uganda, a deadly landslide claimed 28 lives, left over 100 missing and destroyed more than 40 households.
These disasters are not isolated incidents – they are part of a growing pattern linked to worsening climate change.
Despite the urgency, only seven countries in the region – Ethiopia, Kenya, Mozambique, South Africa, South Sudan, Zambia and Zimbabwe – have finalised and submitted their NAPs.
NAPs are vital tools for identifying vulnerabilities and integrating climate adaptation into national development strategies. They provide a roadmap for actionable solutions, including:
Strengthening Early Warning Systems: Investing in robust monitoring and communication systems to provide timely, actionable alerts to communities.
Promoting Sustainable Land Management: Addressing deforestation, soil erosion, and unsustainable agricultural practices to enhance resilience.
Implementing Relocation and Resettlement Plans: Developing inclusive strategies for moving communities out of high-risk areas to save lives and livelihoods.
Scaling Up Adaptation Finance: Mobilising resources through international mechanisms like the Green Climate Fund and leveraging opportunities from multilateral development banks, bilateral donors, the private sector and innovative financing approaches.
By prioritising climate adaptation through NAPs, countries in East and Southern Africa can break the cycle of recurring adversities, protect lives, restore ecosystems and build resilient communities.
As emphasised during UN Climate Change Conference COP29 held November 2024, enhanced collaboration between governments, development partners and local communities, alongside international technical and financial support, is vital for implementing these plans and fostering long-term climate resilience.
UN aid teams have launched a humanitarian appeal in Nigeria, which again focuses on the northeastern states of Borno, Adamawa and Yobe – the Bay states -where conflict, climate shocks and economic instability continue to blight communities’ wellbeing.
Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State
OCHA, the UN aid coordination office, in a statement, stated that the target in 2025 would be to reach 3.6 million people in the northeast with health services, food, water, sanitation, and hygiene.
Nutrition for children is also part of the $910 million appeal, along with support for protection, education and other basic services.
To absorb declining global funding, OCHA insisted that the Nigeria plan aims to make scarce resources go further, by supporting those delivering assistance locally more directly – and by shifting to cash and voucher assistance where possible.
According to the statement, a key part of the aid appeal includes prevention work to lessen the impact of floods and disease outbreaks.
In a related development, the UN has suspended all official movements by its teams into and out of Houthi-held areas of Yemen, after more UN staffers were detained on Thursday, January 23, 2025.
The de facto rulers of much of the country, including the capital Sana’a, released the crew of a merchant ship who had been held for more than a year, earlier this week.
The move raised hopes that more than 60 staff from the UN, international organisations and diplomatic missions already being held by the Houthis over the past year, might be released.
Friday’s safety measure announced by Julien Harneis, UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Yemen, comes as the organization faces mounting security challenges in its operations in the region.
The Houthis and the internationally-recognised Government have been fighting for control of the country in what has become a wider regional proxy war, for
“Yesterday, the de facto authorities in Sana’a detained additional UN personnel working in areas under their control,” Harneis said.
“To ensure the security and safety of all its staff, the United Nations has suspended all official movements into and within areas under the de facto authorities’ control…this measure will remain in place until further notice.”
Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Haq elaborated on the response later on Friday, highlighting the UN’s ongoing efforts: “Our officials in Yemen are actively engaging with senior representatives of the de facto authorities, demanding the immediate and unconditional release of all UN personnel and partners.”
The detentions mark a troubling escalation for humanitarian operations in Yemen, where access and security remain critical concerns.
The UN continues to emphasise the importance of upholding the safety and neutrality of its personnel to ensure lifesaving aid reaches those in need.
How plausible is the target by African heads of states to grant access to electricity to 300 million people by 2030?
Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, is hosting the Africa Energy Summit
That is the task before the over 1,000 participants expected at the Mission 300 Africa Energy Summit, which kicks off in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, on Monday, Jan. 27, 2025.
“It’s a tight journey because 2030 is only five years away and we have to deliver, not expected connections, but actual connections to 300 million by 2030,” says Mr. Daniel Schroth, African Development Bank’s (AfDB) Director for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency.
Schroth emphasised the urgency of implementation of Mission 300 Africa Energy Summit at a media briefing in Dar es Salaam.
Mr. Franz Drees-Gross, World Bank Director of Infrastructure for West Africa, said Mission 300 represented not just an ambitious target but a movement.
“We are creating a lasting impact that will power Africa’s growth and enable millions of people to access the essential services electricity provides,” said Drees-Gross.
The World Bank Group and the AfDB launched the initiative in April 2024 to bridge the energy access gap in Africa.
