ESG Forum to Discuss Sustainable Investments across Africa

Agnes Ekebuike

Pan-African Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Forum 2024, will be discussing the transformative role of carbon markets in fostering sustainability and economic growth across Africa.

Themed: “The Carbon Market: Driving Investments for a Sustainable Africa,” the forum is scheduled to hold November 5th (virtual masterclass) and 6th at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos.

Chairman of the ESG forum’s Technical Committee and External Affairs Director at BAT West and Central Africa, Odiri Erewa-Meggison, highlighted the forum’s impact, saying: “The Pan African ESG forum is a pivotal platform for the African private sector at this critical juncture. It’s commendable to witness numerous African organisations prioritising ESG as a core component of their operations. For us at BAT, this mirrors our culture and values, we are immensely proud to contribute to this initiative.”

Head of Sustainability, Risk, and Capital Management at Stanbic IBTC Holdings, Tosin Leye-Odeyemi shared a similar sentiment, noting that the forum aligns with Stanbic IBTC’s commitment to environmental resilience. “The carbon market is the next frontier for Nigeria and the continent. Many companies are recognizing the imperative of transforming their sustainability outlook to promote a sustainable Africa. We are committed to driving the necessary conversations to catalyze change for a sustainable continent,”she said.

Managing Consultant at ImpactCrest, Abbas Agbaje, highlighted the timeliness of the ESG forum’s theme, emphasising the need for operational integrity in carbon markets.

“As ESG gains prominence in Nigeria and Africa, the carbon market needs to be operationalised with a high-level of integrity and transparency. It is crucial to continuously explore strategies to reduce our carbon emissions and drive sustainability to achieve the intended environmental, social and economic outcomes,” he noted.