A recurring theme in the event’s compelling sessions was that with fit-for-purpose policy frameworks and the right investments in solar power, wind, biomass and green hydrogen, Africa could become a renewable energy leader. The continent's vast renewable energy potential also serves as a foundation for economic transformation, job creation and climate adaptation, the expert speakers agreed.

It was also noted that Africa is on the frontlines of the climate crisis. The continent contributes the least to global emissions yet suffers the most because of climate impacts that range from prolonged droughts to destructive flooding, resource scarcity and accelerating land degradation. Urgent, equitable and resilient responses are needed now.

The one-day summit was hosted by Smart Procurement in partnership with Deloitte. Experts and thought-leaders shared their insights on topics ranging from renewable energy and net-zero transitions to climate-resilient agriculture approaches and food security; sustainable transport and e-mobility; green manufacturing and industrial decarbonisation; and innovative financing for the green economy.

Sasol’s Climate Change senior manager

In her keynote presentation, Sasol’s Climate Change senior manager Raksha Sunderlall explored South Africa’s policy landscape for energy transition, examined how renewable energy can be scaled up to meet national emission targets and outlined what a sustainable future looks like in terms of jobs and socio-economic development.

During a high-level discussion on green finance, the panellists – who included Deloitte partner Jayne Mammatt, a leader in sustainable development, reporting, assurance and climate change resilience – agreed that finance remains a major bottleneck. Without sufficient and predictable funding, many adaptation and mitigation plans will struggle, they said. The speakers explored green bonds, sustainability-linked loans and blended finance models, while noting the lack of accessible capital and the urgent need to de-risk green investments.

Energy 4 Hope gives power to orphans and vulnerable children

While many of the sessions focused on policy, finance and stumbling blocks, one standout summit presentation left attendees inspired and hopeful. Patricia Schröder, CEO of Circular Energy NPC, introduced a compelling model for reusing solar PV panels and batteries to address both waste and energy poverty. Her organisation’s Energy 4 Hope initiative collects, inspects, tests and refurbishes solar PV modules and energy storage systems for safe reuse in underserved communities. Energy 4 Hope is being piloted at the Ikhethelo Children’s Village, a home for orphaned and vulnerable children in KwaZulu-Natal.

“We must reframe waste as a resource,” said Schröder. “Circular solutions are not just possible, they are necessary.”

Daniel Viviers-Rasmussen, head of Sustainable Sourcing at NewForesight, delivered an insightful session on how commercially viable, large-scale sustainability in agriculture can be achieved through shared value chains and public-private collaboration.

Sustainability Summit Africa attendees commended the event for the valuable lessons delivered and the absorbing presentations.

“It was a wonderful experience and I learnt a lot,” said Kirsty Dudgeon from Netcare.

“I found the content valuable and well delivered,” noted Xolisa Dhlamini of Sanlam.

“I enjoyed all the discussions, but my highlight was the presentation from the Circular Energy NPC,” commented Lesego Matjila of the CSIR - NCPC-SA.

“As climate pressures intensify, the summit underscored the necessity for Africa to craft our own solutions, and not depend on unsuitable, one-size-fits-all global approaches,” comments Smart Procurement CEO Debbie Tagg. “From rethinking waste streams to uplift the disadvantaged to reimagining agricultural systems and unlocking new funding models, this year’s Sustainability Summit Africa showcased bold, locally rooted ideas that could define the continent’s sustainable future. The path forward isn’t about adopting what’s worked elsewhere, it’s about building what works here - with the focus on our people, our challenges and our enormous potential.”