orking on this issue of Blue has brought one thing home to me again: the undeniable interconnectedness of all 17 global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

     When focusing on a specific area – like renewable energy, education or agriculture – it’s easy to think of “your” SDG in isolation. However, these goals were designed to work together to achieve sustainability on all levels. In short, one SDG supports and enables another. As Thabile Nkunjana writes on this page, in relation to SDG 2 (zero hunger): “Food is one of the building blocks at the base of Maslow’s hierarchy of human needs. You cannot educate a hungry child.”

     This echoes our approach to making a lasting difference through impactful partnerships that will provide the foundational infrastructure for carrying all Africans’ hopes and dreams. In the words of Jonathan Muga, Standard Bank CIB’s Global Head of Infrastructure: “Public-private partnerships are no longer just an alternative – they are becoming a primary vehicle for delivering infrastructure.” (Read here to see why he believes infrastructure is crucial to progress.)

     Speaking of hopes and dreams, if you are interested in education, you’ll find our interview with Christopher Khaemba of Nova Pioneer schools genuinely inspiring. As co-founder of Nova Pioneer, Khaemba is giving children in underserved areas of Kenya and South Africa a chance to discover their full potential.

     In the same vein, we are proud of the Standard Bank Group’s support of the agriculture sector in Uganda. Stephen Segujja and his team at the Economic Enterprise Restart Fund are doing exciting work to build out the sector, starting with practical support for small-scale farmers right through to facilitating national trade. If you read nothing else in this issue, please read this article to find out more.

     By telling stories like this, we want to change the image many have of Africa. Yes, there are c­hallenges, but there are many opportunities too, especially at this point in our history when the geopolitical landscape is changing significantly. It is up to us to make the most of this juncture.

     I wish you prosperity and growth in all your undertakings on our beautiful continent.