2nd Pan African Green Hydrogen Skills Conference 2025 Bridging the Skills Gaps for a Green Hydrogen Future
Date: 13-14 November 2025 Time 09h00-16h30 Venue: Irene Country Lodge, Nellmapuis Drive, Irene Pretoria
TABLE OF CONTENTS ACRONYM TABLE
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FOREWORD FROM THE CEO OF CHIETA
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BACKGROUND
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DAY 1 - Thursday 13 November 2025
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DAY 2 - Friday 14 November 2025
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1.
Setting the Scene: 1st Pan African Skills Conference Resolutions Report, CHIETA’s Research and Learning Solutions- Mr Yershen Pillay, CHIETA CEO
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7.
Panel: The Role of SMMEs in the Green Hydrogen Economy and Skills
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2.
SETA Forum perspective
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Panel: Catalysing Inclusive Skills Development for the Green Hydrogen Economy
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Keynote Address- Honourable Minister Buti Manamela, Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET)
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9.
Panel: Building Skills for Africa’s Green Hydrogen Economy: Opportunities, Developments and Challenges
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4.
Preparing South Africa for a Green Hydrogen Economy:Capacity, Skills, Industry Readiness and Inclusive Participation
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10. Panel: From skills to jobs: Industry Perspectives on Africa’s Green Hydrogen Future
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4.1 Building National Capacity: South Africa’s Experience in Developing Green Hydrogen Skills
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11. Panel: Green Hydrogen Skills in Action: Innovation and Readiness in Post-School Education
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4.2 Preparing South Africa for Green Hydrogen “Climate change requires transforming energy systems,” -Dr Stephen Mathetsa, Wits Business School, Africa Energy Leadership Centre
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12. Next steps
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13. Opportunities
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5.
From Research to Workforce: Translating Green Hydrogen R&D into Skills Pipelines
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6.
Power-to-X and the Future of Green Hydrogen:Skills and Innovation for South Africa - Ms Anele Msomi: Technical Advisor, H2SA- GIZ (Deutsche Gesellschaft fur lnternationale Zusammenarbeit)
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CHIETA | 2nd Pan African Green Hydrogen Skills Conference 2025
ACRONYMS Acronym Name
Acronym Name
AA
Accounting Authority
EAP
Energy and Environment Programme (Business Unity SA context)
ACI
African Chemical Institute
EWSETA
Energy and Water Sector Education and Training Authority
ASDU
Alternative Services Delivery Unit
FPM SETA
BBBEE
Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment
Fibre Processing and Manufacturing Sector Education and Training Authority
BUSA
Business Unity South Africa
G20
Group of Twenty
CBT
Competency-Based Training
GDP
Gross Domestic Product
CFAR
Centre for Applied Research
GH/G
Green Hydrogen
CHIETA
Chemical Industries Education & Training Authority
GIZ
Deutsche Gesellschaft fur lnternationale Zusammenar- beit (German Development Agency)
CO
Carbon Dioxide
GW
Gigawatt
CSIR
Council for Scientific and Industrial Research
GWh
Gigawatt-hours
CPD4E
Career Path Development for Employment
HSA
Green Hydrogen South Africa Programme (GIZ)
CPUT
Cape Peninsula University of Technology
HIPs
High-Impact Projects
CSIR
Council for Scientific and Industrial Research
HRDC
Human Resource Development Council
DFI
Development Finance Institution
HSRM
Hydrogen Society Roadmap
DFFE
Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment
IDC
Industrial Development Corporation
DHET
Department of Higher Education and Training
JET
Just Energy Transition
DMRE
Department of Mineral Resources and Energy
JETIP
Just Energy Transition Implementation Plan
DTIC
Department of Trade, Industry and Competition
KfW
Kreditanstalt fOr Wiederaufbau (German Development Bank)
CHIETA | 2nd Pan African Green Hydrogen Skills Conference 2025
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Acronym Name
Acronym Name
LMI
Labour Market Intelligence
RTI
Research, Technology and Innovation
MEA
Membrane Electrode Assembly
SAlMI
South African International Maritime Institute
MQA
Mining Qualifications Authority
SAQA
South African Qualifications Authority
MTDP
Medium-Term Development Plan
SDG
Sustainable Development Goal
MOU
Memorandum of Understanding
SDZ
Skills Development Zone
NAAM
National Association of Artisanal Miners
SARETC
South African Renewable Energy Technology Centre
NBI
National Business Initiative
SFTA
Skills for Transition Academy
NDCs
Nationally Determined Contributions
SETA
Sector Education and Training Authority
NDP
National Development Plan
SMMEs
Small,Medium and Micro Enterprises
NECSA
Nuclear Energy Corporation of South Africa
STEM
Science,Technology, Engineering and Mathematics
NEVs
New Energy Vehicles
TETA
Transport Education and Training Authority
NGO
Non-Governmental Organisation
TIA
Technology Innovation Agency
NHG
Namibia Hydrogen Group
TRL
Technology Readiness Level
NQF
National Qualifications Framework
TVET
Technical and Vocational Education and Training
NSF
National Skills Fund
UWC
University of the Western Cape
NYDA
National Youth Development Agency
WITS
University of the Witwatersrand
PBMR
Pebble Bed Modular Reactor
PtX
Power-to-X
QCTO
Quality Council for Trades and Occupations
R&D
Research and Development
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CHIETA | 2nd Pan African Green Hydrogen Skills Conference 2025
