Sanlam Investments is proud to sponsor the Africa Green Economy Summit (AGES) 2025, set to take place from 19-21 February 2025 at the Century City Conference Centre in Cape Town. AGES remains a leading platform connecting global capital with transformative green economy projects across Africa, from high-growth start-ups to large-scale infrastructure initiatives.
$1.5 Billion Investment Pipeline for a Climate-Resilient Africa
Themed Building a Climate Resilient Africa: Catalysing Investment and Innovation in the Green and Blue Economies, AGES 2025 is aligned with Sanlam Investments’ commitment to sustainability and impactful investments.
Carl Roothman, CEO of Sanlam Investments, underscores the summit’s significance:
“AGES presents a unique opportunity for global investors to engage with high-impact African initiatives that drive sustainable growth. In 2024, more than US$1.4 billion was committed to over 30 green projects. In 2025, we are looking at an investment pipeline exceeding $1.5 billion to support solutions addressing Africa’s most pressing challenges, including clean energy, resilient infrastructure, and climate change, while offering compelling investment returns.”
Where the funds will come from
The $1.5 billion investment pipeline is backed by a diverse range of financial stakeholders committed to Africa’s green transition. Key sources of funding include:
- Sanlam Investments’ dedicated funds such as the Sustainable Infrastructure Fund and the Resilient Investment Fund, targeting renewable energy and climate resilience.
- International climate finance institutions, including partnerships with Climate Fund Managers and other global impact investors.
- Development finance institutions (DFIs) and multilateral agencies, supporting Africa’s green growth agenda through concessional funding and blended finance models.
- Private sector investments, including asset managers and institutional investors seeking sustainable, high-impact opportunities across the continent.
Leadership and expertise at AGES 2025
The summit will host distinguished leaders in sustainability and finance, including:
- Abel Sakhau, Chief Sustainability Officer, Sanlam Group, 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, 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 provide key insights into shaping Africa’s green economy and accelerating its climate resilience.
Unlocking green hydrogen and carbon market opportunities
As the world accelerates decarbonisation, green hydrogen emerges as a game-changer. Africa, endowed with vast renewable resources, is well-positioned to lead this transition. AGES 2025 will explore strategic investments and partnerships that can unlock the potential of green hydrogen for both local and global economies.
Additionally, a pre-conference masterclass will equip participants with tools to navigate carbon market opportunities, optimising revenues while driving impactful climate action.
A call to action for 2025
The World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) named 2024 the warmest year on record. In response, AGES 2025 will prioritise key investment areas to combat climate change, with a $1.5 billion investment pipeline supporting:
- Renewable energy expansion: Sanlam Investments supports solar, wind, and hydro projects through funds like the Sustainable Infrastructure Fund and the Resilient Investment Fund, fostering clean energy solutions.
- Green hydrogen leadership: Southern Africa is emerging as a hub for green hydrogen, with Sanlam Investments collaborating with Climate Fund Managers to drive its growth.
- Sustainable agriculture: Investments in climate-smart agriculture to boost food security, generate jobs, and support communities.
- Inclusive climate finance: Empowering SMEs and underrepresented groups to access climate-focused investments.
- Sustainable investment: The Sanlam Living Planet Fund, in partnership with WWF, exemplifies investment strategies that balance growth with environmental responsibility.
- Blue economy initiatives: Supporting ocean-based economic development through partnerships like Oceans Finance Company, which is spearheading the world’s largest debt-for-nature swap to protect the Galapagos Islands.
Join AGES 2025
AGES 2025 offers a dynamic platform for investors, policymakers, and sustainability leaders to connect and drive Africa’s green economy forward. Roothman concludes:
“Africa stands at the threshold of a transformative era. Sustainable investing is evolving, and investors must move beyond ESG compliance to focus on scalable and impactful investments. AGES is not just about discussions—it’s about action. South Africa is primed for green investment, and AGES is the place where commitments turn into reality.”
With a $1.5 billion investment pipeline, AGES 2025 will play a pivotal role in shaping a climate-resilient, economically inclusive future for Africa.
