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Africa’s Green Economy Summit (AGES) 2026 Post Event Report Signals Shift from Ambition to Execution in Africa’s Green Economy

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AGES

According to the report, AGES 2026 facilitated 44 curated project pitches, representing an estimated $1.7 billion investment pipeline, alongside 677 confirmed matchmaking meetings between investors and project developers

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, April 2, 2026/APO Group/ –The Africa’s Green Economy Summit (AGES) 2026 post‑event report, released today, highlights a clear shift underway across Africa’s green and blue economy: from ambition and dialogue towards execution, deployment and scale.

 

Held in Cape Town in February 2026, AGES brought together investors, policymakers, project developers and delivery partners from across Africa and internationally. The post‑event report captures how the platform has evolved into a curated investment marketplace, enabling deeper engagement, targeted deal‑making and early transaction momentum.

According to the report, AGES 2026 facilitated 44 curated project pitches, representing an estimated $1.7 billion investment pipeline, alongside 677 confirmed matchmaking meetings between investors and project developers. Participation spanned 40 countries, with 124 investors from 72 organisations, reflecting growing confidence in the platform as a space for serious investment engagement.

“AGES has evolved into a true marketplace—a place where serious conversations begin and momentum is created,” says Iain Banner, Chairman of Go Green Africa.

Market signals point to execution as the new benchmark

Insights gathered through on‑site surveys and programme discussions reveal a market increasingly focused on delivery. Delegates consistently prioritised the expansion of bankable project pipelines, stronger blended finance mechanisms, and more effective pathways to deploy capital pledged for Africa’s green transition.

The report finds that the principal constraint facing the sector is no longer the availability of capital, but the structure, readiness and coordination of investable opportunities, a theme reinforced across plenaries, roundtables and workshops.

AGES 2026 was energising and inspiring, full of momentum and purpose‑driven leadership

Depth of engagement driving momentum beyond the event

Unlike traditional conference formats, AGES 2026 focused on engagement models designed to enable depth and scrutiny. These included investor roundtables, curated project pitches, focused technical workshops and site visits, allowing participants to test assumptions, address risk and ground discussions in real‑world delivery contexts.

This approach resonated strongly with project developers. “AGES 2026 struck an exceptional balance between visibility and community. The opportunity to pitch our project was a clear highlight, alongside equally valuable networking with investors and partners,” said Mark Williams‑Wynn, EWaste Africa.

Investor and ecosystem participants echoed the value of this depth of engagement. Jean Craven, CEO of Sedna said “AGES 2026 exceeded my expectations. The one‑on‑one matchmaking delivered over 80% fruitful investor conversations and strong leads we’re actively pursuing. Faye O’Connor, Vice President and Ambassador for Nature‑Based Solutions at One Carbon World added “AGES 2026 was energising and inspiring, full of momentum and purpose‑driven leadership. The carefully curated and inclusive format enabled the practical connections and conversations needed to drive real action.”

platform designed for continuity

Rather than functioning as a one‑off convening, the post‑event report highlights how partnerships and discussions initiated at AGES 2026 are continuing beyond the summit itself, reinforcing the platform’s role in supporting ongoing collaboration, investment progression and accountability.

“The discussions at AGES are increasingly focused on execution rather than ambition,” the report concludes, pointing to a market ready to act but calling for stronger coordination, delivery frameworks and follow‑through to translate intent into results.

The full AGES 2026 Post‑Event Report is available at: https://apo-opa.co/4tgMeKm

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of VUKA Group.

Events

GREE Unveils 130 Products at the 139th Canton Fair, with Over 80% Featuring AI and Green Energy-Saving Technologies

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GREE

GUANGZHOU, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 17 April 2026 – On April 15, the 139th China Import and Export Fair (hereinafter referred to as the “Canton Fair”) officially opened. As a leading enterprise in the manufacturing sector, Gree Electric made a grand appearance at Pavilion 4.2A under the theme “GREE, Making Better Electric Appliances,” presenting over a hundred innovative products in its largest exhibition area in Canton Fair history. Amid the global wave of green and intelligent manufacturing transformation, GREE is leveraging its hard-core independent innovation and full-industry-chain capabilities to show the world the confidence and resolve of China’s intelligent manufacturing to navigate industry cycles and lead the transformation.

Zhu Lei, CMO of Gree Electric, stated that Gree has participated in the Canton Fair for 31 consecutive years. This year, GREE brought 130 products to the event. Facing the global market, GREE strives to fully meet the practical needs of consumers from different regions worldwide. Notably, the majority of these products are originally manufactured in and exported from China, reflecting the dedication and ingenuity of GREE’s Chinese craftsmen.

It is reported that at this year’s Canton Fair, GREE has created a full-industry-chain exhibition space ranging from core components to scenario-based solutions. To date, buyers from over 50 countries and regions have scheduled visits and business negotiations, marking a 21% year-on-year increase.