FOREWORD FROM THE CEO OF CHIETA South Africa’s transition towards a green hydrogen future represents one of the most important and exciting industrial and economic shifts of our time. As global markets move rapidly toward low-carbon production systems and sustainable energy alternatives,building a competitive and inclusive Green Hydrogen (GH ) economy has become a national imperative. This transition has the potential not only to advance decarbonisation efforts, but also to attract investment, create new industries and drive substantial economic development for the country and continent. The growth of the GH value chain,from research and production to storage, transport,industrial use and export, will require a skilled and adaptable workforce. Preparing South Africans to participate meaningfully in this emerging sector remains central to realising the opportunities ahead. As the skills authority for the chemical industries,CHIETA is firmly committed to playing a leading role in driving this readiness. Through the 2nd Pan-African Green Hydrogen Skills Conference, CHIETA’s objective remains to build on ongoing work, continue critical dialogue and sharpen focus on implementation. The insights shared will continue to guide the alignment of skills planning, training delivery and workforce pathways with national ambition. We are particularly encouraged by strong regional collaboration and participation, including contributions from Kenya, Namibia and Ghana. Their involvement highlighted the importance of regional cooperation, knowledge exchange and shared capacity-building as Africa advances within the global green hydrogen value chain. On behalf of CHIETA, I want to extend our sincere appreciation to all stakeholders who contributed to the success of this conference. The insights shared and collaborative spirit shown across all sectors were instrumental in deepening our shared understanding of what is required to realise a competitive and inclusive green hydrogen future. “Collaboration is essential, as no single institution can provide the full capability required for a functioning green hydrogen sector.” CHIETA | 2nd Pan African Green Hydrogen Skills Conference 2025
Thank you. Yershen Pilley CEO,Chemical Industries Education and Training Authority (CHIETA)
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CHIETA | 2nd Pan African Green Hydrogen Skills Conference 2025
BACKGROUND While South Africa has established robust frameworks, the event addressed the “slower pace” of domestic progress relative to regional peers. Hosted in collaboration with the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) on 13-14 November 2025,the conference aimed to:
The 2nd Pan-African Green Hydrogen Skills Conference was convened against the backdrop of South Africa’s strategic pivot toward the Green Hydrogen (GH ) economy. Recognizing the nation’s potential for decarbonization and economic growth,the Chemical Industries Education & Training Sector Authority (CHIETA) integrated GH development into its Innovating for Impact Strategy 2020-2030. This event followed the inaugural 2022 conference,which first established the regional lens for industry skills requirements.
The objectives of the CHIETA 2nd Pan-African Green Hydrogen Skills Conference are:
The conference deliberations were grounded in two pivotal 2022 policy frameworks, namely, the Hydrogen Society Roadmap (HSRM): This set ambitious national targets, including the production of 500 kilotons of GH by 2030, the deployment of 11.7 GW of electrolysers across the Northern Cape and the Hydrogen Valley, and the creation of a manufacturing Centre of Excellence; and the Green Hydrogen Commercialisation Strategy: This reinforced the necessity of linking hydrogen production to socioeconomic development and a Just Energy Transition. Since the 2022 baseline, CHIETA demonstrated active progress through several key interventions, among them,including conducting critical research to identify emerging skills gaps. In addition, CHIETA established a Green Hydrogen Centre of Specialisation in a multi-SETA partnership with TETA, MQA, and the CSIR; and further developed three specialised GH skills programmes to formalise workforce training.
CHIETA | 2nd Pan African Green Hydrogen Skills Conference 2025
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To Present successful case studies of countries and companies leading in both green hydrogen development and workforce training.
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Inspire new ideas and technological advancements by bringing together thought leaders,researchers and practitioners focused on bridging skills gaps for green hydrogen.
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Explore strategies to equip the current and future workforce with the necessary skills through education and training.
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Understand green hydrogen skills development landscape from both supply and demand perspective.
The conference was attended by 150 delegates from diverse stakeholder groups,including academia, government,organized labour and development finance institutions, as well as stakeholder representation from Namibia,Ghana, and Kenya.
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DAY ONE 13 NOVEMBER 2025
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CHIETA | 2nd Pan African Green Hydrogen Skills Conference 2025
GREEN HYDROGEN IN THE NEW GOLD
2027 - 2030 2025 - 2027
CHIETA | 2nd Pan African Green Hydrogen Skills Conference 2025
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2030 - 2035
DAY 1 - THURSDAY 13 NOVEMBER 2025 l.
Setting the Scene: lst Pan African Skills Conference Resolutions Report, CHIETA’s Research and Learning Solutions - Mr Yershen Pillay, CHIETA CEO
The 2nd Pan-African Green Hydrogen and Skills Conference is a follow-up on the First Pan-African Green Hydrogen and Skills Conference,seeking to clarify the continent’s approach to developing skills for the green hydrogen economy. The conference explored how Africa can seize opportunities collectively,with reflections from Ghana, Kenya and Namibia.
Second, hydrogen is cost-efficient.
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Third,hydrogen is sustainable as it is the most plentiful element in the universe and represents a long term source of clean energy It is not a resource that will run out.
To develop three new qualifications in green hydrogen.
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To establish career-guidance programmes.
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To lobby and advocate for a green hydrogen bank in South Africa.
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To collaborate with universities and TVET colleges to train researchers and professionals for the green-hydrogen economy.
