The African Development Bank's Sustainable Energy Fund for Africa (SEFA) is open to proposals under the new Green Hydrogen Programme (GH). The initiative is open to private sector entities developing green hydrogen and derivatives projects across Africa.

The Green Hydrogen programme was initially capitalised with funding from the German government and approved at the end of 2025. It will provide pre-investment financing of up to $20 million (€17.09 million) for three to five top-ranked projects selected through the call for proposals, subject to due diligence.

Financing will typically be through concessional investments and technical assistance. Concessional investments include equity investments, loans and reimbursable grants. Technical assistance involves creating an enabling environment for sustainable energy such as grants for feasibility studies, environmental assessments, and detailed engineering designs, in addition to policy advisory.

Key objectives include accelerating renewable energy adoption, promoting energy efficiency, enhancing energy access, and catalysing private sector participation.

"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."

The application window is now open. Proposals must be submitted through sefaafrica.org by 11 May 2026, 17:00 Abidjan time.