In a transformative call to action, industry leaders and sustainability experts have gathered to advocate for innovative financing models and context-specific policies aimed at propelling Africa’s energy transition. This timely dialogue addresses the continent’s enduring power deficit, initiating vital discussions around sustainable development.
The recent media launch of the 2025 Private Sector ESG Forum in Lagos sets the stage for a significant event scheduled for October 28 and 29. Here, stakeholders voiced their vision for harnessing Africa’s potential through sustainable practices while considering the unique challenges the continent faces.
Odiri Erewa-Meggison, Chair of the ESG Forum Technical Committee and External Affairs Director at BAT West and Central Africa, emphasized the necessity for Africa to forge its own sustainability framework. “Africa must not merely import global sustainability standards; we must define our own context,” she stated, highlighting the importance of crafting solutions tailored to local needs.
Erewa-Meggison explained that the discourse must extend beyond merely reducing emissions; it should encompass the creation of opportunities for growth. “The transition is not only about what we stop doing, but what we build in its place: innovation, local capacity, and inclusive progress,” she noted, underscoring the need for a balanced approach that respects both environmental and economic factors.
Financing stands out as a critical obstacle in achieving sustainable goals, as reiterated by Tosin Leye-Odeyemi, Head of Risk and Capital Management at Stanbic IBTC Holdings. She called for de-risking sustainability investments through blended finance structures capable of attracting both public and private capital. “We must build financial systems that reward responsibility and long-term value creation,” Leye-Odeyemi insisted, advocating for financial instruments such as green bonds and sustainability-linked loans that align with Africa’s developmental priorities.
Another pertinent point raised at the forum was the link between food and energy security. Yosola Onanuga, Head of Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability at TGI Group, articulated the need to integrate renewable energy into agricultural production and processing. “Food security and energy security are inseparable,” she stated. This integration not only cuts costs but also reduces emissions, fortifying communities against the increasingly volatile impacts of climate change.
Halimat Shuaibu, Head of Business Communication and Sustainability at BAT West and Central Africa, pointed out the forum’s goal of translating discussions into tangible actions. “This Forum is a collaborative commitment to align profit with purpose, and growth with responsibility,” Shuaibu emphasized, calling for a cohesive effort among stakeholders to create meaningful impact.
The conversations at this forum are vital for shaping a sustainable future for Africa. Stakeholders are motivated to engage in collaborative efforts that recognize the distinct realities of the continent, pushing for policies and frameworks that genuinely reflect its diverse needs and aspirations.