The roadmap envisioned in 2022 has now been fully developed. In addition,three SETAs,CHIETA,MQA and TETA have formally signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to establish the Centre of Specialisation in 2026. International and regional partnerships CHIETA has established international partnerships, notably with the University of Canterbury in New Zealand, to enable exchange programmes and cooperation on green-hydrogen development. Regionally, CHIETA has developed collaborative partnerships with policymakers in Namibia. Launch of three new green hydrogen qualifications Three new hydrogen qualifications have been created as a direct output of the 2022 resolutions. These qualifications,formally approved by QCTO are:
Outcomes of the First Pan-African Green Hydrogen Skills Conference (2022)
1. Green Hydrogen Production Practitioner
Six key resolutions emerged from deliberations at the First Pan-African Green Hydrogen Skills Conference as outlined below: •
•
Roadmap and Centre of Specialisation
First, hydrogen is cleaner as it produces zero carbon emissions when generated through renewable energy. From the initial production process, which includes water purification and processing through transportation, green hydrogen does not emit carbon dioxide, provided that renewable energy is used. This positions it as one of the key enablers of a low-carbon, climate-resilient industrial future.
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To forge local and international partnerships on green hydrogen.
Progress since 2022
Why Green Hydrogen? The rationale •
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2. Green Hydrogen Storage and Transfer Practitioner 3. Green Hydrogen Technology Practitioner
To develop a roadmap for the establishment of a Centre of Specialisation in green-hydrogen skills.
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CHIETA | 2nd Pan African Green Hydrogen Skills Conference 2025
Career guidance and research support
2. SETA Forum perspective
CHIETA is opening a 12-month funding window for career-guidance programmes on green hydrogen at schools in rural areas across the country.
South Africa has 21 SETAs, representing more than 35 sub-sectors across manufacturing, services, industry, agriculture and technology. The purpose of SETAs extends beyond managing grants. At the 2024 summit,SETAs committed to:
Opportunities for green hydrogen •
The green-hydrogen market is expected to grow from $9 billion in 2024 to $134.8 billion by 2030.
•
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Cross-collaboration to avoid duplication and maximise impact.
Europe currently leads with a 41% market share.
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Africa accounts for 3% of production but can capture 5 to 10% of global demand.
Introducing multiple green-hydrogen qualifications, available through CHIETA’s website.
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Strengthening the Community College system.
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South Africa aims for 4 to 7% of global market share,with an estimated production potential of 13 million metric tons by 2050.
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Launching a Learning Management System to minimise duplicated applications across SETAs and integrate provider information.
3. Keynote AddressHonourable Minister Buti Manamela,Department of Higher Education andTraining (DHET)
The global green-hydrogen market is expected to grow from $9 billion in 2024 to $134.8 billion by 2030. Europe currently holds a 41% market share,while Africa accounts for 3% of production but could capture 5-10% of global demand. South Africa targets 4-7% of global market share, with production potential of 13 million metric tons by 2050.
In his keynote address,Minister Buti Manamela highlighted that a transition without skills is not a transition. It is a handover from us to others. Therefore, it’s important to ensure a successful transition as there remains a challenge that investment, infrastructure, grid modernisation and global partnerships could still fail if young people are not prepared to design, operate, maintain and own new systems.
South Africa’s substantial platinum reserves create strong potential for local manufacturing of electrolysers and fuel cells, supporting industrial innovation, startups and hydrogen-powered equipment. Green hydrogen applications extend across fertilisers, transport, green iron, forestry and agriculture, with opportunities in green ammonia, shipping, fuel logistics, hydrogen-powered machinery and component manufacturing, collectively supporting localisation and an estimated 14,000 jobs over five years.
CHIETA | 2nd Pan African Green Hydrogen Skills Conference 2025
The Minister listed eight frontier technologies identified in meetings with the Minister of Energy:
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Hydrogen
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Battery storage
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New energy vehicles
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SMMEs
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PBMR (Pebble Bed Modular Reactor) technology
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Smart grids
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Clean coal efficiency
4. Preparing South Africa lor a Green Hydrogen Economy: Capacity, Skills, Industry Readiness and Inclusive Participation
Government expectations for SETAs The Minister stated that government’s expectations of SETAs and their partners in relation to the energy transition should be clear. He outlined six key areas of focus: •
Driving a national skills pipeline for energy transition.
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Modernising curricula and qualifications to match new technologies. He noted that CHIETA, together with other SETAs in partnership with industry,is leading efforts to create and modernise curricula and qualifications in green hydrogen technologies.
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Drawing industry directly into apprenticeships, work-based learning, research and development, and practical training. He stressed that if the connection between training institutions, skills programmes, industry and work can be resolved, it would provide a solution for linking training with long-term employment.
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Building regional skills hubs, particularly in Mpumalanga, the Northern Cape and Limpopo, where the transition will be deeply felt and is prioritised.
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Localising technology, not only its use, but also manufacturing, assembling and exporting.
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Treating skills development as a core lever of industrial transformation, rather than a peripheral activity.
This session featured presentations on building national capacity, translating R&D into workforce pipelines, the role of communities and innovation through Power-to-X. A key focus was the inclusion of community voices, highlighting the importance of ensuring that the transition to a green hydrogen economy is inclusive, socially responsive and supportive of local participation and empowerment. 4.1 Building National Capacity: South Africa’s Experience in Developing Green Hydrogen Skills The presentation outlined the Cabinet-approved JET IP, which serves as the roadmap to a low-carbon economy. The plan is structured into three primary portfolios: Core Sector, Just Transition, and Future Portfolios. Central to this roadmap is the mandate given to the DHET to lead skills development – identified as the critical cross-cutting enabler for the entire transition. To build a systemic foundation for JET-related competencies, five flagship interventions were presented as outlined below:
The next steps would be to: •
Develop a Hydrogen Sector Skills Plan.
