Newdigit's Journey from Passion to Impact: A Recap of Our Participation at the FII Summit
Before 2022, we were a team of young entrepreneurs and physicists driven by a deep passion for building a hydrogen economy, yet limited by resources. With little access to funding or advanced facilities, we conducted our early research and development in a modest local lab, using water lab bench equipment to split water into hydrogen and oxygen, while repurposing refrigerator compressors and LPG gas cylinders as makeshift components. Though we didn't fully grasp the risks at the time, it was our unrelenting determination that propelled us forward.
R&D at KAUST Catalysis Centre
That passion eventually led us to a defining moment: our participation as panelists at the Future Investment Initiative (FII) Summit, on the theme “Hydrogen Economy: An Illusion or a Solution?” Sharing the stage with global thought leaders and industry pioneers, this experience validated the years of effort poured into building practical hydrogen energy solutions from the ground up.
Among the esteemed panelists were:
- Peter Terium, Dutch business executive and former CEO of Innogy
- Dr. Manal Shehabi, Oxford-based economist
- Mohammed Albalaihed, Head of Energy & Utilities, MENA Investments
- Joy Egbe, Co-Founder & COO of Newdigit
- Prof. Mani Sarathy, Professor of Chemical Engineering at KAUST (moderator)
Voicing Africa's Hydrogen Future
During the panel, Joy Egbe, Newdigit's Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer, delivered a compelling message on the importance of a hydrogen economy in Africa. She emphasized that while fossil fuels remain available, Africa must chart a new course, one that embraces green hydrogen as a sustainable driver of development.
“Africa needs energy for development,” she said, “but that doesn't mean we must follow the same path of fossil dependency. Green hydrogen offers an opportunity to build energy infrastructure that is clean, resilient, and future-facing.”
Presenting our findings to the KAUST catalysis & Sustainability team
Joy also highlighted growing European interest in African hydrogen as a potential export source. However, she underscored the urgent need for collaborative partnerships, particularly in R&D, and access to cutting-edge facilities if Africa is to fully participate in the emerging global hydrogen economy.
Her insights resonated deeply with both fellow panelists and the audience—sparking conversations that extended well beyond the stage.
A Defining Moment with KAUST
Following the panel, Joy met with Prof. Jorge Gascon, Director of the KAUST Catalysis Center. After learning about our ongoing project, he, along with Ana Costa, Director of KAUST Sustainability offered a transformative opportunity: a four-month R&D and prototyping residency at KAUST for the Newdigit team.
This opportunity was pivotal. It enabled us to move beyond theory into advanced hands-on development, learning everything from synthesizing electrocatalyst nanoparticles to building full membrane electrode assemblies and stacking cells. With this knowledge, we returned home equipped not just to design but to manufacture Proton Exchange Membrane fuel cells and electrolyzers locally in Nigeria, without external dependency.
Newdigit and the KAUST catalysis & Sustainability team
From Panel to Real-World Impact team at Safeway Hospital
- Deployed PEM fuel cells and electrolyzer systems in 3 hospitals
- Generated over 107 MWh of clean energy
- Produced 17,800 liters of medical-grade oxygen
- Positively impacted 11,175 patients
- Reduced COâ‚‚ emissions by 77,671 kg
What began as a panel titled “Hydrogen Economy: Solution or Illusion?” is now undeniably proving to be a solution, thanks to the vision of the FII, the opportunity extended to Joy Egbe by Ana Costa, and the generous support of Prof. Jorge Gascon and KAUST.
Today, Newdigit stands as a testament to what can be achieved when passion meets opportunity, and when African innovators are given access to the tools they need to create solutions that truly transform lives.
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