South Africa’s Green Investment Drive Gains Traction Ahead of Africa’s Green Economy Summit 2026
Viable News Team 
South Africa’s green investment agenda is gaining renewed momentum as policymakers, investors and industry leaders prepare to gather for Africa’s Green Economy Summit 2026 (AGES 2026), opening next week. The summit comes at a strategically important time for the country, following President Cyril Ramaphosa’s recent State of the Nation Address (SONA) and just ahead of the National Budget Speech scheduled for 25 February.
Against the backdrop of persistent economic pressures, SONA placed strong emphasis on delivery, particularly reforms in energy, water and logistics positioning infrastructure investment and private-sector participation as central to restoring growth and competitiveness. These themes are expected to dominate discussions at AGES 2026, with a clear focus on translating policy commitments into investable green projects.
From policy intent to project delivery
Energy expansion, water security and climate resilience have once again moved to the forefront of South Africa’s economic priorities. The summit aims to leverage this renewed policy focus by advancing practical solutions that can unlock private capital and accelerate the rollout of sustainable infrastructure.
Addressing the importance of the moment, City of Cape Town Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth, Alderman James Vos, said the summit aligns with the continent’s pressing challenges. He noted that Africa must meet the rising energy demands of a rapidly growing young population, while simultaneously responding to the realities of climate change.
With fiscal priorities soon to be outlined in the National Budget, AGES 2026 provides a platform to assess how public spending plans can reinforce infrastructure delivery, support green industrialisation and strengthen South Africa’s long-term growth pathway.
Mobilising capital for the green economy
The summit’s agenda is firmly rooted in implementation. Discussions will centre on unlocking bankable opportunities, mobilising finance for clean energy and sustainable infrastructure, and supporting green entrepreneurs across the continent.
National Business Initiative CEO Shameela Soobramoney has highlighted the close link between sustainability and growth, stressing that environmental responsibility and economic progress are mutually reinforcing rather than competing objectives. This principle underpins the summit’s broader goal of positioning the green transition as a driver of resilience, competitiveness and inclusive development.
As policy alignment between the public and private sectors improves, South Africa’s role as a gateway for green investment into Africa is becoming more defined. However, stakeholders acknowledge that realising this opportunity will depend on consistent collaboration and effective execution.
Western Cape and continental alignment
The Western Cape has echoed this growth-focused approach. Wesgro CEO Wrenelle Stander said the agency’s investment strategy prioritises green energy and green manufacturing, with the aim of driving export-led growth and establishing the province as a globally competitive hub for green innovation.
At a continental level, AGES 2026 is hosted by the African Union and supported by Global Affairs Canada and the Global Green Growth Institute, reinforcing alignment with the AU–Green Recovery Action Plan. This collaboration highlights the summit’s role in advancing climate, carbon and nature finance across Africa.
The organisers have also acknowledged the role of the private sector in driving the green transition, with Sanlam Investments named as Title Sponsor and Standard Bank as Gold Sponsor. Additional partners include the Coega Development Corporation, the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition, the Development Bank of Southern Africa, and the Gauteng Economic Development Department signalling a shared commitment to infrastructure investment and inclusive growth.
DBSA Head of Marketing and Communications Soneni Phiri described the summit as the type of platform Africa needs to turn climate ambition into “bankable reality”.
Hosted by VUKA Group, Africa’s Green Economy Summit 2026 brings together policymakers, financiers and innovators with a clear purpose: to move beyond discussion and help shape a sustainable, investment-ready green economy for the continent.
Source: APO Group, on behalf of VUKA Group.
About the Author