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Establish a Hydrogen Skills Development Zone.
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Build hydrogen training and innovation hubs in regional economies, particularly the Northern Cape.
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Three-Tier JET Skills Ecosystem: Establishing the institutional backbone through a Skills Desk, a National Advisory Forum, and a central coordination platform.
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Skills Development Zones (SDZs): Localising the transition through innovation networks in Mpumalanga,Northern Cape, and Eastern Cape, focusing on partnerships between TVETs, universities, and industry.
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Skills Needs Assessment: Evidence-based planning involving labor-market analysis and occupational profiling across three JET value chains.
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Institutional Capacity Development: Strengthening state entities (SETAs, QCTO,SAQA) to ensure they are equipped to monitor and manage JET skilling.
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Foundational Skills Support: Reforming curricula and lecturer development to embed sustainability competencies into lifelong learning pathways.
CHIETA | 2nd Pan African Green Hydrogen Skills Conference 2025
Hydrogen Skills Assessment: Key Findings In partnership with the CSIR, the DHET conducted a comprehensive skills assessment to identify the labour requirements of the burgeoning hydrogen economy.
Hydrogen capability requirements 185 hydrogen-specific capabilities, covering
The DHET, through its Labour Market Intelligence (LMI) Research Programme, partnered with CSIR to conduct skills needs assessment for the hydrogen economy and the assessment made the following findings:
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Hydrogen production
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Hydrogen storage
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Hydrogen distribution/transportation
Occupations identified
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Hydrogen end-use applications
138 occupations across the hydrogen value chain
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Cross-cutting capabilities
35
39
38
Engineers
Technicians & tradespersons
Specialists
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15
Elementary skills
Managers
Qualifications landscape •
68 bachelor’s degrees and diplomas relevant to hydrogen (Engineering, Sciences, Technology,Management).
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71% of these qualifications are already offered in South African institutions.
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No hydrogen-specific undergraduate qualifications currently exist.
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Umited postgraduate offerings and research opportunities.
Currently, no hydrogen qualifications exist within, NC(V), NATED and occupational qualifications. However, engineering programmes can provide foundational knowledge.
CHIETA | 2nd Pan African Green Hydrogen Skills Conference 2025
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Next Steps in establishing SDZs
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The next steps are to localise skills delivery and innovation through regional hubs and implement SDZs in Mpumalanga, the Northern Cape and the Eastern Cape. Key activities will include:
Inadequate rural and gender inclusion,despite rural households dominating African demographics.
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Lack of standardised accreditation systems across the continent.
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Only 36% of Africa’s current energy workforce is highly skilled.
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Establishing, launching and resourcing SDZs as specialised networks.
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Developing Regional Skills Plans linked to hydrogen, NEV and renewable value chains.
Only 2% of global renewable-energy jobs are located in Africa, despite its population of over one billion.
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Limited participation of SMMEs in the green-hydrogen sector.
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Implementing pilot projects at anchor TVETs, universities and centres of specialisation.
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Barriers preventing SMMEs and startups from entering the hydrogen economy.
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Providing infrastructure support to pilot institutions.
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Technical and regulatory challenges in green-hydrogen development.
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Partnering with local businesses and entrepreneurs to drive inclusive growth.
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Environmental and socioeconomic concerns, including:
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Implementing programmes.
workplace-based
learning,
reskilling
and
-- electrolysis and water availability,
upskilling
-- the need for social-impact assessment,
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Collaborating with SETAs, QCTO and SAQA to update qualifications and curricula.
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Building learning networks linking education institutions with industry.
-- and the importance of incorporating inclusivity into hydrogen planning. Energy-system challenges
Furthermore, there is a need to meet the MTDP targets by 2029, which include:
7,000 graduates
500,000 students
355,000 students
in JET-related skills
in workplace-based learning
in skills development programmes
In this presentation, several challenges were identified through research conducted for the G20 Africa Energy Transition Report, these include the following:
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Insufficient STEM pipeline limiting the supply of technical skills.
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Weak linkage between industry and education, resulting in training gaps.
Population growth is hindering access to cleaner energy. Continued global reliance on fossil fuels.
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Environmental impacts affecting energy systems.
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Inadequate infrastructure limiting expansion of clean-energy solutions.
Lessons learned There is a broad consensus that climate change cannot be addressed without transforming energy systems. Collaboration between academia and industry is critical; the partnership with CHIETA demonstrates the importance of aligning research, teaching and industry needs. The SMME study showed that focusing only on gigawatt-scale projects limits participation; inclusivity requires deliberate action.
4.2 Preparing South Africa for Green Hydrogen •
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CHIETA | 2nd Pan African Green Hydrogen Skills Conference 2025
5. From Research to Worlclorce: Translating Green Hydrogen R&D into Skills Pipelines
Training must include leadership and management skills, not only technical expertise, as energy leadership is central to the sector. Research must address real-world concerns such as water use, environmental impacts and social inclusion, as demonstrated through the CHIETA research chair and collaborative projects.
