Unlocking Africa’s Green Future with Over $1.5 Billion in Investments
Africa’s Green Economy Summit (AGES) 2025 is gearing up to be a pivotal event in the continent’s sustainable development journey. Scheduled from 19 to 21 February 2025 at Cape Town’s Century City Conference Centre, this summit aims to bridge the gap between global investors and transformative green projects across Africa.
With a robust investment pipeline exceeding US$1.5 billion, AGES 2025 is set to catalyse significant advancements in both green and blue economies.
Aligning Investment with Sustainability
Sanlam Investments, one of Africa’s leading asset management firms, returns as the title sponsor for AGES 2025. Carl Roothman, CEO of Sanlam Investment Group, emphasises the summit’s alignment with the company’s sustainability objectives: “AGES presents a unique opportunity for global investors to engage with economically attractive high-impact African initiatives, unlocking new pathways for sustainable growth.”
The summit’s theme: “Building a Climate Resilient Africa: Catalysing Investment and Innovation in the Green and Blue Economies,” underscores the urgency of addressing climate change while fostering economic development.
In the previous year, AGES facilitated investments in over 30 green projects valued at more than US$1.4 billion, highlighting its role as a vital platform for aligning capital with Africa’s sustainability goals.
Showcasing Transformative Projects
AGES 2025 will feature more than 60 green projects spanning various sectors, including:
- Renewable energy
- E-mobility
- Waste management
- Water services
- Clean technology
- Sustainable agriculture
These projects, collectively valued at over US$3 billion, will be presented across two pitch stages, offering investors a comprehensive view of the opportunities available.
Expert Insights and Leadership
The summit boasts an impressive line-up of speakers, including:
- Abel Sakhau, Chief Sustainability Officer, Sanlam Investments, South Africa
- Andrew Johnstone, CEO, Climate Fund Managers, the Netherlands
- Ibrahim Shelleng, Senior Advisor to the President on Climate Finance, Nigeria
- Harsen Nyambe, Director of Sustainable Environment and Blue Economy, African Union, Ethiopia
- James Mnyupe, Presidential Economic Advisor and Hydrogen Commissioner, Government of Namibia
- Seewraj Nundlall, Director, Economic Development Board, Mauritius
- Geordin Hill-Lewis, Mayor, City of Cape Town, South Africa
- Shameela Soobramoney, CEO, National Business Initiative (NBI)
These experts will share invaluable insights and practical guidance to shape Africa’s green economy and accelerate its transition to a climate-resilient future.
Exploring Green Hydrogen and Carbon Markets
Africa’s abundant renewable resources position it as a potential leader in green hydrogen production. AGES 2025 will delve into how investments and partnerships can unlock this potential for both local and global impact.
Additionally, a pre-conference masterclass on navigating carbon market opportunities will equip participants with the tools to optimise carbon revenues and drive impactful climate action.
Focused on Impact
Reflecting on the record-breaking temperatures of 2024, Roothman stresses the need for a unified focus on investing in solutions that address Africa’s most pressing challenges, such as clean energy, resilient infrastructure, and climate change.
He advocates for moving beyond policy discussions to actionable commitments: “It’s time to stop talking and thinking about policy and regulation alone – it is time for action.”
A Call to Action
AGES 2025 offers a unique platform to connect, collaborate, and accelerate the green economy across Africa. By bringing together global capital, cutting-edge solutions, and visionary leadership, the summit aims to play a key role in advancing Africa’s green transition.
As Roothman concludes: “Africa stands at the threshold of a transformative era. Sustainable investing is evolving, and there is a growing need for investors to move beyond traditional ESG considerations to focus on scalable and impactful investments.”
