Sanlam Investments: private sector can unlock Africa’s green economy

Access to global capital and enthusiasm to invest in Africa has never been higher, and we are at a key moment in time that may not return in the next 150 years, said Carl Roothman, CEO Sanlam Investment Group.

Sanlam Investments, a leader in sustainable investing, returned as the title sponsor of The African Green Economy Summit (AGES), held in Cape Town in February 2025. AGES remains a leading platform connecting global capital with transformative green economy projects across Africa, from high-growth start-ups to large-scale infrastructure initiatives.

Themed Building a Climate Resilient Africa: Catalysing Investment and Innovation in the Green and Blue Economies, AGES 2025 was aligned with Sanlam Investments’ commitment to sustainability and impactful investments. In 2024, an investment pipeline of $1.4bn was pitched by over 30 green projects. In 2025 the investment pipeline exceeds $7bn to support solutions addressing Africa’s most pressing challenges, including clean energy, resilient infrastructure, and climate change, while offering compelling investment returns.

The summit has once again proven to be a powerful catalyst for forging partnerships, unlocking capital, and accelerating solutions that drive sustainable growth across the continent. With global attention on Africa’s climate and economic reforms, this year’s summit served as a critical meeting point for investors, policymakers, and business leaders to align their vision and resources for impactful change.

Thought leaders and executive from Sanlam Investments, representatives of the African Union, key government officials, investors and more, gathered to learn and action the immense opportunities in Africa’s green economy. A key message emerged: that now is the time to act boldly and think big about the green economy and how Africa can leverage it. From innovative financing mechanisms to gender-focused capital allocation and nature-based solutions, AGES provided a platform to explore tangible pathways to scale impact.

Debt-for-Nature Swaps: A Blueprint for Protecting Africa’s Natural Capital

In ten years, the African penguin could be extinct. A debt-for-nature swap could be one viable way to save them. Todd Micklethwaite, Executive Head of Strategic Initiatives & Partnerships at Sanlam Alternative Investments, joined Isobel Evans and Trevor Baptiste of Oceans Finance Company to explore the potential of debt-for-nature swaps and similar innovative instruments in addressing some of the continent’s most pressing climate-related needs. Citing the urgent need to protect Africa’s vast natural ecosystems, Micklethwaite referenced learnings from Ecuador’s landmark deal in the Galapagos – the largest debt-for-climate transaction globally to date – facilitated by Oceans Finance Company and financed by Climate Fund Managers (co-owned by Sanlam InfraWorks and FMO, the Dutch Development Bank).

“The deal stands as a leading example of what is possible when financial solutions are built around the impact we want to unlock. From our oceans and landscapes to the biodiversity and people who rely on them, we need to seek smart alternative financing to save what matters most,” Micklethwaite said. He emphasised the urgency and opportunity that faces the investment community right now, the need to make a real impact on the ground, and the imperative to reframe the narrative around natural capital as an asset, not a liability.

Seizing the Moment: A Once-in-a-Lifetime Opportunity for Africa

Carl Roothman, CEO of Sanlam Investments, stressed that Africa stands at a pivotal crossroad: “There’s a massive opportunity right now, with access to global capital and enthusiasm to invest in Africa [at its peak]. We probably won’t be in this position again for another 150 years.” With Sanlam Investments managing close to R1 trillion in assets, Roothman underscored the importance of balancing social and economic returns to ensure Africa remains an attractive investment destination.

His key message was clear: “We’re at an intersection of opportunity and responsibility. Africa must rise to the occasion, compete on a global scale, and direct funding towards high-impact initiatives. With millions of dollars flowing into Africa, and a proliferation of investment opportunities, we must be smart with where funds flow. If we don’t act now, we’ll have our children and grandchildren to answer to.”

Gender-Sensitive Financing: The Key to Inclusive Growth

The nexus of green reforms and women-led businesses was a focal point of discussion, with Teboho Makhabane, Head of ESG and Impact at Sanlam Investments, advocating for a more inclusive financial ecosystem. “We need more gender-sensitive financing methods,” she urged. She said that traditional investors often overlook small businesses because they don’t fit standard risk profiles. It’s time to innovate and tap into alternative capital sources like carbon credits and blended finance.

Teboho emphasised the need to fix systemic biases in capital allocation and called for intentionality in driving gender equity. For her, diversification is critical. Intentionality catalyses action.

A Springboard for Collaboration and Action

As AGES concluded, one message rang clear: Africa has the resources, talent, and global backing to lead the green and blue economy transition. However, real change requires intentionality, bold thinking, and strategic capital deployment.

Sanlam Investments is at the forefront of this agenda through its pioneering business Climate Fund Managers and commitment to bringing to market innovative investment opportunities that align with the Sanlam Group’s strategic sustainability focus on oceans and the blue economy across Africa.

AGES served as a powerful springboard for ideas and action, the focus now shifts to turning conversations into solidified impact.

Disclaimer: Sanlam Investments consists of authorised financial services providers in terms of FAIS and disclaimers can be viewed on www.sanlaminvestments.com.