Findings from a labour market intelligence study commissioned to examine skills needs within South Africa’s emerging green hydrogen economy sought to:
Opportunities
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Identify skills demand for the green hydrogen economy.
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Determine whether any skills imbalances exist.
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Identify appropriate interventions to respond to the gaps identified.
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Green hydrogen represents a major opportunity for South Africa and the continent.
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Possibilities exist for enhanced cross-border collaboration.
Occupations required for the green hydrogen economy
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The global energy transition allows diversification of the energy mix, including hydro, solar, geothermal and green hydrogen.
The study identified the following occupations:
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CHIETA’s partnership enabled the development of:
required for the green hydrogen economy already exist in the country as a result of grey hydrogen production
-- research outputs,
do not exist at all in the country
-- learning material,
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-- online short courses,
remain uncertain
-- and leadership programmes aligned with emerging energy needs.
Technicians and emergency services skills were emphasised to highlight that the green hydrogen economy will create opportunities not only for highly skilled workers, but also for the semi-skilled workforce.
The Africa Energy Leadership Centre sees opportunities for TVET involvement, specialisation, innovation, small-business incubation and critical minerals research.
Capabilities and Curricula Considerations
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Green hydrogen presents opportunities to rethink the inclusion of SMMEs and startups.
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South Africa has no hydrogen-related qualifications offered at the undergraduate level at universities.
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Research chairs (ABSA and CHIETA) create space for deeper energy modelling, leadership development and green-hydrogen research.
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Some institutions have introduced hydrogen-related topics, but qualifications still need to be developed.
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The Sasol model shows the potential for a central coordinating role in reducing fragmentation across the skills-development ecosystem.
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Among TVET colleges, the NATED programme,NCV programme, and occupational programmes were reviewed.
The study show that South Africa does not currently have a shortage of skills for the green hydrogen economy. However,there is a real risk that skills demand will exceed supply as the industry grows.
CHIETA | 2nd Pan African Green Hydrogen Skills Conference 2025
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Implementation began in 2021. Phase 1 is currently concluding, with Phase 2 approved to run until 2030. Phase 2 will expand to include the development of a battery value chain integrated with the green hydrogen economy.
There is also a risk that demand for specialised skills will peak before long-term curriculum updates are completed. Recommendations
The H2SA programme supports the domestic green hydrogen economy through four strategic focus areas:
The study recommends the following: •
Develop CBT (competency-based training) programmes.
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Promote learner and trainer mobility to other countries.
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Encourage students to enrol in STEM subjects from primary to tertiary levels.
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Promote green hydrogen as an industry of choice for students and workers in declining sectors.
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Policy & Regulation: GIZ facilitated the finalization of the Green Hydrogen Commercialization Strategy and helped establish global norms, standards, and certification. This included the development of provincial strategies and the establishment of the South African Green Hydrogen Task Force.
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6. Power-to-X and the Future ol Green Hydrogen: Skills and Innovation lor South Africa - Ms Anele Msomi: Technical Advisor, H2SA - GIZ (Deutsche Gesellschalt für lnternationale Zusammenarbeit
Private Sector Cooperation: The programme acts as a bridge between project developers and financiers. GIZ conducted technical and financial prefeasibility studies on green ammonia and green methanol to de-risk future investments.
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Implementation Resources: A key output highlighted was the Community Development Toolkit, designed to guide developers in meaningful stakeholder engagement.
Findings from a labour market intelligence study commissioned to examine skills needs within South Africa’s emerging green hydrogen economy sought to:
•
The presentation opened with a technical definition of Power-ta-X (PtX): the process of converting green hydrogen produced via renewable energy into synthetic fuels or chemical compounds (such as methanol, kerosene, and ammonia) by combining it with $C0_2$ or other carbon sources.
Financial Coordination: In partnership with KfW, a coordination platform for Development Finance Institutions (DFis) was established to align funding for large-scale projects.
A significant portion of the report focused on the “human” element of the transition: •
Professional Training: Over 500 decision-makers from public, private, and civil society sectors have completed training on GH and PtX technologies.
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Academic Integration: Grant agreements with the University of the Western Cape,North-West University, and UCT have integrated GH materials into R&D. Additionally,short courses on project management and technology were implemented through Stellenbosch University.
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Gender & lnclusivity: The programme successfully launched an internship for young women and established the Women in Green Hydrogen Africa Chapter to address the sector’s gender gap and ensure a just social impact.
Strategic importance: •
Storage: PtX acts as a medium for storing renewable energy.
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Decarbonisation: It provides a viable solution for “hard-to-abate” sectors,specifically cement and chemical manufacturing.
The H2SA project is a technical cooperation between GIZ (on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development) and the South African Presidency.
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CHIETA | 2nd Pan African Green Hydrogen Skills Conference 2025
Opportunities
With all the work that has been done as H2SA, the following areas for innovation and skill building have emerged concurrently:
Full commercial readiness remains extremely limited. This is because there is not yet any large-scale production of electrolysers or fuel cells. Significant innovation opportunities exist in:
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the element of technological maturity and related innovation gaps
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looking at the local R&D ecosystem
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looking at the intersection of policy, innovation and skills development, as well as inclusion strategies to help ensure a just energy transition.
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Expanding local manufacturing capacity generally
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Developing hydrogen storage, compression and export infrastructure
With all the work that has been done as H2SA, the following areas for innovation and skill building have emerged concurrently:
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Advancing technologies for green ammonia and synthetic fuels through power-to-liquid processes.
