The Eastern Cape will join the Northern and Western Capes at the African Green Hydrogen Summit (AGHS) 2026, presenting a coordinated Three Capes proposition aimed at positioning the region as a globally competitive green hydrogen and green industrialisation hub.
Led by the Eastern Cape Premier, Honourable Lubabalo Oscar Mabuyane, the provincial participation will highlight the province’s renewable energy resources, strategic ports, established Special Economic Zones (SEZs), industrial capabilities and developing green hydrogen project pipeline.
The Eastern Cape will also showcase its green hydrogen ambitions and investment proposition during the Summit, highlighting the Province’s roadmap for unlocking investment, partnerships and new industries.
This work is the result of collaboration between the Eastern Cape Department of Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism (DEDEAT), the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI), the South African National Energy Development Institute (SANEDI) and Nelson Mandela University (NMU). The partnership brings together government, academia and technical expertise to strengthen a coordinated approach to green hydrogen development and support collective action and implementation.
“The collaboration reinforces the province’s proposition as an investment-ready green hydrogen region, while demonstrating the importance of partnerships in developing new industries, unlocking investment and creating long-term economic opportunities”, says MEC for the Eastern Cape Department of Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism, Hon Nonkqubela Pieters.
The Three Capes will share an exhibition stand, providing a platform to present the complementary strengths of the three provinces and demonstrate how regional collaboration, shared infrastructure planning and coordinated investment can strengthen individual projects and unlock a larger green hydrogen economy.
The Eastern Cape enters the 2026 Summit with a growing green hydrogen investment proposition, supported by catalytic projects such as the Hive Green Ammonia Project at Coega SEZ and the Green Hydrogen Solutions Project at the East London Industrial Development Zone (ELIDZ).
The province’s proposition is underpinned by abundant wind and solar resources, strategic electricity transmission infrastructure and mature industrial platforms.
The Coega SEZ and East London Industrial Development Zone (ELIDZ) provide established platforms with industrial land, energy and water infrastructure, investor incentives, skilled labour and direct links to the Port of Ngqura and Port of East London.
“As the ELIDZ, we are proud to be part of a broader provincial effort that brings together government, industry, academia and development partners to unlock new investment opportunities and advance green industrialisation. Through initiatives such as the Green Hydrogen Solutions Project, the ELIDZ is contributing to the development of the infrastructure, capabilities and partnerships required to support South Africa’s energy transition while creating sustainable economic opportunities for the province”, said ELIDZ CEO, Thembela Zweni.
“The Coega SEZ is strategically positioned to support the growth of the Eastern Cape’s green hydrogen industry through its world-class infrastructure, access to the Port of Ngqura and investment-ready environment. As South Africa advances its green hydrogen economy, Coega remains focused on attracting investment, driving industrialisation, creating local economic opportunities and enabling sustainable long-term growth,” said Themba Koza, Chief Executive Officer of the Coega Development Corporation.
These assets create opportunities not only for green hydrogen production, but also for downstream manufacturing, local value chains, exports, skills development and job creation.
The province’s participation will focus on moving beyond potential to investment, implementation and broader industrial development, while demonstrating the role of provincial government in facilitating investment, reducing barriers and creating an enabling environment.
The Eastern Cape will feature across several AGHS 2026 panels and programme activities, providing opportunities to engage investors, industry leaders, development partners and policymakers.
A dedicated DSTI networking event focused on the Eastern Cape’s green hydrogen opportunity will also take place at 17h00 on 15 September.
MEDIA OPPORTUNITIES
Eastern Cape participation at African Green Hydrogen Summit 2026 offers the following media opportunities:
• Important announcement by the Eastern Cape during the Summit programme
• Eastern Cape Premier and senior provincial leadership engagements
• Three Capes exhibition stand and digital project displays
• Interviews and photo opportunities
• Panel discussions and sector engagements
• DSTI networking event at 17h00 on 15 September
For more information, please contact:
Mr. Ncedo Lisani
Deputy Director, Communications
Eastern Cape
Department of Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism (DEDEAT)
E-mail: ncedo.lisani@dedea.gov.za
Mr. Siphosethu Tikana
Acting Manager: Marketing and Corporate Communications
East London Industrial Development Zone (ELIDZ)
E-mail: Siphosethuti@elidz.co.za