Africa’s Green Economy Summit 2026 (AGES 2026) is set to open in Johannesburg next week at a pivotal moment for South Africa’s economic and climate agenda, as policymakers prepare for the upcoming National Budget Speech.
The summit follows President Cyril Ramaphosa’s recent State of the Nation Address (SONA), which renewed focus on infrastructure reform, energy expansion and water security as central pillars for economic recovery and competitiveness. Organisers say the gathering aims to convert policy commitments into investable green projects across the continent.
In SONA, government prioritised delivery in key sectors including energy, water and logistics, with particular emphasis on expanding generation capacity and enabling greater private-sector participation. For leaders convening at AGES 2026, that shift from ambition to implementation presents both urgency and opportunity.
“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.
With the National Budget Speech scheduled for 25 February, the timing of the summit is seen as significant. Discussions are expected to assess how fiscal priorities can reinforce infrastructure delivery, mobilise private capital and strengthen South Africa’s green growth trajectory.
The summit will focus on unlocking bankable opportunities, supporting green entrepreneurs and mobilising finance for clean energy, sustainable infrastructure and green industrialisation.
Shameela Soobramoney, CEO of the National Business Initiative, underscored the economic dimension of the transition, stating: “Environmental sustainability and economic progress are not mutually exclusive; they are interdependent.”
Organisers say the summit is positioned as a platform to align public policy with private-sector ambition, reinforcing South Africa’s role as a gateway for green investment into Africa.
In the Western Cape, investment agencies are already positioning the region as a green economy hub. “At Wesgro, our strategy is to attract and facilitate investment into export-priority sectors such as green energy and green manufacturing,” said Wrenelle Stander, CEO of Wesgro.
AGES 2026 is hosted by the African Union, with support from Global Affairs Canada and the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) in implementing the AU–Green Recovery Action Plan. Financial institutions are also playing a prominent role, with Sanlam Investments serving as title sponsor and Standard Bank as gold sponsor.
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.
“The 2026 AGES represents exactly the kind of platform Africa needs. One that brings together policy, finance and industry to turn climate ambition into bankable reality,” said Soneni Phiri, Head of Marketing and Communications at DBSA.
Hosted by VUKA Group, the summit will convene policymakers, investors and industry leaders with the stated aim of accelerating Africa’s green transition through practical investment and implementation.
