Since its inception in 2023, AGES has become a key platform for connecting global capital with African green projects. To date, the summit has showcased more than 90 investment-ready initiatives valued at over US$8.7 billion, spanning entrepreneurial start-ups to national-scale infrastructure projects. The event bridges the gap between investors and project owners, accelerating Africa’s transition to a just and inclusive green economy.
“Africa stands at the frontline of climate change, and on the frontier of opportunity,” said Carl Roothman, CEO of Sanlam Investments. “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.
“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.”
Roothman added that Sanlam’s investment philosophy of ‘holistic return’ reflects the company’s goal to pair measurable financial returns with regenerative impact for people and the planet. “We have consistent evidence that investing for impact yields outperforming returns – financial, social and environmental. Doing good is good investing.”
Emmanuelle Nicholls, Project Lead for the event said: “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 Summit will once again explore the full scope of the green and blue economy – from energy, transport, water and agriculture to waste management, green buildings and clean technology.
“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 emphasised that each edition of the summit strengthens its impact: “Every year, we reinforce the urgency of addressing Africa’s climate finance gap and taking actionable steps toward sustainable development.”
AGES takes please at the Century City Conference Centre in Cape Town from 24-27 February. Register via the AGES website (https://apo-opa.co/4nNVNOF).
Africa Fact: Excavations at the Malian city of Gao carried out by Cambridge University revealed glass windows. One of the finds was entitled: “Fragments of alabaster window surrounds and a piece of pink window glass, Gao 10th – 14th century.”
light despair
France: You have two cows. You kill them, throw away everything except the filet mignon, and make cheese with the leftover Pasteurized milk.
Twine X
Is it? – Is that so? [iz-zit] A basic conversational word that can be inserted at various points in any conversation, meaning “oh, wow!” or “Is that so?” It can also be used when you don’t really feel like talking and don’t want to be rude but want to seem as if you’re listening. Example: “Last week we went on a game drive! Sho my bru! We saw loads of antelope!” “Is it, hey!”