The Africa Green Economy Summit (AGES), held in Cape Town, emerged as a pivotal platform for accelerating climate finance and innovation across the continent. From ambitious mangrove restoration projects to discussions on unlocking private sector investment, the event spotlighted Africa’s untapped potential in driving a sustainable future.
Scaling climate solutions: Mangroves and carbon markets Among the standout initiatives was Vlinder, a Kenya-based project working to restore 4.2 million mangrove trees, with the potential to sequester over 900,000 tCO2e within 30 years. Vlinder’s participation underscored the growing role of nature-based solutions in Africa’s climate resilience.
“Pricing nature is a game-changer,” said Robin Bartmann, Vlinder’s COO. “Mangroves remove carbon at rates 10 times higher than terrestrial forests, making them invaluable in the fight against climate change.”
The Summit also featured a masterclass on carbon markets, where experts highlighted Africa’s need to build capacity and attract investors into sustainable projects that not only mitigate emissions but also enhance biodiversity and livelihoods.
Bridging the climate finance gap Despite Africa’s vast green investment opportunities, financing remains a major challenge. According to Barbara Buchner of the Climate Policy Initiative, the continent currently receives less than 4% of global climate finance, with private sector participation still lagging at just 18%.
However, optimism prevailed. “Africa is at a unique crossroads,” said Anthony Nyong, Director of Climate Change and Green Growth at the African Development Bank. “If we strategically position ourselves, we can channel much-needed investments into climate-smart initiatives.”
Sanlam Investments CEO Carl Roothman reinforced this sentiment, describing the current global focus on green finance as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Africa to attract capital at an unprecedented scale.
Women at the forefront of the green transition A key theme at AGES was the role of women in shaping the green economy. The WomenIN Coffee Connect session, led by South Africa’s Deputy Minister for Public Service and Administration, Pinky Kekana, emphasized the need for inclusive economic transformation.
“The transition to a green economy is not just an environmental necessity—it’s an economic imperative,” Kekana stated. “Women must be empowered as innovators, investors, and decision-makers to drive real change.”
Sustainable agriculture and food systems The summit also highlighted innovative nature-based agricultural practices, including a case study from Farmer Angus, a regenerative carbon farmer in South Africa who has pioneered carbon credit sales from sustainable farming. Similarly, Mozambique’s Chicoa Fish Farm showcased its net-zero approach to tilapia farming, demonstrating how sustainable aquaculture can enhance food security while reducing emissions.
Data: The missing link in climate finance A recurring challenge in Africa’s green finance landscape is the lack of data to support investment decisions. “We need to prioritize big data,” said Bianca Gichangi, Africa Lead at the Voluntary Carbon Market Integrity Initiative (VCMI). “Without it, we struggle to build a credible pipeline of bankable projects.”
Experts agreed that investing in data-driven climate solutions is crucial for attracting investors and ensuring long-term impact. As John Roome, a former World Bank sustainability expert, pointed out: “The private sector needs confidence. Without data, we cannot provide the evidence required to unlock finance at scale.”
Read also: Sanlam Investments backs Africa’s Green Future with $1.5 Billion Investment Pipeline at AGES 2025
Looking ahead AGES reinforced that Africa’s transition to a green economy is both urgent and promising. While challenges persist—particularly in financing and data accessibility—the event showcased a strong momentum toward sustainable development. The resounding message? Africa is not just a recipient of climate finance but a key player in shaping the global green economy.
As investors, policymakers, and entrepreneurs rally around climate solutions, AGES serves as a beacon of what is possible when innovation, policy, and finance converge to create meaningful impact.
