The European Union has announced a significant investment of €4.4bn in South Africa's clean energy industry as part of a global gateway investment package. This marks the first agreement of its kind between South Africa and Europe, focusing on investment, clean energy transition, skills development, technology, and strategic industry development. The funding, which will be sourced from European financial institutions, is part of an overall package totaling €4.7bn, including €303m in EU grants. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen highlighted the potential for South Africa to lead the global clean hydrogen value chain, citing the country's abundant clean energy sources and critical raw materials. The partnership aims to unleash investments in clean energy, raw materials, and green hydrogen, thereby boosting local industry and facilitating trade between South Africa and Europe. The EU-South Africa investment package includes a specific focus on green hydrogen, with plans to establish financing facilities, leverage public and private sector investments, and provide technical assistance for hydrogen projects. Additionally, a Just Energy Transition Partnership will be established to develop sustainable value chains supporting critical raw materials for green energy and future industries. This investment initiative follows the launch of the 'Scaling up renewables in Africa' campaign, indicating a broader commitment to advancing renewable energy projects in the region. The partnership between the EU and South Africa not only signifies a significant financial commitment but also underscores the collaborative efforts towards clean energy development and economic growth.