The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) has opened a new funding window for African green hydrogen developers, inviting private sector entities across the continent to apply for financing through its Sustainable Energy Fund for Africa (SEFA).
The call for proposals falls under the Bank’s newly established Green Hydrogen Programme (GHP) and targets projects developing green hydrogen and its derivatives, such as green ammonia and green methanol.
The AfDB’s Green Hydrogen Programme (GHP)—initially capitalised with funding from the German government and approved in late 2025—will provide up to $20 million in pre-investment financing. Through this call for proposals, the Bank expects to select three to five top-ranked green hydrogen projects for funding, subject to standard due diligence.
“Green hydrogen represents a real opportunity for Africa, both to decarbonise hard-to-abate industries and to build new value chains, while contributing to socio-economic development,” said Dr Daniel Schroth, Director of the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Department, AfDB.
“The SEFA Green Hydrogen Programme is designed to contribute to the transition of projects from development to bankability, considering the rigour that is required in supporting an emerging sector,” added Schroth.
The AfDB highlighted that financing will typically take the form of reimbursable grants directed toward advisory services. These services aim to help projects progress to key milestones, including Final Investment Decision (FID) and financial close. Eligible activities include feasibility studies, engineering design to prepare for procurement, construction planning, and transaction advisory services.
Africa is uniquely positioned to become a global leader in green hydrogen, blessed with world-class solar and wind resources. Yet most projects remain trapped in early development, unable to secure the pre-investment capital needed to reach bankability. The AfDB’s Green Hydrogen Programme directly tackles this barrier, providing catalytic reimbursable grants that bridge the gap from concept to Final Investment Decision.
The application window opens on 10 April 2026 at 09:30 GMT. Interested developers must submit proposals through sefaafrica.org by 11 May 2026 at 17:00 Abidjan time. Full details, including eligibility criteria and the application questionnaire, are available via the link above.
