Follow Us on Google
Africa’s transition to a greener economy will depend on its ability to expand affordable energy access, mobilise climate finance, create decent jobs, and develop local industries, key stakeholders at the inaugural Africa Sustainability Forum (ASF) 2026 have declared.
The event, held in Lagos, convened business leaders, policymakers, and sustainability experts to explore how African nations can meet climate objectives while simultaneously tackling poverty, infrastructure deficits, and industrial growth requirements.
Operating under the theme “Sustainable Futures: Driving Just Transitions, Green Growth and Shared Prosperity,” discussions focused on translating corporate and governmental sustainability commitments into tangible economic benefits for households, businesses, and local communities.
Redefining the ‘Just Transition’ for Africa. Delivering a presentation titled: “What Does a Just Transition Mean to Africa?”, Dr. Marilyn Obaisa-Osula, Partner and Head of ESG, Sustainability and Climate Change Services at PwC West Market Area, stressed that Africa’s transition must align with the continent’s distinct development priorities. She outlined five strategic imperatives: Universal access to affordable and reliable energy; Decent job creation for a rapidly growing workforce; Industrialisation driven by local value addition; Equitable distribution of transition costs; and Social protection for workers and communities reliant on fossil-fuel sectors.
Highlighting the magnitude of the challenge, Dr. Obaisa-Osula noted that approximately 600 million Africans still lack electricity, while one billion lack access to clean cooking fuels. She pointed out a staggering funding gap: less than $2.5 billion is currently committed toward energy access across the continent, against an estimated annual requirement of $15 billion.
To build a credible transition, she called for expanded grant and concessional financing, in-continent processing of critical minerals, stronger regional value chains, and robust safety nets for vulnerable populations.
Policy Consistency, Digital Infrastructure, and Trade
Regulatory stability was underscored as essential for investor confidence. Dr. Aminu Maida, Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC)—represented by Mrs. Olatunde Osunleye, Principal Manager of Regulatory Services—highlighted the role of policy in driving green telecom infrastructure, network sharing, and digital economy growth through effective multi-stakeholder collaboration.
Other News
In a fireside session titled: “Beyond ESG: Financing Africa’s Next Growth Opportunity,” Fola Odufuwa, Managing Director of New Frontier Capital Advisors, addressed the disconnect between Nigeria’s international internet connectivity capacity and the high cost of last-mile distribution. He argued that infrastructure investments should be measured by end-user adoption and impact rather than mere physical deployment.
Odufuwa advocated for updated wholesale data policies and stronger execution of regional digital frameworks. He noted that enhanced connectivity would enable Nigerian entrepreneurs, manufacturers, and service providers to scale across the continent—leveraging the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) market of 1.4 billion people, alongside regional financial mechanisms like the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS).
Community-Centred Sustainability
Shifting the focus to grassroots implementation, Olori Data Matemilola, Executive Director of the Solace Foundation and Project Director of the Olowu Hope Initiative, urged stakeholders to take sustainability out of corporate boardrooms and into homes, schools, and local communities.
Addressing the severe health and environmental hazards associated with reliance on firewood, she emphasised that clean cooking alternatives must be safe, accessible, and affordable. She called on educators, corporate entities, and civil society to drive community-based education that converts environmental awareness into everyday habits.
Earlier, welcoming participants to the event, Elvis Eromosele, Managing Editor of TheNumbersNG.com and Lead Coordinator of ASF 2026, stated that the forum was conceived to promote actionable ideas and pragmatic partnerships over abstract theory.
The Overarching Consensus: The success of Africa’s green transition will ultimately depend not just on policy and capital, but on whether vulnerable communities and ordinary households can actively participate in—and directly benefit from—the emerging green economy.
