The potential in the green hydrogen sector holds many opportunities for digital startups and innovators in South Africa. This situation is demonstrated by the attention to the sector and the number of startups already present along the green hydrogen value chain. However, while some ecosystem support is in place, systemic dynamics hinder further growth for startups. Insufficient green hydrogen skills and skills programmes, a lack of collaboration among startups and large corporations, and constrained access to finance are all barriers that limit growth.

This country brief outlines the climate for innovators in green hydrogen in South Africa, introduces some of the major players in the ecosystem and shares the recommendations to improve system dynamics for startups. These recommendations were gathered through a multi-stakeholder process called ii2030 (inclusive innovation 2030) to enable innovators to take advantage of opportunities in South Africa’s green hydrogen sector.