By Ayomide Otitoju
The Africa’s Green Economy Summit 2026 (AGES 2026) will open next week at a pivotal moment for South Africa’s economy, coming on the heels of President Cyril Ramaphosa’s recent State of the Nation Address (SONA) and ahead of the National Budget Speech scheduled for 25 February.
In his address, Ramaphosa placed strong emphasis on delivery, highlighting reforms in energy, water and logistics as critical to restoring economic growth and competitiveness. Expanding generation capacity, stabilising water systems and deepening private-sector participation were identified as urgent priorities — themes expected to shape deliberations at the summit.
With infrastructure reform, energy expansion and water security back in sharp focus, AGES 2026 aims to convert policy momentum into investable green projects. Organisers say the summit will prioritise implementation, seeking to unlock bankable opportunities, mobilise capital and accelerate green, resilient infrastructure development across the continent.
“Africa’s Green Economy Summit coincides with a critical moment on our continent as we look to meet the fast-growing energy demands of our young population while simultaneously addressing the challenges brought about by climate change,” said Alderman James Vos, the City of Cape Town’s Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth.
The timing of the summit, just days before the national budget presentation, is seen as significant. Stakeholders are expected to assess how fiscal policy can reinforce infrastructure delivery, crowd in private capital and strengthen the country’s green growth trajectory.
Shameela Soobramoney, Chief Executive Officer of the National Business Initiative, said environmental sustainability and economic progress are interdependent, underscoring the summit’s focus on resilience, competitiveness and inclusive growth.
The broader growth agenda is echoed in the Western Cape. Wrenelle Stander, CEO of Wesgro, said the agency is targeting investment in export-priority sectors such as green energy and green manufacturing to position the province as a globally competitive innovation hub.
Reinforcing its continental scope, AGES 2026 is hosted by the African Union, with support from Global Affairs Canada and the Global Green Growth Institute to advance implementation of the AU–Green Recovery Action Plan.
The summit’s title sponsor is Sanlam Investments, while Standard Bank serves as gold sponsor, reflecting the growing role of financial institutions in driving Africa’s green transition.
Additional partners include the Coega Development Corporation, the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (dtic), the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA), and the Gauteng Economic Development Department.
Hosted by VUKA Group, the summit will convene policymakers, investors and industry leaders with the aim of translating climate ambition into tangible, bankable outcomes.
