One deal will see SCZONE partner with Japan’s Itochu Corporation and Egypt’s Orascom Construction to develop ammonia bunkering facilities, while another agreement with the Tokyo Metropolitan Government focuses on knowledge sharing for green hydrogen bunkering.

A second agreement involves discussions with Sumitomo Corporation on creating a new industrial zone within SCZONE to attract Asian investment, with potential cooperation in fuel bunkering, green hydrogen, green steel, desalination, and infrastructure projects.

While the reports don’t specify which fuels will be supplied, liquid hydrogen’s cryogenic challenges make ammonia the more practical choice, due to its storage requirements — hence hydrogen-based ammonia’s prominence in maritime decarbonisation projects.

The agreements were signed in the presence of Egyptian Prime Minister, Dr. Mostafa Madbouly, and Japan’s State Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, Yuichiro Koga, signalling the political-level commitment to hydrogen and its derivatives.

Waleid Gamal El-Dien, Chairman of SCZONE, highlighted its role as a global investment hub, combining incentives and infrastructure with a strategy centred on sustainability and green industries.

“Our four industrial zones have successfully attracted global investments, and we are targeting 21 industrial sectors, including pharmaceuticals, medical industries, electric batteries, automotive manufacturing, and green industries,” the Chairman explained.

Egypt has ambitious plans for the hydrogen industry. Under its national strategy, the nation aims to reach 5-8% of the global market.

Most hydrogen projects in Africa gaining momentum are export-focused, with major markets like Europe signalling clear demand for those volumes.