The African Development Bank has launched a new call for proposals under its Green Hydrogen Programme, marking an important step toward supporting clean energy development across Africa. The initiative is being managed through the Sustainable Energy Fund for Africa and is aimed at private sector companies working on green hydrogen projects.
The programme is designed to help African countries reduce dependence on carbon-intensive industries while building sustainable economic value chains. Green hydrogen, produced using renewable energy, is increasingly seen as a key solution for decarbonizing sectors that are difficult to clean up, such as heavy industry and transportation.
The initiative has been made possible with financial support from Germany, secured at the end of 2025. Under this programme, up to $20 million will be made available in pre-investment financing. This funding will be awarded to three to five of the highest-ranked projects selected through a competitive application process.
Unlike traditional financing models, the programme will primarily offer reimbursable grants rather than loans. These funds are intended to support early-stage project development and will cover essential advisory services. This includes feasibility studies, detailed engineering designs, and transaction advisory support. The goal is to help projects reach the stage of Final Investment Decision (FID) or financial close, making them more attractive to large-scale investors.
According to Daniel Schroth, Director of Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency at the AfDB, green hydrogen presents a major opportunity for the continent. He highlighted that it can play a crucial role in reducing emissions in hard-to-abate sectors while also driving economic growth and job creation.
The application process for the programme opened on April 10, 2026, and will remain open until May 11, 2026. Interested private sector developers are required to submit their proposals through the official SEFA platform.
This initiative reflects a broader effort by the AfDB to support Africa’s energy transition. By providing early-stage financial support, the bank aims to bridge the gap between project concept and investment readiness. The programme is expected to encourage innovation and accelerate the development of a new green hydrogen industry across the continent, positioning Africa as a potential key player in the global clean energy market.
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