Sanlam Triples Down on Africa’s Green Transformation with Third Consecutive Summit Sponsorship

Sustainable Finance Leader Deepens Commitment to Continental Green Projects

Sanlam Investments has cemented its position as a cornerstone supporter of Africa’s green transition by announcing its third consecutive sponsorship of the Africa’s Green Economy Summit (AGES), scheduled for February 2026. This renewed partnership underscores the financial giant’s long-term strategy to channel capital toward renewable energy, water security, waste management, and climate-resilient infrastructure across the continent., according to recent studies

The summit, which has rapidly evolved into Africa’s premier connecting point for global capital and local green initiatives since its 2023 launch, has already facilitated the presentation of over 90 investment-ready projects valued at more than $8.7 billion. These ventures range from innovative startups to transformative national infrastructure programs, all contributing to what experts call a “just and inclusive” economic shift.

Strategic Vision: Where Climate Challenge Meets Investment Opportunity

Carl Roothman, CEO of Sanlam Investments, framed Africa’s position in starkly dualistic terms: “Africa stands at the frontline of climate change, and on the frontier of opportunity.” He elaborated that the continent is pioneering a new development paradigm spanning renewable energy, blue economy ventures, and circular industries—all characterized by innovation, inclusion, and sustainable value creation.

“We recognize that meaningful change requires collective action through strategic partnerships,” Roothman emphasized, explaining the rationale behind their three-year sponsorship commitment. “Every investment, every solution we implement, creates lasting returns for ecosystems, communities and investors. Now is our moment to invest in the future we need.”, according to market developments

The executive further articulated Sanlam’s distinctive investment philosophy, describing it as pursuing ‘holistic return’—the simultaneous generation of measurable financial gains alongside regenerative impacts for society and the environment. “We have consistent evidence that investing for impact yields outperforming returns – financial, social and environmental. Doing good is good investing,” Roothman stated., according to related coverage

Summit Evolution: From Conversation to Concrete Deal-Making

Emmanuelle Nicholls, Project Lead for AGES, credited partners like Sanlam with enabling the summit’s growth into an “unmatched platform for changemakers, investors and entrepreneurs shaping a sustainable future for Africa.”, as covered previously

The 2026 edition will comprehensively explore the green and blue economy landscape, examining sectors including:, according to related coverage

• Energy transformation and renewable infrastructure
• Sustainable transport and mobility solutions
• Water security and management systems
• Climate-resilient agriculture and food systems
• Waste management and circular economy innovations
• Green building and sustainable construction
• Clean technology development and deployment

This year’s program will significantly expand its practical deal-making components, featuring dedicated pitch stages for entrepreneurs, investor roundtables, confidential deal rooms, and curated matchmaking sessions with development finance institutions (DFIs), venture capital funds, banks, and asset managers.

Emerging Frontiers: Nature and Biodiversity Finance Take Center Stage

Nicholls highlighted that nature and biodiversity finance will receive prominent focus at the 2026 summit, reflecting growing market interest in biodiversity credits and nature-based financial instruments. “Every year, we reinforce the urgency of addressing Africa’s climate finance gap and taking actionable steps toward sustainable development,” she noted, observing that each iteration of the summit has progressively strengthened its tangible impact.

The continued partnership between Sanlam Investments and AGES signals a maturing African green investment ecosystem—one moving from theoretical discussion to practical implementation, with major financial institutions playing an increasingly central role in financing the continent’s sustainable future.

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