Mr. Wale Shonibare, ADB’s Director for Energy Financial Solutions, Policy and Regulation, said the summit would unveil new initiatives aimed at boosting domestic resource mobilisation.
Shonibare said it would also encourage cross-border trade to spread risk and increase financing for energy access.
Already, the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP) and The Rockefeller Foundation have committed $10 million to create a technical assistance facility supporting electricity projects across 11 African nations.
“What makes this initiative different from what institutions have done in the past is the ‘all hands-on deck approach’ with a lot of institutions working hand-in-hand to deliver the ambitious agenda,” explained Sarvesh Suri, IFC’s Director for Infrastructure in Africa.
About 12 countries, including Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Côte d’Ivoire, will pledge reforms in five key areas: low-cost power generation, regional energy integration, increased energy access, enabling private investment and utility strengthening.
The two-day summit is being hosted by the government of Tanzania, the African Union, the African Development Bank Group and the World Bank Group.
On the first day, at the ministerial level, participating countries, including Nigeria, will present their national energy strategies, termed compacts, detailing their approaches to achieving universal energy access within five years.
On the second day, Heads of State will endorse the Dar es Salaam Energy Declaration, outlining a unified roadmap for Africa’s progress towards the Mission 300 objectives.
President Tinubu will deliver a national statement reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to achieving universal access to energy and its leadership role in Africa’s energy sector.
He will also highlight Nigeria’s ongoing clean energy initiatives and its strategy to drive integrated energy delivery on the continent.
Amb. Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Mr. Adebayo Adelabu, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Minister of Power, Mr. Olu Verheijen, the Special Adviser to the President on Energy, and other senior government officials will accompany President Tinubu on the trip.
The Lagos State Government on Friday, January 24, 2025, reaffirmed its stance against illegal building constructions as it sealed multiple buildings being constructed without planning permit on the Lagos Island.
A sealed building under construction
Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Oluyinka Olumide, who led the exercise to caution contravening buildings, said that it had become imperative for government to compel the right and positive attitude from the people towards physical planning laws, after months of gracious amnesty to buildings without planning permit.
“The amnesty programme provided an opportunity for property owners to regularise their building permits without facing immediate penalties. Unfortunately, many disregarded this initiative while it lasted and now proceeded with illegal constructions that fail to meet structural, environmental, and safety standards. Our goal is to encourage compliance, ensuring that Lagos remains a safe and orderly city for all residents,” he said.
According to him “the exercise, which will be extended to other parts of the state, underscores the Lagos State Government’s commitment to enforcing physical planning laws across the state. No doubt, unregulated developments pose significant risks to the built environment, including structural collapse, environmental degradation, and disruption to planned city layouts”.
The affected properties that were sealed for lacking the requisite permits for building construction include Number 7 Okesuna Street, 42/64 Okepopo Street, 11/15 Sunmonu Street, 22 Olushi Street, 8 Isalegangan Street. Others are on Oroyinyin, Faji, and Omididun streets.
The Commissioner decried the spate of illegal building construction on Lagos Island, especially buildings on narrow strips of land that leaves no room for adequate setbacks and air spaces, as he ordered the stoppage of the ongoing construction on 8, Isalegangan Street for its narrowness.
He reminded residents, property owners and property developers of their civic duty to obtain necessary approvals before embarking on building construction while urging owners of adjoining small parcels of land to seriously consider the land-pooling option to aid livable, organised and sustainable built environment.
Olumide highlighted the importance of reporting illegal constructions, saying that residents were encouraged to provide information that would assist the government discover physical planning contraventions at their infancy and act promptly in the interest of all to sustain the state’s development agenda as it relates to the physical planning sector.
With the Commissioner on the exercise was the Permanent Secretary, Office of Physical Planning, Olumide Sotire, Directors in the ministry and functionaries of the Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority (LASPPPA).
The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) has approved an initiative aimed at tackling the challenge of hazardous chemicals in 11 Least Developed Countries (LDCs) in Africa.
Gareth Phillips, African Development Bank’s Climate and Environment Finance Manager
In a statement issued on Saturday, January 25, 2025, the AfDB highlighted that the initiative would address chemicals such as Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) and mercury.
The project, titled “Scaling-up Investment and Technology Transfer to Facilitate Capacity Strengthening and Technical Assistance for the Implementation of Stockholm and Minamata Conventions in African LDCs – Phase 2” (AFLDC-2), focuses on improving chemicals and waste management across 11 African Least Developed Countries (LDCs).
