South Africa and Japan have agreed to explore concrete cooperation under a 2023 memorandum covering hydrogen and ammonia, focusing on low‑carbon technologies, skills development and expanded public‑private participation.
The South African government said on Monday that the agreement followed talks between Science and Technology Deputy Minister Nomalungelo Gina and Japan’s Economy, Trade and Industry Vice Minister Komori Takuo on the sidelines of the Hydrogen Energy Ministerial Meeting in Chiba Prefecture last week.
“The meeting reaffirmed the commitment to deepen cooperation in science, technology and innovation, particularly in the hydrogen and ammonia sectors, which are increasingly recognised as critical to the global transition to low-carbon economies,” the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation said in a statement.
The parties agreed to cooperate on renewable and low‑carbon hydrogen and ammonia production, distribution and storage.
Human capital development was identified as a strategic priority, with plans to strengthen capacity across the hydrogen value chain through technical colleges, universities of technology, historically disadvantaged institutions and research organisations.
Both sides emphasised reskilling and upskilling the workforce to enable meaningful participation in the emerging hydrogen economy.
The talks also underscored the importance of public‑private partnerships, encouraging greater private sector involvement in hydrogen and ammonia projects.
Gina said South Africa values “its enduring partnership with Japan and welcomes the progress made in identifying concrete areas of cooperation in hydrogen and ammonia.”
“Through collaboration in research, innovation, skills development and technology deployment, our two countries can contribute meaningfully to a sustainable and inclusive energy transition.”
JN/APA