Sanlam Investments to Champion a Sustainable Future at AGES 2026
Sanlam Investments has renewed its sponsorship for Africa’s Green Economy Summit (AGES) 2026, marking the firm’s third consecutive year of partnership. The event, which takes place from 24-27 February at the Century City Conference Centre in Cape Town, is a pivotal gathering for investors, innovators, and policymakers committed to advancing Africa’s sustainable development.
The summit has established itself as a vital bridge between global capital and African innovation, showcasing over 90 investment-ready projects valued at more than US$8.7 billion since 2023. From renewable energy to ocean finance, AGES plays a crucial role in connecting entrepreneurs and investors to accelerate the continent’s green transformation.
Sanlam’s Commitment to Holistic Investing
Sanlam Investments’ CEO, Carl Roothman, highlighted the company’s continued commitment to sustainable investment: “Africa stands at the frontline of climate change, and on the frontier of opportunity. From renewable energy to the blue economy and circular industries, the continent is leading a new era of sustainable growth; one defined by innovation, inclusion, and long-term value creation.”
Roothman emphasised that sustainability lies at the core of Sanlam’s business philosophy: “We recognise that meaningful change requires collective action through strategic partnerships, which is why we are supporting Africa’s Green Economy Summit for the third year. Every investment, every solution we implement, creates lasting returns for ecosystems, communities and investors. Now is our moment to invest in the future we need.”
He went on to explain Sanlam’s investment philosophy of ‘holistic return’, which merges measurable financial results with regenerative social and environmental outcomes. “We have consistent evidence that investing for impact yields outperforming returns, financial, social and environmental. Doing good is good investing.”
Building Momentum for Africa’s Green Economy
Emmanuelle Nicholls, Project Lead for the Africa’s Green Economy Summit, commended Sanlam’s continued leadership: “Thanks to the vision and leadership of partners like Sanlam Investments, Africa’s Green Economy Summit has become an unmatched platform for changemakers, investors and entrepreneurs shaping a sustainable future for Africa.”
She added that the 2026 edition will expand its scope to include emerging sectors and finance mechanisms: “This year’s programme will feature dedicated pitch stages, investor roundtables, deal rooms and curated matchmaking with DFIs, venture capital funds, banks and asset managers. Nature and biodiversity finance will also take centre stage, highlighting the emerging markets for biodiversity credits and nature-based finance.”
Nicholls highlighted the event’s growing influence across the continent: “Every year, we reinforce the urgency of addressing Africa’s climate finance gap and taking actionable steps toward sustainable development.”
From Energy to Biodiversity
The 2026 AGES will shine a spotlight on sectors fundamental to Africa’s resilience and prosperity, including renewable energy, sustainable transport, water security, waste management, green buildings, and clean technologies. This comprehensive approach ensures that the summit addresses the interlinked challenges of infrastructure, environment, and social equity.
With biodiversity and nature-based finance emerging as critical themes, the summit aims to position Africa as a key player in global environmental markets. The inclusion of biodiversity credits and sustainable natural capital projects reflects a growing international interest in Africa’s ecological wealth.
AGES is not only a meeting of ideas but also a platform for real-world investment opportunities. By bringing together institutional investors, venture capital funds, and public-private partnerships, the summit creates tangible pathways for sustainable economic growth.
Climate Finance in Africa
Africa faces a climate finance gap estimated at over US$250 billion annually, according to the African Development Bank. Events like AGES play a crucial role in mobilising the private capital and partnerships needed to bridge this divide.
Sanlam Investments’ ongoing sponsorship reinforces confidence in Africa’s capacity to deliver profitable, sustainable solutions. The company’s strategy aligns with the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those focused on climate action, clean energy, and economic inclusivity.
Nicholls noted that by facilitating connections between innovators and financiers, the summit supports a just and inclusive transition: “AGES isn’t just about conversations, it’s about conversions. Deals are made, projects move forward, and communities benefit.”
A Catalyst for Change
With assets exceeding R1.5 billion, Sanlam Investments ranks among South Africa’s largest black-owned asset management firms. Its purpose-driven mission extends beyond wealth creation, focusing instead on long-term sustainability across people, planet, and profit.
Sanlam’s investment strategy integrates environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles into every decision. The company continues to champion renewable infrastructure and inclusive economic development, serving as a model for responsible investing in emerging markets.
By aligning capital allocation with sustainability outcomes, Sanlam sets a precedent for how institutional investors can drive climate-positive transformation in Africa and beyond.
About the Organisers
Africa’s Green Economy Summit forms part of the VUKA Group’s green economy portfolio. With more than two decades of experience supporting Africa’s business ecosystem, VUKA has been instrumental in developing high-impact events that connect capital, innovation, and policy.
The 2026 edition of AGES is expected to attract hundreds of delegates from across the continent and around the world, creating an environment where actionable partnerships can thrive. Registration for the event is now open via the official AGES website.
Investing in Tomorrow’s Africa
Sanlam’s renewed sponsorship underlines a growing movement toward sustainable prosperity in Africa. The continent’s green transition isn’t just an environmental imperative—it’s an economic revolution built on innovation, inclusion, and shared responsibility.
As Roothman aptly put it: “Now is our moment to invest in the future we need.” With institutions like Sanlam leading the charge, Africa’s vision of a just and inclusive green economy moves ever closer to reality.
