The European Union has committed to investing €4.4bn in South Africa's clean energy industry, marking a significant development in the global energy landscape. As part of a broader investment package totaling €4.7bn, the funding aims to support the clean energy transition, technology advancement, skills development, and strategic industry growth in South Africa. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasized the potential for South Africa to lead in the clean hydrogen value chain, citing the country's abundant clean energy sources and critical raw materials for hydrogen production. The investment package includes grants from the EU and contributions from European financial institutions. A key aspect of the investment is the focus on green hydrogen, with plans to establish financing facilities, attract public and private sector investments, and offer technical assistance for hydrogen projects. Additionally, the partnership between the EU and South Africa aims to promote sustainable value chains to support the production of green energy and facilitate the transition to future industries. This initiative builds on the 'Scaling up renewables in Africa' campaign launched in November, highlighting the EU's commitment to advancing clean energy solutions and fostering international partnerships for a more sustainable future.