Sanlam Investments is proud to sponsor the Africa Green Economy Summit (AGES) 2025, which will be held from 19th to 21st February 2025 at the Century City Conference Center in Cape Town. AGES continues to be the leading platform connecting global capital with innovative 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
AGES 2025, themed “Building a climate-resilient Africa: Accelerating investment and innovation in green and blue economies,” aligns with Sanlam Investments’ commitment to sustainability and impact investing.
Karl Rothman, CEO of Sanlam Investments, emphasized the importance of the summit:
“AGES offers a unique opportunity for global investors to engage in high-impact African initiatives that drive sustainable growth. In 2024, more than $1.4 billion was committed to more than 30 green projects. In 2025, we are looking at an investment pipeline of more than $1.5 billion to support solutions that address Africa’s most pressing challenges, such as clean energy, resilient infrastructure and climate change, while delivering compelling investment returns.”
where does the money come from
The $1.5 billion investment pipeline is supported by a diverse group of financial players committed to Africa’s green transition. The main funding sources are:
Sanlam Investments’ dedicated funds, such as the Sustainable Infrastructure Fund and the Resilient Investment Fund, target 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 institutions are supporting Africa’s green growth agenda through concessional financing and mixed finance models. Private sector investment, including asset managers and institutional investors seeking opportunities to make a sustainable and high impact across the continent.
Leadership and expertise at AGES 2025
The summit will be attended by prominent leaders in sustainability and finance including:
Mr. Abel Sakau, Chief Sustainability Officer, Sanlam Group, South Africa Mr. Andrew Johnston, CEO, Climate Change Fund Managers, Netherlands Mr. Ibrahim Sheren, Senior Advisor to the President on Climate Finance, Nigeria Mr. Hasen Nyambe, Director, Sustainable Environment and Blue Economy, African Union, Ethiopia Mr. James Munyepe, Presidential Economic Advisor and Hydrogen Commissioner, Namibia Mr. Seeulage Nandral, Director, Economic Development Board, Mauritius Jordyn Hill-Lewis, Mayor of Cape Town, South Africa Shamila Sobramane, CEO, National Business Initiative (NBI)
These experts will provide critical insights on shaping Africa’s green economy and accelerating its resilience to climate change.
Unlocking green hydrogen and carbon market opportunities
As the world accelerates decarbonization, green hydrogen is emerging as a game changer. Africa is endowed with vast renewable resources and is well placed to lead this transition. AGES 2025 will explore strategic investments and partnerships that will unlock the potential of green hydrogen for both local and global economies.
Additionally, a pre-conference masterclass will provide attendees with tools to navigate carbon market opportunities and optimize returns while driving impactful climate action.
A call to action for 2025
The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) named 2024 as the warmest year on record. In response, AGES 2025 will prioritize key investment areas to combat climate change, with a $1.5 billion investment pipeline supporting:
Expanding renewable energy: Sanlam Investments supports solar, wind and hydro projects and promotes clean energy solutions through funds such as the Sustainable Infrastructure Fund and the Resilient Investment Fund. Green hydrogen leadership: Southern Africa is emerging as a green hydrogen hub and Sanlam Investments is working with climate fund managers to drive growth. Sustainable agriculture: Investing in climate-smart agriculture to enhance food security, create jobs, and support communities. Inclusive climate finance: Giving small businesses and underrepresented groups access to climate-focused investments. Sustainable investing: Sanlam Living Planet Fund, in partnership with WWF, exemplifies investment strategies that balance growth and environmental responsibility. Commitment to the Blue Economy: Supporting ocean-based economic development through partnerships like Oceans Finance Company, which is spearheading the world’s largest debt-for-nature exchange to protect the Galapagos Islands.
Participate in AGES 2025
AGES 2025 provides a dynamic platform for investors, policymakers and sustainability leaders to connect and advance Africa’s green economy. Rothman concludes:
“Africa is on the threshold of a transformational era. Sustainable investing is evolving and investors need to move beyond ESG compliance to focus on scalable and impactful investing. AGES is not just talk, it’s action. South Africa is ready for green investing and AGES is where the promise becomes reality.”
With a $1.5 billion investment pipeline, AGES 2025 will play a pivotal role in shaping Africa’s climate-resilient and economically inclusive future.
