ESG Forum 2024: Carbon Markets Take Center Stage For Sustainable Africa

Lagos, Nigeria – The Pan-African Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Forum is set to convene in Lagos, Nigeria, on November 5th and 6th, focusing on the pivotal role of carbon markets in driving sustainable investments across the continent.

This year’s theme, “The Carbon Market: Driving Investments for a Sustainable Africa,” underscores the forum’s ambition to foster a climate-resilient and economically thriving Africa.

The forum boasts a strong lineup of partners including the Africa Carbon Market Initiative (ACMI), Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Stanbic IBTC, WACOT Rice, British American Tobacco (BAT), Nigeria Climate Innovation Center (NCIC), and many others.

This collaborative effort reflects a united commitment to building a sustainable business environment across the African landscape.

The 2024 ESG Forum aims to be a dynamic platform for dialogue, bringing together thought leaders, industry experts, investors, and policymakers to explore the transformative potential of carbon markets. Key discussions will focus on:

Accelerating Carbon Market Development: The forum will explore how the private sector can accelerate the development of carbon markets in Africa, ensuring transparency and integrity.

Financing Decarbonisation Projects:  Experts will delve into the cost of decarbonization and strategies for securing financing for climate-friendly projects.

The African Carbon Market: Discussions will centre around establishing a robust and thriving African carbon market, exploring the intricacies of carbon credit trading.

The forum will kick off with a virtual masterclass on November 5th, offering deep dive sessions on innovative sustainability practices and emerging trends.

This interactive session will provide attendees with valuable insights into the latest developments shaping the sustainability landscape.

Recognising the private sector’s crucial role in tackling environmental challenges, the Forum will emphasize the importance of cross-industry collaboration.

By connecting corporations, financial institutions, and policy-driven organizations, the forum aims to highlight the essential contribution of private investment in carbon markets, circular economies, and renewable energy initiatives.

Leading figures from across the African continent have voiced their support for the forum and its focus on carbon markets.

Odiri Erewa-Meggison, Chairman of the ESG Forum Technical Committee and External Affairs Director at BAT West and Central Africa, stressed the forum’s significance for the African private sector.

He highlighted BAT’s commitment to sustainability and their pride in contributing to the decarbonization discourse.

Rafiat Gawat, Head of Corporate Communications at the TGI Group, echoed the importance of responsible sourcing and manufacturing practices.

“The carbon market is a significant opportunity for sustainability in Africa,” she stated.

Tosin Leye-Odeyemi, Head of Sustainability, Risk, and Capital Management at Stanbic IBTC Holdings, emphasized the alignment of the forum with Stanbic IBTC’s sustainability objective.

“We are committed to driving the necessary conversations to catalyze change for a sustainable continent,” she said.

Abbas Agbaje, Managing Consultant at ImpactCrest, underscored the timeliness of the ESG Forum’s focus on the carbon market.

“As ESG gains prominence in Nigeria and Africa, the carbon market needs to be operationalized with a high level of integrity and transparency,” he noted.

The 2024 Pan-African ESG Forum promises to be a landmark event, strengthening private-sector collaboration and raising awareness of the carbon market’s potential to drive sustainable investments across Africa.

The forum will provide a platform for forging crucial partnerships, generating comprehensive strategies, and ultimately, propelling Africa’s position as a leader in the global carbon marketplace.