Africa’s Green Economy Summit 2025 Paving the Way for a Sustainable Future
As the global community intensifies its focus on sustainable development, Africa stands at a pivotal juncture. The upcoming Africa’s Green Economy Summit (AGES) 2025, scheduled from 19th to 21st February at Cape Town’s Century City Conference Centre, emerges as a beacon for transformative change.
This premier event aims to bridge the gap between global investors and African green projects, fostering an inclusive and resilient green economy across the continent.
Uniting for a Greener Africa
AGES 2025 has garnered robust support from both institutional and private sectors. Notable partners include Sanlam Investments, the African Union, SA Tourism, the African Development Bank (AfDB), the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA), and Standard Bank. Their collective commitment underscores the summit’s significance in Africa’s sustainable transformation.
Harsen Nyambe, Director of the African Union’s Sustainable Environment and Blue Economy Directorate, emphasizes the summit’s role: “Africa’s Green Economy Summit forms a vital link between global capital and sustainable projects on the continent. The summit unites investors, project leaders, and policymakers, fostering connections and paving the way for an inclusive green economy and a sustainable future for all.”
Championing Sustainable Growth
Returning as the event’s title sponsor, Sanlam Investments reaffirms its dedication to sustainable development.
Carl Roothman, CEO of the Sanlam Investments Group, remarks: “At Sanlam Investments, we are working to build a sustainable green economy that will help drive Africa’s climate change journey and offer growth potential for economies across the continent.”
This partnership highlights the synergy between financial institutions and green initiatives, aiming to create impactful investments that benefit both people and the planet.
AfDB’s Commitment to Green Growth
The African Development Bank stands as a cornerstone in Africa’s green transition.
Anthony Nyong, AfDB’s Director of Climate Change and Green Growth, states: “The African Development Bank is proud to be one of the lead sponsors of Africa’s Green Economy Summit 2025. This event underscores the Bank’s unwavering commitment to supporting Africa’s transition to inclusive and green growth through our Climate Change and Green Growth Framework 2021–2030.”
The AfDB’s involvement signifies a strategic push towards climate-resilient infrastructure and sustainable economic models.
Driving Sustainable Solutions
Standard Bank’s participation as a Gold Sponsor reflects its focus on sustainability.
Deerosh Maharaj, Executive Head: Energy, Infrastructure, and Mining at Standard Bank, notes: “Standard Bank is committed to driving sustainability with a key focus on renewable energy and the just energy transition as well as waste and water solutions.”
Their engagement aims to establish partnerships that deliver tailored solutions, ensuring clients are prepared for a sustainable future.
Catalysing Green Projects
A highlight of AGES 2025 is the Investment Pitch Programme, designed to connect high-impact projects with global investors. This year, the programme features two strategic stages catering to diverse project sizes and financing structures.
With a pipeline exceeding $2.2 billion, 58 innovative projects spanning renewable energy, water services, green transport, waste management, regenerative agriculture, the blue economy, and green buildings are set to be showcased. This initiative aims to explore various financing structures, including grants, debt, and equity, ensuring a comprehensive approach to funding.
Building Valuable Connections
The summit’s impact is evident in success stories like that of STROOM, a green cargo e-bike manufacturer based in Stellenbosch. Founder Bouwer van Niekerk shares: “At last year’s event, we were able to meet up with Partnership for Growth, and we now have a partnership with P4G.”
Such testimonials highlight the summit’s role as a unique platform for pitching ideas and forging meaningful connections with financiers and industry stakeholders.
African Union Green Investment Roundtable
In collaboration with the Global Green Growth Institute and the Government of Canada, the African Union will host a Green Investment Roundtable. This forum aims to explore collaborative strategies for boosting sustainable climate finance from both national and international sources.
Ambassador Ben Marc Diendéré, Permanent Observer to the African Union and United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, remarks: “Canada is proud to collaborate with the African Union to promote green and sustainable projects.”
The roundtable seeks to advocate for policy changes that encourage green investments across African Union member states.
Diverse Partnerships Enhancing the Summit
AGES 2025 boasts a diverse array of partners, including the City of Cape Town, Wesgro, ABB, CSIR, Mastercard Foundation, African Finance Corporation (AFC), Agence Française de Développement (AFD), Lesedi Energy Engineering, Gauteng Industrial Development Zone (IDZ), Atlantis Special Economic Zone (SEZ), Richards Bay Industrial Development Zone (RBIDZ), the Global Green Growth Institute, Climate Policy Initiative, Convergence, National Business Initiative, and AP3. These collaborations enrich the summit’s agenda, ensuring a holistic approach to Africa’s green economy transition.
Themes and Focus Areas
Under the theme “Building a Climate Resilient Africa: Catalysing Investment and Innovation in the Green and Blue Economies,” AGES 2025 addresses five critical themes:
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Green Reforms: Exploring policy frameworks that facilitate sustainable investments.
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Nature & Biodiversity: Emphasizing the protection and restoration of natural ecosystems.
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Climate Finance: Identifying financial instruments and strategies to support green initiatives.
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The Future of African Cities: Discussing urban planning and infrastructure for sustainable city development.
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Green Industrialisation: Promoting eco-friendly industrial practices and technologies.
The summit will also spotlight seven key sectors: renewable energy, green transport, waste management, water infrastructure, clean technologies
