Pretoria: South Africa and Japan have reached a preliminary agreement to explore areas of strategic collaboration to advance a 2023 memorandum of cooperation on hydrogen and ammonia. This development follows a meeting between South Africa's Deputy Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr. Nomalungelo Gina, and Japan's Vice Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, Mr. Komori Takuo, held during the Hydrogen Energy Ministerial Meeting in Japan.
According to South African Government News Agency, the meeting underscored a shared commitment to enhance cooperation in science, technology, and innovation, with a particular focus on hydrogen and ammonia. These sectors are increasingly seen as essential for the transition to low-carbon economies globally. The two countries plan to collaborate on technology development, including renewable and low-carbon hydrogen and ammonia production, distribution, and storage.
Human capital development was identified as a key priority, with plans to strengthen capacity across the hydrogen value chain through educational institutions such as Technical and Vocational Education and Training colleges, Universities of Technology, and historically disadvantaged institutions. The need for reskilling and upskilling the workforce to engage in the emerging hydrogen economy was also highlighted.
The discussions also emphasized the importance of strengthening public-private partnerships and increasing private sector participation in developing hydrogen and ammonia projects. Dr. Gina welcomed these developments, noting that the discussions represent a crucial step towards turning bilateral commitments into practical programs that can drive innovation, industrial development, and economic growth.
Dr. Gina also met with Mr. Terazawa Tatsuya, President of the Institute of Energy Economics, Japan, to discuss ongoing cooperation under the 2023 Memorandum of Cooperation. She reaffirmed South Africa's commitment to deepening ties with both METI and IEEJ and expressed the country's readiness to engage further in implementing the bilateral agreements.