On 24 February 2026, the Africa’s Green Economy Summit (AGES) 2026 officially opened its doors at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC), marking a pivotal moment in the continent’s economic trajectory. Convening a powerful coalition of policymakers, financiers and innovators, the summit signals a decisive shift from conceptual ambition to concrete, bankable action in pursuit of a sustainable African future.
From Ambition to Action
Held under the banner “From Ambition to Action: Scaling Opportunities in Africa’s Green and Blue Solutions,” AGES 2026 is not merely a forum for discussion but a catalyst for deal-making and partnership. Proudly sponsored by Sanlam Investments, the gathering is built on a singular premise: that Africa’s environmental challenges are, in fact, its greatest economic opportunities.
Summit moderator Lerato Mbele emphasised the urgency of moving from vision to implementation. “Ambition lights the path, but it does not pave it. To transform our economies and uplift our communities, we must move beyond rhetoric to robust execution,” she said. “This summit is a marketplace of ideas where we connect visionaries with investors, ensuring that Africa’s green transition is not just sustainable, but also scalable and profitable.”
Spotlight on the Blue Economy
A central focus of the summit agenda is Africa’s blue economy—a vast yet often under-leveraged asset. The sector already contributes nearly US$300 billion annually to the continent’s GDP and sustains approximately 46 million livelihoods through fisheries, tourism and logistics. Discussions highlighted the importance of unlocking further value from marine and coastal resources while strengthening sustainability across ocean-based industries.
Green Growth and Job Creation
Alongside the blue economy, the green economy features prominently, with agriculture and renewable energy at its core. According to data highlighted at the summit, the green economy is projected to unlock up to US$10 trillion in global business value over the next decade. This positions Africa to generate an estimated 300 million new jobs, offering significant opportunity for the continent’s growing youth population.
A Call for Holistic Progress
Addressing delegates, the Honourable Naren Singh, Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment, called for balanced and inclusive development. “Our journey toward a low-carbon future must be defined by a fundamental truth: sustainability is a three-legged stool, balancing the health of our planet, the prosperity of our people and the creation of shared value,” he said. “By investing in our natural capital, we are investing in the most resilient infrastructure of all – our communities.”
Outcomes Beyond Conversation
Running from 24–27 February, the summit floor has been a hive of activity. Delegates have engaged in high-level interactive sessions, witnessed live project pitches from Africa’s most promising green entrepreneurs, and participated in curated networking forums designed to fast-track collaboration and knowledge transfer.
A Defining Declaration
AGES 2026 is more than an event; it is a declaration that Africa is ready to build a future where economic resilience and environmental stewardship are one and the same.
