Join us in Pretoria, South Africa, as we examine how Gulf capital can accelerate Africa’s green transition, with South Africa as the entry point for regional scaling.

Sub-Saharan Africa is entering a decisive decade for climate action and green growth. The region offers vast renewable energy potential and critical mineral resources essential for the clean energy transition. However, unlocking this potential requires large-scale investment that many countries cannot mobilise domestically.  Gulf states, meanwhile, are emerging as important partners in climate finance. Their sovereign wealth funds, development banks, and private investors are increasingly drawn to Africa as part of broader economic diversification strategies, their commitments to climate action, and efforts to secure long-term food and energy security.

Convened by the Rihla Initiative for Green Economic Growth in partnership with the South African Institute of International Affairs and supported by the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in Pretoria, this event will examine how Gulf capital can accelerate Africa’s green transition, with South Africa as the entry point for regional scaling.

While Gulf financing spans the continent, certain countries have already emerged as front-runners. South Africa is increasingly seen as a hub for utility-scale renewable energy and green hydrogen, and its strong financial markets, infrastructure base, and policy frameworks make it a natural gateway for Gulf investment into the wider region.

• What are the main drivers behind Gulf financing in Sub-Saharan Africa, and how do they intersect with climate objectives?

• How can South Africa’s experience as a key country for Gulf-backed renewable energy and hydrogen projects inform wider regional strategies?

• Which financing and policy frameworks are best suited to deepen Gulf-Africa cooperation while ensuring inclusive and sustainable development?

On October 2, 2025, the Bourse & Bazaar Foundation will convene the fourth edition of the Rihla Initiative Panel Series under the theme of Gulf Investment in Green Economic Growth Across South and Southeast Asia. Hosted in Bangkok, this event will bring together a diverse group of policymakers, investors, and researchers to explore how Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states can play a greater role in accelerating the green transition and building long-term economic resilience across the SSEA region.

The panel will examine the growing strategic relevance of Gulf climate finance in SSEA, and how future investments can foster co-created development ecosystems, expand adaptation finance in critical sectors like water, agriculture, and coastal resilience, and support more inclusive, regionally integrated growth.

We invite interested experts, practitioners, and stakeholders based in Bangkok to register their interest in attending this event in person. Kindly note that attendance is limited and subject to confirmation.

Please register your interest by Monday, September 29, 2025, by contacting Mr. Dao Nguyen at dao@bourseandbazaar.org