CAPE TOWN, South Africa – Sanlam Investments has returned as the headline sponsor of the 2026 Africa’s Green Economy Summit (AGES), marking its third consecutive year supporting the event. The summit, which runs from 24 to 27 February 2026, aims to accelerate Africa’s transition to a just and inclusive green economy by connecting investors with projects across renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, green transport, water, waste, green buildings, the blue economy, and climate technology.
Now in its fourth year, AGES has showcased more than 90 investment-ready initiatives worth over US$8.7 billion, spanning entrepreneurial start-ups to national-scale infrastructure. The event has become a key platform demonstrating that Africa’s green economy is not merely aspirational, but a viable investment opportunity.
Carl Roothman, CEO of the Sanlam Investment Group, said the company’s approach to investment prioritises a “holistic return,” where success is measured not only in financial terms but in social and environmental impact. “Performance matters – and so does its impact on people and planet. Our intention is to deliver competitive, risk-adjusted returns and measurable social outcomes. Platforms like AGES allow us to back businesses that create jobs, scale renewable energy, and fund critical infrastructure across Africa,” he said.
AGES 2026 will feature more than 40 investment-ready projects across two dedicated pitch stages. The summit’s investor-driven format allows delegates to engage in roundtables, deal rooms, and curated matchmaking with development finance institutions, venture capital funds, banks, and asset managers. Nature and biodiversity finance will also be highlighted, focusing on emerging markets for biodiversity credits and nature-based solutions.
Roothman emphasised that Africa stands at the forefront of sustainable growth and opportunity. “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. Meaningful change requires collective action, which is why Sanlam is proud to support AGES for the third year.”
The summit is expected to showcase solutions capable of transforming communities, industries, and ecosystems, with a focus on measurable social and environmental outcomes. By connecting global investors to African projects, AGES seeks to bridge the gap between capital availability and investment-ready opportunities across the continent.
Participants at AGES 2026 will have the chance to explore a wide range of sectors, from renewable energy and green transport to sustainable agriculture, green buildings, and climate technology. The summit also highlights opportunities in Africa’s blue economy, including sustainable fisheries, coastal management, and ocean-based renewable energy.
In addition to promoting investment, AGES provides a platform for knowledge sharing, partnership building, and policy dialogue, helping governments, investors, and entrepreneurs align around sustainable development goals. According to Roothman, every investment made through initiatives like AGES contributes to “lasting returns for ecosystems, communities, and investors.”
The summit comes at a time when Africa’s green economy is gaining global attention. With growing international demand for renewable energy, clean infrastructure, and climate-resilient solutions, investors are increasingly seeking opportunities in African markets. Yet persistent challenges such as infrastructure gaps, regulatory uncertainty, and financing barriers remain. AGES aims to address these issues by providing a direct connection between capital and implementable projects.
AGES 2026 represents a continuation of Sanlam’s long-term commitment to sustainable development in Africa. By leveraging the summit to highlight investment-ready projects and foster collaboration, the company hopes to advance Africa’s green economy while creating jobs, supporting local communities, and protecting natural ecosystems.
The event will take place over four days in Cape Town, offering a unique forum for global investors, innovators, policymakers, and changemakers to explore Africa’s green economy and its potential for long-term growth. Delegates are invited to register via the AGES website and participate in shaping Africa’s sustainable investment landscape.
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