The European Union has allocated two grants totaling $35 million to assist South Africa in kickstarting its green hydrogen industry. Europe's energy commissioner, Kadri Simson, visited Pretoria as part of a broader EU initiative to leverage southern Africa's wind and solar resources. The grants are designed to align with South Africa's goals of enhancing the economy, advancing along the value chain, and fostering growth across different sectors. The EU's investment in green hydrogen aims not only to benefit South Africa but also to contribute to the global energy transition. With green hydrogen projected to play a crucial role in this transition, the EU has a vested interest in supporting its development, especially in regions like South Africa. While other countries, such as Chile, are also exploring green hydrogen, its high production costs remain a challenge. The grants are expected to jumpstart green hydrogen production in South Africa, potentially leading to job creation and economic growth. The investment is strategic for Europe as well, given its quest for alternative energy sources following disruptions in natural gas supply. However, the successful implementation of these projects will be crucial for realizing the full potential of the investment. Despite the EU's previous investment in Namibia's green hydrogen sector, Africa still faces hurdles in making green hydrogen cost-competitive. The current production costs need to decrease significantly for African nations to gain a stronger foothold in the global green hydrogen market. Additionally, there is a need for skills development and job creation to support the industry's growth. While the grants mark a positive step towards positioning African countries in the green hydrogen industry, there is a long journey ahead to address the various challenges and capitalize on the opportunities.