Speakers

Fahmida is a Chemical Engineer with over 25 years of experience in the PGM mining industry. For the past 16 years, she has specialized in market development, focusing on hydrogen and fuel cells, where she pioneered South Africa’s first hydrogen fuel cell forklift and refuelling station. At Valterra Platinum, she leads market development in battery technologies, the hydrogen economy, and partnerships with government and industry to establish the South African Hydrogen Valley and the country’s first heavy-duty hydrogen freight corridor. She also spearheads PlatAfrica, a flagship platinum jewellery design and manufacturing programme that addresses access to metal, markets, and skills, while showcasing South African designers globally. Her leadership has driven partnerships with De Beers, Tracr, and Original Luxury to embed sustainable practices in platinum beneficiation. In addition, Fahmida leads market development in the MedTech sector. She holds several leadership roles, including Vice-Chair and Non-Executive Director of the African Hydrogen Partnership, Non-Executive Director of the Platinum Incubator, the Jewellery Council of South Africa, and African Hydrogen Ventures (where she is Acting Chairperson), as well as Chairperson of the Hydrogen Expert Team under the Minerals Council of South Africa.