These countries include Angola, Ethiopia, the Gambia, Guinea, Liberia, Mauritania, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Togo, Uganda, and Zambia.
This initiative, the first of its kind by the AfDB, is a significant milestone in sustainable chemicals management.
It leverages a $21.3 million grant from the Global Environment Facility (GEF) alongside co-financing from AfDB-supported projects in urban, agricultural, and agro-industrial sectors in the participating countries.
The AfDB explained that the project would adopt a multistakeholder approach to address challenges such as the lack of regulatory frameworks, inadequate waste management infrastructure, and insufficient enforcement capacities in these nations.
“The chemicals involved, such as pesticides, Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs), and mercury from products like batteries and dental fillings, pose serious health and environmental risks.
“Governments worldwide have increasingly recognised these dangers, leading to stronger regulations through international agreements like the Rotterdam, Stockholm, Minamata, and Basel Conventions.
“The AFLDC-2 project aligns with these frameworks, aiming to strengthen national capacities, promote environmentally sound practices, and implement circular economy approaches to reduce toxic emissions and control waste pollution at the source.”
Gareth Phillips, AfDB Manager for Climate and Environment Finance, called the project transformative, stating, “The AFLDC-2 project marks a pivotal milestone in Africa’s efforts to tackle the challenges of hazardous chemicals and waste.
“We are proud to set this precedent, and we are optimistic it will pave the way for many more similar initiatives.”
The project is expected to deliver significant public health and environmental benefits, helping participating countries fulfill their obligations under the Stockholm and Minamata Conventions.
North Africa already has the requisite abundant natural resources and developing infrastructure to support a massive expansion in green hydrogen production, writes NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman, African Energy Chamber
Green Hydrogen
While much of our attention at the African Energy Chamber (AEC) concentrates on efforts to industrialise the sub-Saharan regions, as covered in our recently released 2025 Outlook Report, The State of African Energy, the more developed North African nations have seen recent progress in the renewables field, in green hydrogen specifically, that deserves our recognition.
Many are likely unfamiliar with the technology behind the production of this fuel source, and the subject requires at least a brief explanation.
Hydrogen has many uses across varied industries, from petroleum refining and food processing to fertiliser and steel production. While the aerospace industry has used hydrogen as a rocket fuel since the dawn of the space age, there is plenty of room for the growth of hydrogen-powered cars, or fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs), in the automotive world. Though its implementation in electricity generation is minimal at present, hydrogen may see more widespread use as a supplementary or alternative fuel source in the future at standalone facilities and power plants currently running on natural gas.
Hydrogen production primarily uses electrolysis, a process in which an electric current passes through water to separate hydrogen from oxygen. Currently, about 95% of the electricity for global hydrogen production comes from natural gas and coal-fired power plants. By contrast, green hydrogen production utilizes electricity from renewable sources such as solar and wind instead. If the majority of hydrogen production facilities switched to renewable energy, the International Energy Agency (IEA) estimates this could reduce CO2 emissions by approximately 830 million tonnes annually.
As the world struggles with the urgent need to transition from fossil fuels to more sustainable energy sources, green hydrogen offers an avenue where production can continue with the same capacity but without harmful by-products, particularly in regions rich in renewable energy potential like North Africa. This region, characterised by vast, consistently sun-drenched deserts and strong winds, could potentially lead the way in developing a global green hydrogen economy. However, this transition is not without its complexities and challenges.
The Promise
As covered in our recently published 2025 Outlook Report, The State of African Energy, North Africa offers several compelling advantages, marking it as a prospective green hydrogen mega-producer.
North Africa already has the requisite abundant natural resources and developing infrastructure to support a massive expansion in green hydrogen production. The region boasts some of the highest solar irradiation levels globally, making it an ideal location for solar-powered hydrogen production. Countries like Morocco and Egypt have already initiated projects like the Noor Ouarzazate Solar Thermal Complex and the Benban Solar Complex, respectively, which could serve as the backbone for the industry. Additionally, the wind potential along the coasts of Algeria and Mauritania provides another renewable energy source for industrial-scale electrolysis.
For national economies critically dependent on oil and gas, green hydrogen offers a path to greater diversification. The transition would not only lessen the negative impacts of oil’s inherent price fluctuations but also foster new industries. Green hydrogen production could lead to development in related sectors such as hydrogen fuel cells, ammonia production for fertilisers, and even green steel (steel produced using hydrogen as a reducing agent eliminating coal and CO2 emissions from the process) creating new jobs and stimulating economic growth.
