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Beijing, February 4, 2026: The Regional Association of Energy Regulators for Eastern and Southern Africa (RAERESA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the International Hydrogen Fuel Cell Association (IHFCA) and the International Center on Small Hydro Power (ICSHP) to strengthen cooperation in sustainable energy development, capacity building, and technology transfer across the COMESA region.

The tripartite agreement establishes a framework for collaboration aimed at promoting harmonised regulatory approaches, advancing renewable energy deployment, and supporting market development to enhance regional energy security and low-carbon growth. The partnership brings together RAERESA’s regional regulatory expertise with IHFCA’s technical leadership in hydrogen and fuel cell technologies and ICSHP’s experience in small hydropower and renewable energy systems.

Under the MoU, the three institutions will support COMESA Member States through tailor-made capacity-building programmes, specialized training, and knowledge exchange initiatives designed to strengthen institutional effectiveness and develop technical expertise in emerging energy technologies. A key focus of the cooperation will be supporting RAERESA in establishing a Centre of Excellence on Green Hydrogen and developing a regional framework to guide hydrogen adoption.

The partners will also collaborate in identifying priority areas for joint research, facilitating policy dialogue, and organizing annual or biennial conferences on renewable energy. These efforts are expected to accelerate innovation, promote deep decarbonization, and create an enabling environment for sustainable investment in the region’s energy sector.

Additionally, the agreement provides for technical assistance in designing robust standards for green hydrogen and e-mobility, supporting human capital development, and exploring diversified financing mechanisms to advance the Centre of Excellence on Green Hydrogen. The institutions will share relevant data, market intelligence, and development plans to support joint research, policy exchanges, and technology transfer.

RAERESA will provide administrative support for programme implementation and work closely with its partners to mobilize governmental and institutional resources for demonstration and commercial projects within the region. The parties also committed to maintaining regular consultations to ensure coordinated execution of activities and to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes.

The Memorandum of Understanding entered into force upon signature by the representatives of the three organizations, marking a significant step toward enhanced regional cooperation and the acceleration of clean energy transition efforts in Eastern and Southern Africa.