Deerosh Maharaj, Executive Head for Energy, Infrastructure & Mining at Business and Commercial Banking, Standard Bank South Africa.

The Africa Green Economy Summit (AGES), which took place in Cape Town recently, reinforced a 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 driver of long-term growth. 

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.

As a Gold Sponsor of AGES 2025, Standard Bank was proud to be part of these transformative conversations. 

The event provided a platform to connect our clients and partners with key market players, fostering discussions that are shaping the future of businesses in their transition towards sustainability across Africa. 

From pitch sessions to panel discussions and an exclusive investor roundtable, we explored how financing models can be adapted to better support businesses as they transition to greener operations.

Reflecting on the summit, Deerosh Maharaj, executive head for energy, infrastructure & mining at Business and Commercial Banking, Standard Bank South Africa, added that: “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.