Currently, the global home appliance industry is undergoing a dual transformation. On one hand, an energy efficiency revolution driven by the “Dual Carbon” goals makes the transition to eco-friendly refrigerants an urgent priority; on the other hand, an experience revolution spurred by consumption upgrades has made quietness, health, and smart features the core demands of users. GREE’s SilenzX series ultra-quiet air conditioners, showcased at the event, serve as a precise response to this trend. Equipped with a self-developed rotary four-cylinder compressor, the SilenzX series reduces the minimum sound pressure level of the outdoor unit to a mere 29 decibels—far below the industry average of 42 decibels. Backed by 137 invention patents, the product recently won a Gold Medal at the International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva, signaling that Chinese enterprises have shifted from being “followers” to “leaders” in the realm of comfort technology.

A deeper layer of competitiveness stems from GREE’s long-term bet on a green future. Among the products showcased at this Canton Fair, over 80% are equipped with AI, green energy-saving, and other advanced technologies. GREE has comprehensively implemented R290 eco-friendly refrigerant technology across its entire product matrix, including split units, window units, and water heaters. Furthermore, its world-first photovoltaic air conditioning system has achieved a systemic breakthrough of “zero carbon emissions, zero electricity bills, and zero waste.” The AI dynamic energy-saving technology also utilizes intelligent algorithm optimization to boost annual energy efficiency by 15.8% and reduce power consumption by 13.6%. Rather than isolated technological features, these represent comprehensive green solutions that cover the entire chain of energy production, transmission, and consumption, providing the industry with a leapfrog path from “low-carbon compliance” to “zero-carbon leadership.”

Behind this systemic innovation capability lies a full-industry-chain competitive moat forged through 35 years of independent R&D. At this Canton Fair, Gree introduced three major compressors—G-Boost, G-Storm, and G-Hyper—which have successfully overcome industry challenges such as ultra-high-temperature cooling and ultra-low-temperature heating. Its star product, the GMV 9 series, is capable of operating in an ultra-wide temperature range from -35°C to 60°C, marking GREE’s achievement of full-stack technological autonomy from core components to system integration.

This strategic resolve is yielding substantial returns in GREE’s global layout. As one of the first Chinese home appliance companies to venture overseas, GREE has built a network covering more than 190 countries and regions. Independent brands now account for 70% of its total export volume, and this figure exceeds 85% in Belt and Road countries. This marks a highly successful, high-quality transformation from a traditional OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) model to an independent brand-led enterprise.

From core technological breakthroughs to a green and low-carbon transition, GREE remains rooted in technology and centered on quality. Its presence at the Canton Fair serves as a vivid microcosm of the transformation and upgrading of China’s manufacturing sector, demonstrating the powerful potential and dynamic momentum of “Made in China.”

 

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Energy

Zambia Energy Minister to Showcase Integrated Power and Fuel Investment Agenda at African Energy Week (AEW) 2026

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African Energy Chamber

Makozo Chikote joins African Energy Week’s growing ministerial lineup as Zambia fast-tracks energy reforms across power, renewables, and oil

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, April 22, 2026/APO Group/ –Zambia’s Energy Minister, Makozo Chikote, will take a prominent role at African Energy Week (AEW) 2026 in Cape Town from 12–16 October, where he is expected to outline the country’s integrated energy strategy to investors, policymakers and development partners.

 

His participation comes at a time when Zambia is accelerating reforms across the entire energy value chain – from electricity generation and renewable deployment to fuel supply security and downstream oil infrastructure – positioning the country as both a regional power hub and an emerging player in refined fuel distribution.

 

A key pillar of the government’s agenda is the Carbon Feed-in Premium (CFIP) program, launched earlier this month and designed to unlock up to 300 MW of private renewable energy investment. The initiative aims to diversify Zambia’s generation mix, reduce emissions and strengthen grid stability. It also includes a Mitigation Outcome Purchase Agreement with Norway under the CFIP framework, expected to help mobilize international climate-linked financing and support decarbonization of the power sector ahead of 2027.

 

Alongside the renewable push, Zambia is also advancing its hydrocarbons and fuel security agenda. The government has begun construction of a 60,000 barrels-per-day crude oil refinery in Ndola, a landmark downstream project aimed at reducing dependence on imported refined fuels and strengthening domestic supply security. The refinery is expected to support industrial demand, particularly from mining and transport sectors, while easing pressure on foreign exchange reserves over the long term. At AEW 2026, Minister Chikote is expected to position this dual-track strategy as central to Zambia’s long-term energy security and industrial growth agenda.

 

Zambia has already committed to adding more than 2,610 MW of new electricity generation capacity by the end of 2026. The expansion program is designed to address chronic power shortages, reduce load shedding and support industrial expansion. It prioritizes a diversified mix of solar, wind and hybrid projects to improve system resilience, particularly as climate variability continues to affect hydropower output.

Zambia is taking a smart, integrated approach to energy – balancing power, renewables, and oil and fuel security

 

Investor sentiment has also been supported by recent regulatory momentum. In March 2026, the Energy Regulation Board approved 24 licenses, seven construction permits and amendments to existing projects, representing a combined investment commitment of ZMW 1.1 billion across power generation, renewables and downstream petroleum infrastructure. The approvals reflect both growing private sector appetite and a more streamlined regulatory environment for energy project development.

