​Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) CEO, Ms. Mpumi Mpofu, joined leading energy and innovation experts at the Africa Green Hydrogen Summit 2025 held in Cape Town from 12–13 June. Participating in the high-level panel discussion "Banking on African Hydrogen: Advancing Locally Developed Hydrogen Technology IP for Continental Growth," Ms. Mpofu spotlighted ACSA's pioneering approach to green hydrogen adoption in the aviation sector.

Africa's premier green hydrogen summit brought together global leaders, policymakers, and investors to accelerate the continent's clean energy transition and unlock hydrogen's economic potential. Ms. Mpofu joined esteemed industry figures Prof. Ken-Ichi Aika (Green Ammonia Research Centre, Japan), Fahmida Smith (Anglo American), and Dr. Titus Mathe (CEO, SANEDI) for a dynamic panel discussion focused on advancing Africa-centric hydrogen technologies and intellectual property.

"As a state-owned entity operating South Africa's major international airports, ACSA has a responsibility to drive sustainable aviation practices that support both national development goals and environmental imperatives," said Ms. Mpofu. "Green hydrogen is a critical enabler of our goal to reach net-zero emissions by 2035."

During the session, Ms. Mpofu outlined ACSA's structured and phased hydrogen roadmap, which includes:

• A strategic focus on high-impact applications like ground support equipment and airport logistics.
• Approved pilot programmes at O.R. Tambo and King Shaka International Airports, both located within South Africa's hydrogen corridor.
• A Board-endorsed plan to install hydrogen refuelling infrastructure by FY2027.
• Ongoing feasibility studies to explore onsite hydrogen production using wastewater electrolysis.

ACSA's hydrogen programme is embedded within a broader Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) framework, with a commitment to safety, regulatory compliance, and local technology development. "Our efforts are not just about adopting new technologies—they're about building a clean energy ecosystem that creates jobs, fosters innovation, and positions our airports as catalysts for inclusive, green growth," Mpofu added.

The panel reaffirmed the importance of government-industry collaboration, skills development, and investment-readiness in unlocking hydrogen's full potential. ACSA's leadership reflects a growing recognition that the decarbonisation of air travel is both an environmental necessity and an economic opportunity for Africa.

For further information or media inquiries, please contact:

ACSA Media Desk

Mediadesk@airports.co.za

Issued by Airports Company South Africa

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