A ramp-up in green hydrogen production would also have more than just local benefits as the endeavor aligns with global climate goals as well. By focusing on green hydrogen, North African countries could position themselves as leaders in the worldwide decarbonisation effort while opening up new export markets. The export of green hydrogen to Europe, which has set ambitious climate targets, could become a lucrative trade, further enhancing North Africa’s geopolitical stature in the energy sector.
With the right infrastructure in place, like the kind proposed for the SoutH2 corridor linking North Africa, Italy, Austria, and Germany, producers could transport green hydrogen via pipelines or as easily shippable derivatives like ammonia or liquid organic hydrogen carriers (LOHCs), which would be particularly appealing to European markets seeking to decarbonise.
The Challenges
Despite the many bright prospects, a realistic assessment of the path to a green hydrogen economy in North Africa reveals it is not without its fair share of challenges.
Hydrogen production through electrolysis requires significant amounts of water, which is already scarce in many parts of North Africa. This fact essentially mandates solutions like seawater desalination or wastewater recycling, both of which add to the energy and financial burdens of any green hydrogen initiative.
The lack of existing infrastructure for hydrogen production, storage, and distribution is also a major hurdle. North Africa will need new pipelines, storage facilities, and ports capable of handling hydrogen and its derivatives, and the construction associated with these features will require substantial investment. Moreover, while adapting existing gas infrastructure to facilitate hydrogen transportation is a feasible venture, it presents additional technical and safety challenges due to hydrogen’s volatile properties.
Another impediment to green hydrogen’s expansion is its overall economic viability. Currently, green hydrogen production costs remain higher than those of fossil fuels or even those of blue hydrogen (hydrogen produced using natural gas with carbon capture). Achieving economies of scale and technological advancements in electrolysers could reduce costs, but until then, green hydrogen will struggle to compete without subsidies or carbon pricing mechanisms.
Nations engaged in green hydrogen production will also have to create and clearly define their associated policies and regulations. This nascent stage of the technology’s development calls for robust policy frameworks if producers are to attract investment, ensure safety, and integrate hydrogen into their existing energy systems. North African nations need to develop clear strategies, not only for hydrogen production but also for how it fits into their broader energy policies. This includes regulatory support for renewable energy projects, hydrogen certification, and cross-border trade agreements.
The capital-intensive nature of green hydrogen projects means funding is another critical barrier. While there are signs of interest from international investors, the risk perception in some North African markets could deter the necessary influx of capital. It might be necessary to seek international cooperation on innovative financing models such as green bonds which are issued by public or private institutions for the purpose of funding projects intended to mitigate climate change.
Lastly, skill development and technology transfer present other hurdles. Building a green hydrogen industry requires a skilled workforce that counts engineers, technicians, laborers, and policymakers as members. Considering that nations who want to participate in the green hydrogen economy will have to develop local expertise, there is a built-in need for investment in education and training. And while technology transfer from countries leading in hydrogen technology would be beneficial, it comes with its own set of potential limitations regarding intellectual property and capacity expansion.
Moving Forward
Despite these challenges, leveraging North Africa’s green hydrogen potential is a worthy pursuit and will require a multi-faceted approach:
Regional collaboration. Initiatives like the African Green Hydrogen Alliance are steps in the right direction, promoting shared knowledge, infrastructure, and investment.
Technological innovation. Conducting research into more efficient electrolysers, better hydrogen storage solutions, and the use of non-fresh water sources for electrolysis could mitigate some of the current limitations.
International partnerships. The EU’s goal of importing 10 million tonnes of green hydrogen by 2030, as stipulated by the REPowerEU Plan, presents an immediate market opportunity. Collaborations across Europe for diversified investment, technology sharing, and market access can accelerate development.
Policy leadership. Governments must lead with policies and offerings that not only incentivize green hydrogen but also ensure sustainability. These would include clear and detailed roadmaps to success, unwavering support for initial projects, and incentives like the simplified administrative procedures and tax breaks l the Egyptian government established when it granted 42,000 square kilometers of land to the New and Renewable Energy Authority (NREA) for green hydrogen production.
Environmental considerations. It is crucial to ensure that green hydrogen projects do not lead to unintended environmental degradation, especially concerning water use. Operators must integrate and adhere to environmentally friendly practices from the outset.
The development of green hydrogen in North Africa holds transformative potential, offering a route to clean energy production that could redefine the region’s economic landscape.
However, to realise this potential, North Africa will have to overcome significant hurdles through strategic planning, international cooperation, and a commitment to sustainability. If North Africa navigates these challenges with foresight and innovation, the region could meet its own energy needs via greener alternatives while playing a pivotal role in the global energy transition and setting a precedent for other regions to follow.