Technological maturity essentially means a measure of how fully a technology,industry, or economy has advanced through the adoption and effective incorporation of modern technical innovations. Key aspects of determining this are:
Further progress is also needed in establishing certification and safety standards, as well as creating integrated systems that connect renewable energy resources to hydrogen production hubs.
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The level of innovation capacity and R&D activities
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The adoption rate of emerging technologies like AI, automation and digital infrastructure
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Human capital readiness and the required digital skills
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Institutional and policy support for technology growth.
In South Africa, three different indicators are used to help determine this: •
National Indicators and Frameworks: Assessed by the Department of Science Technology and Innovation and the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA), using Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs), which range from TRL 1 (conceptualisation) up to TRL 9 (proven operation in a real environment).
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Global Benchmarking Tools: These include the Global Innovation Index (evaluating innovation inputs and outputs) and the World Economic Forum’s Network Index (measuring digital infrastructure, governance and technology adoption).
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Local Metrics: Such as business and university R&D spending relative to GDP, digital skills and broadband penetration fees and rates of adopting Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies.
CHIETA | 2nd Pan African Green Hydrogen Skills Conference 2025
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DAY TWO 14 NOVEMBER 2025
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CHIETA | 2nd Pan African Green Hydrogen Skills Conference 2025
South Africa is preparing to enter a rapidly expanding green hydrogen global market window before 2030
CHIETA | 2nd Pan African Green Hydrogen Skills Conference 2025
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CHIETA | 2nd Pan African Green Hydrogen Skills Conference 2025
CHIETA | 2nd Pan African Green Hydrogen Skills Conference 2025
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DAY 2 - FRIDAY 14 NOVEMBER 2025 The mining industry is massive in South Africa, and there is a need to produce affordable, clean explosives. The Prieska Power project will manufacture ammonia from hydrogen, participating in this value chain. The African continent has a vast mining industry, and South Africa holds approximately 80% of the world’s total manganese reserves,mainly in the Northern Cape.
Day 2 of the conference focused on a series of panel discussions to: •
Showcase Pan-African case studies on green hydrogen development with a focus on workforce training and skills development for Africa’s labour market.
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Explore industry and employer perspectives on current and future demand for skills in the green hydrogen economy.
• •
In broad terms, South Africa should ensure essential skills for the renewable energy technologies, including skills for:
Examine the supply side, how TVET colleges,universities and training providers are preparing talent for green hydrogen opportunities. Integrate the voices of SMMEs, ensuring that skills development supports inclusive participation.
Discussions featured contributors from Ghana, Namibia,South Africa and Kenya.
7. Panel: The Role of SMMEs in the Green Hydrogen Economy and Skills
Ms Meta Mhlarhi (Director, Mahlako A Phahla Group) and;
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Mr Thabang Mabapa (Founder, Selokong Sa Dimelana)
Hydrogen fuel transportation
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Fuel cell and electrolyser operations and installation expertise
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Digital proficiencies for green energy to cover data analytics, monitoring, and system optimisation software operations
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Manufacturing skills, maintenance capabilities, and artisanal expertise
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Transversal competencies are required to ensure problem-solving, critical thinking,creativity and innovation.
The discussion emphasised that early investment in skills development to ensure that communities surrounding green hydrogen projects are able to access employment opportunities remain crucial and there it is important to:
The session featured presentations by SMMEs involved in major green hydrogen projects currently in the South African pipeline, exploring how SMMEs can actively participate in and benefit from the green hydrogen value chain, while highlighting the skills, partnerships, and support mechanisms needed to ensure their inclusion in this emerging sector. Participants included: •
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Presentations noted that currently, SA is a net importer of ammonia. Looking into the future, Sasol anticipates a gas drop off from 2028 to 2030,which will result in a significant decline in the supply of natural gas, including ammonia,which is used to manufacture fertilisers and mining explosives.
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Develop skills toolkits aligned to project timelines and operational requirements
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StrengthenTVET colleges as the primary pipeline for artisans and technicians
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Leverage SETA funding and National Skills Fund resources to support projectlinked training
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Establish hybrid centres of specialisation that bring together industry experts,TVET lecturers and SETAs
CHIETA | 2nd Pan African Green Hydrogen Skills Conference 2025
The panel also showcased innovation-driven SMMEs operating at smaller scale but with high developmental impact. A Limpopo-based enterprise demonstrated how bio-based production, research partnerships and patent-led innovation can integrate agriculture, green hydrogen, advanced manufacturing and 3D printing. This model illustrated how circular economy approaches can generate multiple value streams while supporting rural economic development. Key features of this approach included: •
Conversion of agricultural by-products into biofuels and green hydrogen inputs
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Use of green hydrogen in the production of 3D printed products and components
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Diversification into biodiesel, bio-jet fuel and biobased industrial products
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Direct and indirect job creation within local communities
Across the panel,SMMEs highlighted common challenges that continue to constrain growth and participation,including limited access to finance, market entry barriers and distribution constraints. However, the discussion also demonstrated how adaptability, strategic partnerships and incremental innovation have enabled SMMEs to overcome these challenges.
