The 2025 Kenya Green Building Society (KGBS) Green Expo opened with a strong call to reimagine finance as a driver of Africa’s green transition and sustainable urban development.
The opening session, themed “Financing the Green Transition, Driving Africa’s Sustainable Urban Future,” brought together private sector leaders, innovators, and sustainability experts to explore the transformative potential of green finance.
Speakers emphasised that green finance goes beyond managing risk and can unlock real value across multiple sectors, including education, housing, agriculture, and transport.
Practical examples shared during the discussions highlighted how clean cooking and solar energy solutions in schools reduce operational costs while creating healthier spaces for learners, while climate-smart building designs prove that affordable housing can also be efficient and environmentally sustainable.
The expo also spotlighted the circular economy as a powerful model for resilience, turning waste into resources that enhance food security and generate economic opportunities.
In addition, e-mobility was presented not just as a technological innovation but as a pathway to new jobs, cleaner transport systems, and reduced emissions.
The message from the day underscored finance as more than just a funding tool.
Participants stressed its role as an engine of climate resilience capable of supporting new industries, unlocking technologies, and shaping how communities live and work.
The discussions framed green finance as central to achieving Africa’s vision of sustainable, inclusive, and climate-smart urban growth.