{"id":17765,"date":"2025-03-06T08:56:46","date_gmt":"2025-03-06T05:56:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/africasustainabilitymatters.com\/?p=17765"},"modified":"2026-01-11T05:31:49","modified_gmt":"2026-01-11T05:31:49","slug":"africas-green-economy-summit-ages-showcases-investment-and-innovation-in-climate-action","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/rayscohosting.best\/ASM\/2025\/03\/06\/africas-green-economy-summit-ages-showcases-investment-and-innovation-in-climate-action\/","title":{"rendered":"Africa\u2019s Green Economy Summit (AGES) Showcases Investment and Innovation in Climate Action"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Africa Green Economy Summit (AGES)<\/a>, held in Cape Town, emerged as a pivotal platform for accelerating climate finance and innovation across the continent. From ambitious mangrove restoration projects to discussions on unlocking private sector investment, the event spotlighted Africa\u2019s untapped potential in driving a sustainable future.<\/p>\n

Scaling climate solutions: Mangroves and carbon markets<\/strong> Among the standout initiatives was Vlinder, a Kenya-based project working to restore 4.2 million mangrove trees, with the potential to sequester over 900,000 tCO2e within 30 years. Vlinder\u2019s participation underscored the growing role of nature-based solutions in Africa\u2019s climate resilience.<\/p>\n

\u201cPricing nature is a game-changer,\u201d said Robin Bartmann, Vlinder\u2019s COO. \u201cMangroves remove carbon at rates 10 times higher than terrestrial forests, making them invaluable in the fight against climate change.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Summit also featured a masterclass on carbon markets, where experts highlighted Africa\u2019s need to build capacity and attract investors into sustainable projects that not only mitigate emissions but also enhance biodiversity and livelihoods.<\/p>\n

Bridging the climate finance gap<\/strong> Despite Africa\u2019s vast green investment opportunities, financing remains a major challenge. According to Barbara Buchner of the Climate Policy Initiative,<\/a> the continent currently receives less than 4% of global climate finance, with private sector participation still lagging at just 18%.<\/p>\n

However, optimism prevailed. \u201cAfrica is at a unique crossroads,\u201d said Anthony Nyong, Director of Climate Change and Green Growth at the African Development Bank<\/a>. \u201cIf we strategically position ourselves, we can channel much-needed investments into climate-smart initiatives.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sanlam Investments<\/a> CEO Carl Roothman reinforced this sentiment, describing the current global focus on green finance as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Africa to attract capital at an unprecedented scale.<\/p>\n

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Women at the forefront of the green transition<\/strong> A key theme at AGES was the role of women in shaping the green economy. The WomenIN Coffee Connect session, led by South Africa\u2019s Deputy Minister for Public Service and Administration, Pinky Kekana, emphasized the need for inclusive economic transformation.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe transition to a green economy is not just an environmental necessity\u2014it\u2019s an economic imperative,\u201d Kekana stated. \u201cWomen must be empowered as innovators, investors, and decision-makers to drive real change.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sustainable agriculture and food systems<\/strong> The summit also highlighted innovative nature-based agricultural practices, including a case study from Farmer Angus<\/a>, a regenerative carbon farmer in South Africa who has pioneered carbon credit sales from sustainable farming. Similarly, Mozambique\u2019s Chicoa Fish Farm <\/a>showcased its net-zero approach to tilapia farming, demonstrating how sustainable aquaculture can enhance food security while reducing emissions.<\/p>\n

Data: The missing link in climate finance<\/strong> A recurring challenge in Africa\u2019s green finance landscape is the lack of data to support investment decisions. \u201cWe need to prioritize big data,\u201d said Bianca Gichangi, Africa Lead at the Voluntary Carbon Market Integrity Initiative (VCMI)<\/a>. \u201cWithout it, we struggle to build a credible pipeline of bankable projects.\u201d<\/p>\n

Experts agreed that investing in data-driven climate solutions is crucial for attracting investors and ensuring long-term impact. As John Roome, a former World Bank sustainability expert, pointed out: \u201cThe private sector needs confidence. Without data, we cannot provide the evidence required to unlock finance at scale.\u201d<\/p>\n

Read also: Sanlam Investments backs Africa\u2019s Green Future with $1.5 Billion Investment Pipeline at AGES 2025<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Looking ahead<\/strong> AGES reinforced that Africa\u2019s transition to a green economy is both urgent and promising. While challenges persist\u2014particularly in financing and data accessibility\u2014the event showcased a strong momentum toward sustainable development. The resounding message? Africa is not just a recipient of climate finance but a key player in shaping the global green economy.<\/p>\n

As investors, policymakers, and entrepreneurs rally around climate solutions, AGES serves as a beacon of what is possible when innovation, policy, and finance converge to create meaningful impact.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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