 

 

Beyond generation and fuel infrastructure, Zambia is also strengthening energy efficiency and system resilience. Through a partnership with the European Union, the Ministry of Energy has launched the Zambia Energy Efficiency and Sustainable Transformation program, introducing LED retrofits and infrastructure upgrades in schools and hospitals in the Eastern Province to reduce consumption and improve reliability.

 

 

Regionally, Zambia is deepening cooperation with Tanzania in oil and gas development, with both governments exploring joint exploration opportunities, cross-border energy trade and shared infrastructure. The discussions reflect a broader regional push to strengthen energy security and improve integration across East and Southern Africa.

 

“Zambia is taking a smart, integrated approach to energy – balancing power, renewables, and oil and fuel security. This is exactly the kind of practical, investment-ready strategy Africa needs. Minister Chikote is showing how policy can unlock capital and deliver real projects across the entire energy value chain,” said NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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Events

Africa Tech Festival opens registration for landmark 29th edition in Cape Town

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Tech Festival

Based on the success of last year’s event, and ongoing conversations with key stakeholders, Africa Tech Festival 2026 is structured around six interconnected pillars that reflect where investment is flowing, where innovation is accelerating, and where the biggest opportunities lie

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, April 22, 2026/APO Group/ –Africa Tech Festival (https://AfricaTechFestival.com/), the continent’s longest-running and most influential technology event, today announced that registration is open for the 29th edition of the event, taking place from 16 to 19 November 2026 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre in South Africa.

 

Based on the success of last year’s event, and ongoing conversations with key stakeholders, Africa Tech Festival 2026 is structured around six interconnected pillars that reflect where investment is flowing, where innovation is accelerating, and where the biggest opportunities lie: Telecoms & Connectivity; Data Centres; AI; Cybersecurity; Startups; and Digital Transformation. Every session, speaker and experience at Africa Tech Festival 2026 is built around these pillars, which will be showcased throughout the event, on eight dedicated stages.

For sponsors and exhibitors, Africa Tech Festival is the premier platform where enterprise buyers, technology leaders, and solution providers converge to shape the future of digital transformation across the continent. Leading brands can engage directly with C-suite executives, policymakers, and industry leaders as they showcase solutions in telecoms, AI, data centres, cybersecurity and enterprise innovation. In addition to providing a forum for generating leads and forming partnerships, Africa Tech Festival’s media exposure and pan-African reach create the ideal platforms for boosting brand reputation.

First wave of confirmed speakers announced

Africa Tech Festival 2026 is already attracting some of the continent’s most influential technology and business leaders. Confirmed speakers to date include:

Africa’s digital economy is accelerating at an unprecedented pace, and Africa Tech Festival 2026 is designed to be at the centre of that momentum

  • Bunmi Cynthia Adeleye, Chief Strategy & Transformation Officer, Retail Supermarkets Nigeria Limited (Owners of Shoprite Nigeria)
  • Dido wa Kalonji, Chief Information Officer, FNB Eswatini
  • Faith Burn, Chief Technology and Operations Officer, Land and Agricultural Development Bank of South Africa
  • Joost Pielage, Chief Technology Officer, Quro Medical
  • Lazola Ndamase, Group Executive Head: Big Data & AI/ML Technology, Vodacom
  • Mary Mahuma, Chief Information Officer, Sub-Saharan Africa, Philip Morris South Africa
  • Nina Triantis, Head: Global Sponsor Coverage, Client Coverage CIB & Vice Chair/TMT, Standard Bank Group
  • Nirvani Dhevcharran, Chief Technology Officer: Platforms and Operations, TFG (The Foschini Group)
  • Nollie Maoto, Chief Data and Analytics Officer, FirstRand Compliance Office
  • Nomsa Chabeli, Group Chief Executive Officer, South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC)
  • Richard Cazalet, Executive: Strategy and Transformation, Telkom SA
  • Seaparo Phala, Chief Information Officer, Department of Sport, Arts and Culture
  • Senthil Kumar Velayutham, Chief Technology and Digital Officer, African Development Bank

 

Commenting on the importance of the event in advancing Africa’s digital transformation agenda, David Monaghan, VP, Africa Tech Festival, said, “Africa’s digital economy is accelerating at an unprecedented pace, and Africa Tech Festival 2026 is designed to be at the centre of that momentum. Whether you’re a decision-maker looking to shape strategy, an innovator seeking investment, or an organisation ready to put your brand in front of the continent’s most influential technology leaders, this is the event for you. We look forward to welcoming the industry to Cape Town in November.”

 

Register to attend Africa Tech Festival 2026

 

General registration: https://apo-opa.co/3OvRBqv

 

For more information, as well as exhibitor and sponsor applications, visit https://AfricaTechFestival.com/

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Africa Tech Festival.

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