Accelerating Africa’s Sustainable Future: Key Recommendations from Business Leaders
In a robust call to action, Nigeria’s foremost leaders in business, finance, and sustainability have urged for improved financing mechanisms, comprehensive policy frameworks, and innovative strategies to accelerate Africa’s shift towards sustainability. This pivotal discussion took place on Tuesday during the media launch of the 2025 Private Sector ESG Forum in Lagos, marking a significant step towards one of Africa’s most impactful gatherings focused on sustainability.
Overview of the 2025 Private Sector ESG Forum
Set to take place on October 28-29, the Forum is in its third year and revolves around the theme “Energy Security and Decarbonisation: Bridging the Gap for a Sustainable Future.” This edition aims to construct a viable African energy transition model that not only combats energy poverty but also promotes environmental sustainability and economic inclusivity.
Key Insights from the Launch Event
Odiri Erewa-Meggison’s Vision
Odiri Erewa-Meggison, Chair of the ESG Forum Technical Committee and External Affairs Director at BAT West and Central Africa, emphasized that Africa must not merely adopt global sustainability norms but should create standards that resonate with its unique context.
“Our focus is not just on reducing emissions, but also on expanding opportunities,” she stated. Erewa-Meggison asserted that it’s essential to seek solutions that provide energy for factories, homes, and livelihoods, avoiding the pitfalls of traditional models focused solely on emissions reduction.
She highlighted the Forum’s objective: fostering collaboration between private sectors, policymakers, and financiers to ensure that the transition to a low-carbon economy is both equitable and pragmatic.
The Role of Financial Innovation
Tosin Leye-Odeyemi, Head of Risk and Capital Management at Stanbic IBTC Holdings, spotlighted the importance of robust financing frameworks in achieving sustainable transformation.
“Transition financing is not merely a trend; it forms the backbone of effective implementation,” Leye-Odeyemi remarked. She called for the de-risking of sustainability investments and the establishment of blended finance structures capable of attracting both public and private capital.
She encouraged the exploration of innovative financial instruments such as green bonds, sustainability-linked loans, and other capital market tools that align with Africa’s developmental priorities.
Agribusiness Perspective from Yosola Onanuga
Addressing the link between energy and food security, Yosola Onanuga, Head of Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability at TGI Group, stressed that these two aspects are interconnected.
“Food security and energy security are inseparable,” Onanuga pointed out, advocating for renewable energy integration into agricultural practices to lower costs, reduce emissions, and enhance community resilience in the face of climatic challenges.
Moving Towards Action
In her concluding remarks, Halimat Shuaibu, Head of Business Communication and Sustainability at BAT West and Central Africa, reaffirmed the Forum’s broader mission: to transition from dialogue to actionable change.
“This Forum serves as a pledge to align profit with purpose and growth with responsibility,” Shuaibu asserted, encapsulating the collective commitment of stakeholders towards tangible outcomes.
Conclusion
The discussions during the launch of the 2025 Private Sector ESG Forum underscore a crucial movement towards sustainable development across Africa. As leaders advocate for innovative financing and cross-sector collaboration, the path to a sustainable future becomes clearer, promising a greener, more inclusive economic landscape for all.
By embedding these insights into a strategic framework, Africa’s leaders can catalyze a transformative shift toward a sustainable future, ensuring energy security and climate resilience for generations to come.