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8. Panel: Catalysing Inclusive Skills Development lor the Green Hydrogen Economy This high-level panel brought together the CEOs of several key SETAs to discuss strategic planning, stakeholder engagement and coordinated efforts to develop a future-ready workforce. The panellists were: •
Mr. Yershen Pillay, CEO, CHIETA
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Ms. Maphefo Anno Frempong, CEO, TETA
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Dr. Thabo Mashongoane, CEO, MQA
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Ms. Robyn Vilakazi, Acting CEO, EWSETA
energy industries. These initiatives aim to ensure that skills development keeps pace with technological advancements and industry demand. Broad-based skills development emerged as a central theme,with a strong focus on reskilling and upskilling workers transitioning from declining sectors such as coal. The discussion highlighted the necessity of enhanced collaboration among SETAs to avoid fragmented efforts and promote integrated national planning. Mechanisms such as the Integrated SETA Skills Summit and the formation of coordinating committees were cited as key enablers of structured cooperation. Collectively,SETAs are increasingly operating with a unified vision,marking a significant shift toward coordinated implementation.
The panel discussion centred on the strategic planning,coordination, and stakeholder alignment required to develop a skilled, futureready workforce to support South Africa’s emerging green hydrogen economy by 2030. A key emphasis was placed on aligning Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs) with national priorities, including the Green Hydrogen Commercialisation Strategy and the 100-Year Society Roadmap,to ensure a cohesive and integrated approach to skills development.
The benefits of SETA collaboration were reflected in the delivery of high-impact, integrated programmes,structured coordination across stakeholders, and the establishment of international partnerships with institutions in regions such as Africa, Canada, Australia, India, and New Zealand. These partnerships support research, programme design, mentorship,and global knowledge exchange.
Panellists highlighted the importance of building a robust and flexible skills pipeline through the establishment of centres of specialisation, the development and accreditation of new green hydrogen-related qualifications,and strengthened cross-sector collaboration spanning the chemical, transport, mining, water, and
The panel concluded that South Africa’s green hydrogen has a lot of potential. Despite challenges such as water scarcity, innovative solutions including wastewater reuse and direct air electrolysis were highlighted as viable responses.
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CHIETA | 2nd Pan African Green Hydrogen Skills Conference 2025
9. Panel: Building Skills lor Africa’s Green Hydrogen Economy: Opportunities, Developments and Challenges This panel brought together representatives from Namibia, Ghana, and Kenya to share their national experiences and perspectives on building a green hydrogen workforce. The panellists were:
equipment and componentslocally, thereby stimulating economic activity and creating jobs. They also stressed the need for governments to fund research and innovation, align education with industry needs, and promote social inclusivity.
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Dr. Simeon Hamukoshi, Strategic Project Coordinator, National Commission on Research, Science and Technology, Namibia
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Dr. Riverson Oppong, CEO and Industry Coordinator, Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies, Ghana
In Namibia, there is a focus on three pilot projects in Namibia that are producing green hydrogen. These projects form part of the Namibia Green Hydrogen Strategy, which is exploring early opportunities to secure the country’s place in the market.
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Mr. Andrew Adwere, Research Leader, Electricity Sector Association of Kenya (ESAK), Kenya
These include:
The panellists shared details of the key initiatives being undertaken in their respective countries. Namibia is focusing on three pilot projects that are already producing green hydrogen. Ghana has officially integrated hydrogen into its energy mix and is leveraging its surplus of renewable energy. Kenya is prioritizing the development of local skills and capacity to minimize dependency on imported expertise. The discussion highlighted Africa’s comparative advantage in the green hydrogen space,which is based on its vast renewable resources and its youthful population. The panellists urged the continent to move up the value chain by manufacturing
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The Daures Green Hydrogen Village, a pioneering green hydrogen production and sustainability project aiming to produce green ammonia and fertilisers as final products.
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The Hylron Project,which aims to produce green hydrogen for use as a reducing agent to refine iron ore,setting the stage for a revolution in green iron in the steel industry.
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The Cleanergy Solutions Project focused on the production of green hydrogen and green ammonia for ships, this project is driving a global shift towards clean energy to minimise fossil fuel emissions.
In Ghana, hydrogen was introduced to the energy mix four years ago, alongside biofuel and other sustainable energy sources. Ghana produces more electricity than it requires through hydro, solar and wind. Through hydrogen, Ghana is producing in excess of 100 gigawatts per hour from renewables and about 193 gigawatts per hour from hydropower. These are proving to be two of the cheaper energy sources. In Kenya, discussions are now focusing on skills to build capacity and minimise dependency on imported green hydrogen skills. Africa is showing massive growth potential in green hydrogen. In 2023,the Hydrogen Council announced that Africa was the most improved producer of hydrogen, recording a 200 percent increase. By 2050, Africa is expected to be the cheapest source of hydrogen due to its low-cost renewables, particularly from solar and wind energy, even though regional hydropower remains underdeveloped. The panel agreed that Africa is geographically positioned with nearly all the resources required to produce green energy for both domestic use and global export markets, particularly vast land and abundant sun for wind and solar projects.
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CHIETA | 2nd Pan African Green Hydrogen Skills Conference 2025
10. Panel: From skills to jobs: Industry Perspectives on Africa’s Green Hydrogen Future This session provided a crucial industry perspective on current and future workforce needs. The panel featured representatives from: •
Business Unity South Africa (BUSA)
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South African Nuclear Energy Corporation (NECSA)
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National Business Initiative (NBI)
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Afrox Linde
From a business advocacy perspective, panellists emphasised that green hydrogen has the potential to catalyse a digitised and modernised energy transition. However, industry readiness remains constrained by the absence of supportive pricing structures, adequate infrastructure and sufficient investment to move projects to bankability. While policy frameworks such as the Green Hydrogen Roadmap are welcomed,panellists emphasised that policy certainty must now be matched by concrete enabling mechanisms,including incentives, infrastructure development and coordinated implementation across government departments.
