Africa’s Top Sustainability Summit Welcomes South Africa’s Deputy Minister
South Africa’s Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and Environmental Affairs, Bernice Swarts, will officially launch the fifth annual Sustainability Summit Africa in Johannesburg on 16 September 2025, setting the stage for a landmark event in Africa’s green agenda.
Hosted in partnership with Deloitte, Sustainability Summit Africa has established itself as the continent’s premier environmental, social, and governance (ESG) event. This year, it forms part of the annual Smart Procurement World Indaba, bringing together business leaders, policymakers, and sustainability champions for a day of high-impact dialogue. Under the theme “Global Goals, Local Impact,” the summit will focus on translating global sustainability targets into actionable, locally relevant solutions.
The summit promises powerful insights and practical strategies to help organisations respond to the ESG imperative in ways that build long-term value, strengthen supply chain resilience, reduce risk, and positively impact communities.
According to Smart Procurement CEO Debbie Tagg. “It is critical, however, that ESG approaches are grounded in the African context and designed for local challenges.”
Tagg further highlights the importance of tailoring sustainability strategies for the continent:
“In an era defined by rising costs, climate disruption and evolving market demands, sustainability is no longer just about compliance or environmental considerations; it is a critical factor in long-term business success and competitiveness. But we cannot simply cut and paste globalised ESG frameworks into African situations. We need localised ESG strategies because the continent faces unique challenges and opportunities that demand tailored approaches to sustainability; approaches that cater for Africa’s and South Africa’s specific socio-economic, geopolitical and environmental contexts.”
This one-day summit offers a rich programme of thought-provoking keynotes, case studies, and panel discussions. Topics will include renewable energy and net-zero transitions, climate-resilient agriculture and food security, sustainable transport and e-mobility, green manufacturing and industrial decarbonisation, and innovative financing for the green economy.
The opening keynote will be delivered by Sasol’s Head Advisor on Sustainability, Raksha Sunderlall, who will explore South Africa’s energy transition policies, strategies for scaling renewable energy, and the socio-economic opportunities that a sustainable future presents in terms of jobs and development.
A panel discussion will dive deep into the role of solar, wind, and hydroelectricity in replacing coal, policy incentives for energy producers and consumers, and the challenge of balancing energy security with decarbonisation. Participants will leave with practical insights into South Africa’s energy roadmap, including renewable energy scale-up and grid modernisation.
Other highlights include real-world case studies on water-wise farming and sustainable land use, explorations of electric and hydrogen-powered transport, energy-efficient innovations in manufacturing and mining, and discussions on green bonds and blended finance models.
Tagg stresses the urgency of integrating ESG into core business strategy: “As ESG regulations tighten globally and investor and customer expectations shift, African organisations must act swiftly to embed sustainability into the heart of business strategy. Too often, ESG discussions remain abstract. This summit is about turning those conversations into practical actions that deliver value – environmentally, socially and economically.”
Adding an interactive dimension, the “Go Green Zone” exhibition provides a platform for suppliers and experts in sustainable procurement to showcase their solutions. The zone will feature a wide range of offerings, from alternative energy sources and eco-friendly products to innovative waste reduction strategies, allowing attendees to engage directly with the tools and technologies shaping Africa’s sustainable future.
