The Southern Africa Eco-Infrastructure Summit (SAEIS) 2026 is an investment-led platform for action and impact dedicated to advancing sustainable real estate and eco-infrastructure development across Southern Africa.
SAEIS 2026, to be held in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe from 9 to 11 March 2026, will convene ministers, senior policy makers, development finance institutions (DFIs), private investors, infrastructure and real estate developers, EPC contractors, technology providers and NPOs to go beyond dialogue and develop profitable and investable infrastructure opportunities for the region.
As Southern Africa faces rapid urbanization, growing infrastructure demands and increasing climate risks, the Summit is positioned as a solutions-focused platform aimed at aligning policies, mobilizing capital and accelerating the delivery of sustainable infrastructure at scale.
“South Africa’s future growth depends on how quickly we can move towards climate-resilient infrastructure and sustainable real estate. SAEIS is designed to bring together policy, private capital and innovation to turn ambition into action and investment into impact.”
Platform for policy, funding and project delivery
SAEIS 2026 will address the entire infrastructure and real estate value chain, with a focus on practical solutions, project development, and deal-making.
The main agenda themes are:
Regional policy alignment – Public-private sector participation, resource mobilization and ESG frameworks Ministerial panel discussion – Public-private sector collaboration and AI-driven infrastructure development CEO panel – Capital injections and innovation at the heart of project delivery Finance and investment – Financing sustainable infrastructure and deploying AI for sustainability-linked risk modeling Smart cities and resilient systems – Integrating planning and disaster resilience Sustainable manufacturing – Leveraging AI for efficient and green construction supply chains Spotlight: Youth and women in real estate and infrastructure
The summit will feature ministerial roundtables, CEO panels, high-level plenary sessions, fireside chats, case studies, and a deal room offering direct engagement between governments, investors, and project developers.
“The summit is not about theory, but about enabling profitable projects, accelerating approvals and de-risking investments.” “Our aim is to make the financial case for sustainability undeniable.” adds Mbizo.
Investment, innovation and collaboration are at the core
A key highlight of SAEIS 2026 will be the VIP exhibition walkthrough, where ministers, investors and senior executives will interact directly with solution providers and showcase cutting-edge technology, materials and infrastructure innovations.
The program also includes a deal room that provides companies, small businesses and innovators with the opportunity to pitch real-world project proposals to investors, DFIs and government officials.
“Pitching platforms provide innovators and developers with a unique opportunity to present directly to institutions that can fund and scale their projects. This is where ideas and capital meet.” – Patrick Cella, SAEIS Director
Who should participate and why?
SAEIS 2026 is designed for:
• Government departments and regulators;
• Development finance institutions and multilateral institutions.
• Infrastructure and real estate developers.
• Private equity, institutional investors, banks
• EPC contractors and engineering companies.
• Green Technology, PropTech and Construction Solutions Provider
• NPO, industry association, and civil society leaders;
Participants will benefit from:
• Direct access to decision makers and investors.
• Exposure to investment-ready projects.
• Deal rooms and selected B2B matchmaking
• Strategic networking and partnership building
• Market intelligence on policy, financial and innovation trends.
“SAEIS is where the future of Southern Africa’s infrastructure will be shaped through collaboration, capital mobilization and action,” Chela concluded.
