The First African Sustainability Forum: Bridging Finance and Climate Action at G20

The African Sustainability Forum, co-hosted by the Capacity-building Alliance of Sustainable Investment (CASI), concluded its inaugural event in Johannesburg, South Africa, on March 28, 2025. Held alongside the G20 summit, the forum gathered over 240 policymakers, financial experts, and thought leaders from 24 countries, with hundreds more participating online. This event marked a significant moment for the African continent as it focused on advancing sustainable finance avenues crucial for addressing climate challenges.

The forum served as a vibrant platform for exchanging knowledge and fostering dialogue aimed at progressing sustainable finance markets in Africa. Discussions ranged from taxonomies for sustainable finance to innovative mixed financing tools that can stimulate green industrialization. Participants engaged in critical conversations regarding energy transitions and the development of carbon markets, highlighting the utilization of Article 6 of the Paris Agreement.

Ma Jun, the president of CASI, emphasized Africa's immense potential for green growth, citing its extensive renewable energy resources and vast carbon sinks. He advocated for a sustainable finance landscape in Africa that aligns investments not only in renewable energy but also in transforming its mining and agricultural sectors. Additionally, creating carbon credits for a global market was underscored as a valuable opportunity.

Marcos Neto, UN Assistant Secretary-General, underscored the urgent need for capacity building related to sustainable finance in Africa, stressing the role that CASI can play in this endeavor. Gcobisa Magazi, Deputy Director-General of the South Africa National Treasury, representing South Africa’s G20 presidency, highlighted the criticality of developing robust and sustainable taxonomies that ensure interoperability across jurisdictions.

At the heart of the forum was a commitment to enhancing data transparency and regulatory monitoring, mentioned by Nan Li Collins of UNCTAD, who pointed out that these elements are essential for gaining trust from investors and expanding sustainable investments in emerging markets.

Moreover, CASI introduced 26 new online learning modules, equipped with AI-driven tools that provide multilingual support for learners. This innovation aims to broaden access to knowledge related to sustainable investment practices.

Looking ahead, CASI announced that the next sustainability forum will take place in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, in July 2025, furthering its mission to support capacity building and technical assistance, which has already benefited over 5,000 participants from more than 50 jurisdictions.

As the world increasingly acknowledges the climate crisis, forums such as these play a critical role in forging partnerships, elevating discourse on sustainable finance, and ultimately propelling Africa toward a resilient and sustainable future amidst global economic transformations.