The panellists discussed how industry can be brought closer to realising a green hydrogen economy for South Africa. They highlighted the need for supportive pricing, infrastructure investment, and a clear business case to de-risk projects. They also emphasised the importance of developing a skilled workforce not just for the end goal, but for the entire transition period.
The discussion highlighted the importance of technological diversity within the hydrogen economy. In addition to green hydrogen derived from renewables, clean hydrogen produced through nuclear-linked pathways was presented as a complementary solution aligned with national decarbonisation objectives. Small modular reactors and hydrogen reactors were positioned as longerterm contributors to energy security, industrial competitiveness and skills
While each organisation approached the issue from a distinct mandate,a strong convergence emerged around the need for coordinated investment, enabling infrastructure, skills alignment and realistic project pipelines.
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development, with existing institutions and training academies identified as assets that could be leveraged to build future-ready capabilities. Challenges The panel highlighted the following challenges for South Africa’s green hydrogen economy: •
There is a need for supportive pricing and infrastructure to promote commercial innovation
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There is a lack of significant investment and mechanisms for hydrogen initiatives to reach bankability
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Inability to meet current and potentially future hydrogen market demand
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Export limitations and insufficient port capabilities pose a challenge.
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Another challenge is the skills gap and misaligned approaches to addressing this.
In closing,panelists noted that,despite the identified challenges, there is significant potential and numerous opportunities for green hydrogen in South Africa. There are multiple dependencies in how green hydrogen interacts with other players in the energy sector, such as Eskom,which presents opportunities for synergies. The panel noted that further discussions on skills gaps,involving all stakeholders, should continue with a view to developing workable recommendations.
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CHIETA | 2nd Pan African Green Hydrogen Skills Conference 2025
11. Panel: Green Hydrogen Skills in Action: Innovation and Readiness in Post-School Education The session focused on advancing articulation and highlighting the critical role of higher education institutions in shaping pathways that enable students to transition seamlessly between levels of learning and into the labour market. The following panellists contributed to the conversation:
The panellists shared their innovative projects and discussed their readiness for the green economy. They highlighted the need for better articulation between TVET colleges and universities, the importance of work-integrated learning, and the need for curricula that are responsive to the changing demands of industry.
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Prof Khaled Abou-EI-Hossein, Executive Dean,Faculty of Engineering & Technology,Vaal University of Technology
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Mr Percy Sago, Principal, Northern Cape Rural TVET College;Mr Jacob Molefe,Acting Centre Manager,Ekurhuleni East TVET College
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Ms Mokgadi Modise, Director,South African Renewable Energy Technology Centre,Cape Peninsula University of Technology
The discussion highlighted the critical role that post-school education and training institutions will play in building the skilled workforce of the future. The panel emphasised that collaboration with stakeholders and an innovative ecosystem approach are essential for successful initiatives. In addition, the responsiveness of the supply system to industry demands cannot be neglected and importantly, skills development must anticipate future needs, not only current industry requirements.
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12. Next steps The following next steps and actions came out of the conference discussions: •
Strengthen collaboration among SETAs, industry players and other relevant stakeholders in building regional skills hubs, particularly in Mpumalanga, the Northern Cape and Limpopo.
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Deepen collaboration with the National JET Skills Advisory Forum under the HRDC to facilitate the development and implementation of the JET Skills Work Plan,with green hydrogen flagged as a key national priority.
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Leverage the JET Skills Desk to gather intelligence, build partnerships, align programmes and coordinate national skills responses.
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Develop a comprehensive green hydrogen sector skills plan, including the creation of dedicated training and specialisation centres. Translate the Just Energy Transition into actionable strategies that prepare the workforce for emerging job opportunities in the green economy and leverage the transition for innovation, manufacturing and local community empowerment.
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Operationalise the Centre of Specialisation for Green Hydrogen Skills, following the CHIETA-MQA-TETA Memorandum of Understanding,with support from other participating SETAs.
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SETAs need to report on collaborative work and the work that they are doing to collaborate.
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Mobilise funding through the new work plan to target priority green hydrogen skills development areas.
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Introduce dedicated SETA grant windows for green hydrogen.
Strengthen collaboration with African universities,including those in Namibia,Kenya and Ghana,for curriculum development, research and student exchange.
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Ensure inclusivity beyond technical skills through the involvement of SMMEs,TVET Colleges and Community Colleges.
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Increase investment in research,technology and innovation for green hydrogen.
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Continue sharing best practices and progress across stakeholders.
13. Opportunities
Establish a dedicated Hydrogen Skills Workstream to shape and align qualifications, skills programmes, occupational pathways,workplace exposure and institutional readiness.
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CHIETA is opening a 12-month funding window for career-guidance programmes on green hydrogen at schools in rural areas across the country.
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Delegates and the public are invited to submit proposals and extend the opportunity to young South Africans living in rural areas to submit proposals. The funding window will be open for the next 12 months.
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Within the green hydrogen framework, a SETA implementation team chaired by the CEO of CHIETA has been established to allocate funding and determine provider requirements.
CHIETA | 2nd Pan African Green Hydrogen Skills Conference 2025