Investing in infrastructure is a critical conversation worth having

It was clear at this event that smart, impactful allocation of capital is essential to address climate change and Africa-centric social challenges in areas like education, inequality, poverty and unemployment. This is the expert view on how sustainable investment into infrastructure and energy could impact jobs and social and economic inclusion on the continent.

Infrastructural development

Mass mobilisation and reallocation of capital will be needed to reach the UN Sustainable Development Goals and South Africa’s infrastructural development targets.

Trillions of dollars are invested globally in zero-interest accounts that could be better invested in impact infrastructure opportunities.

A blended finance model can achieve swifter uptake of infrastructure projects, with government providing funding for the build phase and private sector managing projects through their life cycle.

Energy

Sustainable investing means striking a balance between using and replenishing the Earth’s resources. This is particularly pertinent given South Africa’s reliance on fossil fuels and the ongoing electricity crisis.

Many countries are still fossilfuel driven, if we transition too rapidly to green economies, we risk job losses and declining social inclusion. We need a just transition.

Jobs and equality

We need to create an enabling ecosystem to foster entrepreneurship, and for the first time ever, the digital economy has given South Africans the ability to grow global businesses.

Sustainability is about economic inclusion for all – we need to create a world and a country where everyone is involved in economic activity.

Join the next Critical Conversations event on 13 September 2021.