Seeds of Opportunity: The African Growth Series

In this week's issue, you will learn more about:

AFRICA OPPORTUNITY: South Africa’s Green Hydrogen Surge​

​South Africa is positioning itself as a global leader in green hydrogen, backed by a projected market growth of 15% CAGR through 2030. The recent launch of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Guideline and Green Hydrogen Potential Atlas—spearheaded by Dr. Dion George and the Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment (DFFE), with partners like GIZ and CSIR—unlocks over R800 billion in project investments.​

​These tools streamline regulatory hurdles and pinpoint optimal production sites, leveraging South Africa’s abundant solar, wind, and port assets. This isn’t just clean energy—it’s a catalyst for jobs and decarbonising steel, cement, and transport sectors.​

AFRICA OPPORTUNITY: Strengthening Water Security in the Horn of Africa​

​Access to clean water remains one of the most urgent challenges across the Horn of Africa, where 25 million people still lack reliable and affordable water sources. Frequent droughts, driven by climate change, continue to disrupt lives, agriculture, and economic resilience across the region.​

​UNICEF’s More Water More Life initiative is charting a new path forward by combining satellite data, AI-powered digital mapping, and on-the-ground expertise to identify deep groundwater reserves. This approach is improving the accuracy of borehole drilling and reducing the cost and time required to establish sustainable water sources.​

​In countries such as Kenya, Ethiopia, Somalia, and Angola, this technology-led model drives real impact including improving water security, supporting rural development, and strengthening long-term climate resilience. Recognised by the World Economic Forum as a scalable solution, the initiative represents a compelling opportunity for private sector partners to engage in building the region’s water infrastructure.​

​If strategic investments and partnerships are successfully leveraged, digital water resource mapping can become a foundational tool for sustainable growth across Africa. What role do you see the private sector play in expanding access to water through innovation?

AFRICA OPPORTUNITY: Scaling Poultry Production for Food Security & Economic Growth​

Sub-Saharan Africa's poultry industry is seeing unprecedented investment, creating jobs, improving food security, and strengthening local economies.​​

Hatch Africa has raised US$9.5 million from AgDevCo and the IDH Farmfit Fund to scale poultry farming in Ethiopia, Uganda, Rwanda, Ghana, Côte d'Ivoire, and Kenya. By 2030, they aim to increase production from 45 million to 340 million chickens annually. This expansion will uplift rural farmers, boost income for small-scale farmers, and enhance nutrition.​

South Africa’s Poultry Master Plan is also delivering results. With R2.1 billion injected into local processing facilities, the plan surpasses investment targets. These investments have strengthened the country’s food production capacity, expanded processing plants, and improved competitiveness.​

These developments highlight Africa’s agriculture potential when strategic investments and policy frameworks align. As demand for poultry surges, expanding production through modern infrastructure, financing, and smallholder farmer support will be key to ensuring sustainable growth.​

AFRICA OPPORTUNITY: Driving South Africa’s Agricultural Growth Through Infrastructure & Innovation​

In the Western Cape, a new partnership between the provincial government and Transnet Port Terminals is set to boost exports at the Cape Town Container Terminal. Installing two additional 500 kVA generators will increase storage capacity and optimise cold chain logistics, ensuring better conditions for fresh produce exports. Dr. Ivan Meyer, Western Cape Minister of Agriculture, emphasises that such investments are vital to sustaining South Africa’s role in global trade.​

Meanwhile, Gauteng, home to the largest food manufacturing sector on the continent and a strong logistics network plays a crucial role in linking agricultural producers with global markets. The province is positioning itself as a leader in value-added agricultural exports with infrastructure upgrades and advanced processing technologies. As a result, Gauteng is rapidly emerging as a key driver of agro-processing growth, with significant investments further solidifying its role as Africa’s food security hub.​

UPCOMING EVENT: Transport Evolution Africa Forum & Expo 2025 | JHB, South Africa

As Earth Day on 22 April 2025 draws near, discussions on sustainability are intensifying, and the need for action is especially critical in Africa’s transport sector. While the continent currently contributes just 3.8% to global transport emissions, that number could triple by 2050 without decisive action. To address this challenge, Transport Evolution Africa 2025, taking place from 17–19 June at Gallagher Convention Centre, Johannesburg, will introduce a dedicated Green Transport Evolution section. This section will showcase the latest innovations in electric vehicles, sustainable logistics, and clean energy solutions that are reshaping the future of transport across the continent.

Co-located with Big 5 Construct South Africa and the South Africa Infrastructure & Water Expo, the event is set to be the largest gathering yet for the African transport and logistics community—featuring 100+ exhibitors, 300+ VIPs and delegates, and participants from over 21 countries. With a strong focus on sustainability-led sessions and Think Tanks, the expo will unpack practical strategies to reduce carbon emissions, reimagine mobility, and align with the goals of Earth Day and beyond.

Click HERE to read the full release.

To find out more about opportunities in Africa, please get in touch with Lynne Martin.

Lynne Martin

Sales Contact, Frost & Sullivan Africa

• lynne.martin@frost.com
• +27 21 680 3260