Solar photovoltaic-based green hydrogen offers a strategic path for West Africa’s transition to a low-carbon and sustainable energy system. This review provides a regional assessment of PV-based hydrogen production and the integration of renewables, electrolysis technologies and techno-economic performance within a single framework. The paper reviews global and regional literature on production pathways, system integration, deployment opportunities and complementary hydrogen pathways. The results show that Nigeria, Mali, Senegal and Cape Verde have high potential for competitive hydrogen production with a levelized cost of hydrogen (LCOH) of around $2.0–$2.6 per kg due to high solar radiation. More extensive analyses show that costs range from $3.60–$6.70 per kg for large systems and small systems in the range of over $20 per kg. Electrolysis efficiencies range from 60 to 85% and PV capacity factors range from 20 to 28%, highlighting the importance of technology selection and system design. Decentralized PV electrolysis systems are a viable solution for industrial decarbonization and expanding energy access. Key priorities of the review include hybrid renewable energy integration, long-term hydrogen storage, life-cycle environmental assessment, and new electrolysis technologies. The results identify West Africa as a potential low-cost hydrogen site with high potential to contribute to energy security and industrial development.
