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The Pan-African Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Forum 2024 is set to drive carbon markets discourse for sustainable investments across Africa.

The Forum will take place on November 5 and 6, 2024, with the theme ‘The Carbon Market: Driving Investments for a Sustainable Africa’. The event aims to champion sustainability across the African continent by convening distinguished leaders from various sectors to explore the transformative potential of carbon markets in fostering environmental stewardship and economic growth.

This year’s forum has garnered significant support through partnerships with influential organisations, including the Africa Carbon Market Initiative (ACMI), Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Stanbic IBTC, WACOT Rice (a member of TGI Group), British American Tobacco (BAT), Nigeria Climate Innovation Center (NCIC), Modern West Advisory, Oando Clean Energy, Impact Africa, De Montfort University and many others.

These collaborations reflect a united commitment to creating a sustainable business environment across Africa.

Speaking on the necessity of the initiative and its theme for the year, chairman of the ESG Forum Technical Committee and External Affairs director at BAT West and Central Africa, Odiri Erewa-Meggison said, “the Pan African ESG Forum is a pivotal platform for the African private sector at this critical juncture. It is 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, playing our part in the decarbonization discourse and, more significantly, in fostering a sustainable Africa.”

Head of Corporate Communications, TGI Group, Rafiat Gawat stated that “at WACOT Rice, and indeed the whole TGI Group, we are committed to responsible sourcing and manufacturing practices, as we understand its impact on the business and the well-being of the communities we operate in.

“This is why we are thrilled to partner with the ESG Forum. As we know, the carbon market is a significant opportunity for sustainability in Africa. We are excited to see how these high-level discussions contribute to Africa’s future and prosperity.”

Head of Sustainability, Risk, and Capital Management at Stanbic IBTC Holdings, Tosin Leye-Odeyemi added that “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.”

Managing Consultant at ImpactCrest, Abbas Agbaje emphasised the timeliness of the ESG Forum’s topic for the private sector, particularly the carbon market, saying that “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. As an organisation, we are eager to participate in the conference and anticipate the future trajectory of the carbon market in Nigeria.”

The 2024 Pan Africa ESG Forum presents a landmark opportunity to strengthen private-sector collaboration toward achieving Africa’s long-term sustainability goals. It will elevate awareness of the carbon market’s potential to drive sustainable investments across the continent, paving the way for enhanced partnerships between private and public sectors, and inspiring comprehensive strategies that can improve Africa’s position in the global carbon marketplace.