Cape Town will host the Africa Green Economy Summit 2026 from February 24 to 27, bringing together policymakers, investors, and business leaders to accelerate investment in sustainable development across the continent. The four-day event, themed “From Ambition to Action,” aims to close Africa’s climate financing gap by connecting high-potential projects with capital providers.
The summit will feature 50 bankable projects spanning key sectors including renewable energy, electric mobility, sustainable agriculture, water management, and circular economy initiatives. Organisers say the showcase offers investors opportunities to fund projects with clear financial returns while supporting Africa’s transition to a low-carbon, climate-resilient economy.
“The Africa Green Economy Summit is designed to move beyond commitments and translate ambition into concrete action,” said Summit Chairperson Thabo Mbeki. “By presenting investable projects with structured financing plans, we aim to mobilise capital that can drive sustainable growth, create jobs, and reduce emissions.”
The summit is expected to attract heads of state, government ministers, multilateral development partners, and representatives from private sector and institutional investors. Plenary sessions will discuss policy frameworks, public-private partnerships, and strategies to scale up green and blue economy projects across the continent.
Renewable energy is set to dominate the agenda, reflecting Africa’s vast potential in solar, wind, and hydropower. Analysts estimate that the continent requires more than US$300 billion annually in green investment to achieve its Paris Agreement commitments and support energy access for a growing population. The summit aims to bridge this funding gap by facilitating deals between project developers and financiers.
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Electric mobility and sustainable transport are also priorities, with several showcased projects focusing on electric buses, charging infrastructure, and innovative mobility solutions designed to reduce urban congestion and emissions. Sustainable agriculture projects highlight climate-smart farming, irrigation efficiency, and value-chain enhancements, particularly in countries vulnerable to food insecurity and climate shocks.
In addition to project showcases, the summit will host workshops, technical briefings, and investor roundtables to foster knowledge exchange and facilitate deal-making. Organisers emphasise that practical solutions, rather than high-level pledges alone, will be at the centre of discussions.
Cape Town was selected as the host city for its reputation as a hub for innovation and sustainable development in Africa, and for its strong network of public and private stakeholders engaged in climate action. “We want the summit to demonstrate Africa’s readiness to implement green projects that are both environmentally and economically sustainable,” said Summit Director Nomsa Dlamini.
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The event builds on momentum from previous continental climate initiatives, including the African Green Fund and various national Just Energy Transition Plans, which have highlighted the need for structured, bankable projects to attract long-term investment. By bringing projects and investors together under one roof, organisers hope to accelerate the transition to cleaner energy, resilient infrastructure, and sustainable production systems.
Private sector engagement will be a key feature of the summit. Investors attending the event will have the opportunity to review financial models, assess risk, and identify projects ready for immediate funding. Public-private partnerships are expected to play a critical role in scaling initiatives that might otherwise struggle to attract sufficient capital.
As Africa faces rising energy demand, climate risks, and the need for sustainable growth, the summit offers a platform to translate policy ambition into tangible outcomes. By showcasing 50 investable projects with clear technical, environmental, and financial parameters, the Africa Green Economy Summit 2026 seeks to demonstrate that sustainable development and profitability can go hand in hand.
