The Africa Green Economy Summit (AGES), which recently took place in Cape Town, reinforced the crucial message that sustainability is not just a responsibility; it is an opportunity. By working together, businesses, financial institutions, and policymakers can turn the transition to a green economy into a long-term growth driver.
The summit highlighted how innovation, collaboration, and the right financial models can unlock investment, create jobs, and build resilient economies while advancing Africa’s sustainability agenda.
AGES is one of Africa’s most important platforms for driving sustainable economic growth. It brings together key stakeholders, from investors and government leaders to private sector pioneers, to discuss solutions that balance economic development with environmental responsibility. With Africa’s vast natural resources, young workforce, and growing energy needs, summits like AGES are essential in shaping a future where sustainability and economic progress go hand in hand.
Reflecting on the summit, Deerosh Maharaj, executive head for Energy, Infrastructure & Mining at Business and Commercial Banking, Standard Bank South Africa, a gold sponsor of the event, said: “The sustainability landscape is evolving rapidly, and Africa has a unique opportunity to lead. Our economies are still developing, which means we can innovate and leapfrog traditional models to create a greener, more inclusive future. At Standard Bank, we are committed to being a trusted partner on this growth journey, providing the financial solutions and expertise needed to drive real impact.”
As Africa’s largest financial institution, Standard Bank is committed to enabling sustainable business growth across the continent. The insights from AGES 2025 reaffirmed that when businesses, investors, and policymakers work together, sustainability becomes more than a goal, it becomes a catalyst for economic growth and long-term opportunity across Africa.