Sustainable finance has gained relevance globally. It is not only a response to global imperatives such as climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution, and poverty, but also an opportunity to unlock business growth and social resilience.
Welcome to a sustainable future & beyond
IFC, part of the World Bank Group, has joined forces with the Banking Association of the Southern African Development Community (SADC BA), which is hosted by the Banking Association South Africa, to convene the inaugural SADC Sustainable Finance Forum.
This high-level event brings together international thought leaders with senior decision makers from government, financial sector regulators, banking associations, financial institutions, stock exchanges, and investors in the SADC region. It will deliver actionable insights, foster regional collaboration, and equip delegates with the tools to scale sustainability-focused finance by leveraging both local and international capital.
WHEN
9 – 11 June 2025
08:30 – 21:00
WHERE
One & Only Hotel
Cape Town, South Africa
About 2025 & beyond
This high-level event brings together international thought leaders with senior decision makers from government, financial sector regulators, banking associations, financial institutions, stock exchanges, and investors in the SADC region. It will deliver actionable insights, foster regional collaboration, and equip delegates with the tools to scale sustainability-focused finance by leveraging both local and international capital.
The event takes place over three days:
Monday, 9 June: High-level keynote addresses and panel sessions featuring government and private sector leaders discussing policies, regulations, and private sector innovations.
Tuesday, 10 June: In-depth panel discussions and case study presentations on sustainable finance instruments and their practical applications.
Wednesday, 11 June: Training for SADC regulators, banking associations, and stock exchanges on the fundamentals of sustainability-themed instruments, climate risk management, and national sustainable finance roadmaps.
Venue 2025
One & Only Hotel
Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town, 8001
Date
9 – 11 June 2025
Registration opens from 07:30 AM
Why Attend 2025
Aligning sustainable finance frameworks for great impact
Policymakers and finance ministries play a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of sustainable finance by creating the necessary frameworks and incentives for investments. Their leadership is crucial in formulating policies that align with social and environmental goals and economic growth, encouraging the integration of climate-resilience, renewable energy, and sustainable land and ocean management. Finance ministries are tasked with directing public funds to support these initiatives, while also attracting private capital through innovative financing models (e.g., blended finance), enabling frameworks for sustainable finance (e.g., taxonomies), and risk mitigation mechanisms to grow markets.
By establishing clear regulatory standards, setting carbon pricing mechanisms, and facilitating international partnerships, policymakers ensure that sustainable finance provides mechanisms for local and international investment and can unlock new opportunities for social upliftment, job creation, poverty reduction, and environmental restoration. In a region particularly vulnerable to climate change, these efforts can drive a transition to a low-carbon, climate- resilient economy, while safeguarding vital ecosystems like forests, wetlands, and oceans that are central to the region’s prosperity.
Gala Dinner 2025
Two Oceans Aquarium
Dock Road, V&A Waterfront Cape Town, South Africa
Date
9 June 2025 from 07:00 PM
