*The Private Sector ESG Forum, a leading platform championing sustainable business practices across Africa, holds its 2024 edition, in Lagos, urging the private sector of the economy to leverage the carbon market as a catalyst for investment to propel a greener, more inclusive future for the African continent

Alexander Davis | 绿帽献妻

The Private Sector ESG Forum, a leading platform designed to champion sustainable business practices across Africa, has concluded its 2024 Edition with a resounding call to action for the private sector to leverage the carbon market as a catalyst for investment to propel a greener, more inclusive future for Africa.

The 2024 ESG Forum held with the theme, “The Carbon Market: Driving Investment for a Sustainable Africa,” November 6, 2024 at the Civic Centre, Lagos.

The 2024 edition of the ESG Forum attracted prominent business leaders, policymakers, and sustainability experts to explore how the carbon market can unlock transformative opportunities for the continent.

Yarub Al-Bahrani, Managing Director of BAT West & Central Africa, in his welcome address, set the tone for the day’s discussions, and emphasised the critical role of the private sector’s in addressing the climate crisis and driving sustainable development.

Al-Bahrani said: “Africa stands at the crossroads of unprecedented opportunity and pressing environmental challenges.

鈥淎s the world transitions to a low-carbon economy, the carbon market offers Africa a unique chance to lead in climate action while attracting much-needed investment for sustainable growth.

鈥淏y leveraging the carbon market, we can generate economic opportunities that uplift communities, advance clean technologies, and build more sustainable industries.鈥�

Also speaking at the ESG Forum, Dr. Oreoluwa Finnih, Special Adviser to the Lagos State Government on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), representing Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, shared the state’s commitment to sustainability and good governance practices.

Dr. Finnih stated: “Lagos State recognises the importance of ESG principles in driving a green and resilient economy.

鈥淭he state has taken several steps to advance ESG priorities, including pioneering waste-to-energy projects that convert solid and liquid waste into renewable energy sources, and establishing the Lagos carbon registry.鈥�

The governor鈥檚 aide also highlighted the Lagos State’s commitment to leading by example in transparency through its public-private partnerships in areas like infrastructure, healthcare, and waste management, which aim to reduce bureaucratic delays and improve citizen access to services.

During his keynote address, Paul Muthaura, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Africa Carbon Market Initiatives, expressed the need for collaborative actions to driving sustainable development. He said 鈥淭he carbon market stands as an opportunity for Africa businesses.

Muthaura said: 鈥淚t is a tool that enables us to harness our rich natural resources while driving investments that empower communities and protect our environment.

鈥淭ogether, we can transform the challenges of climate change into pathways for economic growth, ensuring that Africa leads the world in creating a sustainable future.鈥�

The Forum equally featured a series of insightful panel discussions that delved into the multifaceted impact of climate change on African businesses, the financial challenges and solutions for decarbonisation projects, and the intricacies of the carbon market and carbon credits.

The speakers shared valuable insights on how companies can navigate the risks and take the opportunities presented by climate change, as well as the innovative financing mechanisms and business models that can make decarbonisation more viable and attractive to investors.

Key speakers at the event included: Dr. Innocent Bariate Barikor, Director General/CEO of National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESERA); Segun Ajayi-Kabir, Director General, Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN); and Mr. Paul Muthaura CEO, Africa Carbon Markets Initiative, Kenya.

Others are Titilayo Oshodi, Special Adviser to the Lagos State Government on Climate Change; Ademola Ogunbanjo, President/CEO, Oando Clean Energy; Ejiro Gray, Director, Governance & Sustainability, Sahara Group; Jocelyne Landry Tsonang, Project Manager Africa, Green Bond Corporation, Cameroon; Afolabi Akinrogunde, Snr. Deal Lead/Business Opportunity Manager, Shell Energy Nigeria, Habiba Suleiman, Head of Strategic Partnerships, TGI Group, amongst many others.

Part of the highlight of the event was the announcement of the Young Professional Mentorship Programme, aimed at gathering young sustainability enthusiasts to expand awareness and build capacity on ESG.

Odiri Erewa-Meggison, Director of External Affairs BAT WCA & Chairman, ESG Forum Technical Committee said: 鈥淭his programme is a transformative step towards empowering the next generation of young sustainability leaders by fostering a community of passionate young professionals.

鈥淲e are not only expanding awareness around ESG but also building the capacity needed to drive meaningful change across Africa.

鈥淐ollaboratively, we can cultivate innovative solutions that will shape a sustainable future for our continent.”

The Forum also emphasised the responsibility of the private sector, policymakers, and the broader stakeholder community to integrate sustainable practices into their operations and strategies.

At the close of the event, participants collectively pledged to be more responsible to ESG practices.

This aimed at uniting stakeholders in the race for accountability in driving sustainable progress and addressing pressing environmental and social challenges.

For inquiries for the ESG Forum, and registration for the Young Professional Mentorship Programme, please visit .

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