Agenda
DAY 1 - 21 May 2025
Keynote
08:40AM - 09:05AM
Taking Stock of ESG: Where We Came from, Where We Are, and Where We’re Going
Nicole Martens
Head of Impact Investing Research, Krutham
- The current state of ESG integration globally (including a review of the main drivers for integration and a look at the backlash and what it means for Africa)
- The state of ESG integration in Africa (based on Krutham’s research on South African and Kenyan listed companies’ approaches to ESG)
- The role of and growing shift toward impact-focused finance and what we can expect to see going forward
Case Study
09:05AM - 09:30AM
ESG & Sustainability in the Insurance and Reinsurance Industry
Mirriam Mueni
ESG Manager, ZEP-RE (PTA Reinsurance Company)
- Boosting Financial Inclusion: Tackle low insurance penetration in Africa through microinsurance and inclusive solutions.
- Building Climate Resilience: Enhance protection against natural disasters with ESG-aligned risk assessment.
- Driving Sustainable Practices: Promote green investments and sustainable underwriting to support ESG goals.
- Fostering Trust through Transparency: Align with regulations to improve accountability and sustainability in insurance
Case Study
09:30AM - 09:55AM
Nature-based Solutions for Climate Adaptation
Madeleine Ronquest
Group Head Environmental, Nature & Climate Risk, FirstRand Limited
• The global goal for climate adaptation
• Key strategies for climate adaptation
• A financial sector view of investment, equity and financing mechanisms for nature-based solutions
Case Study
09:55AM - 10:20AM
A Nature Positive Financial Sector
- Importance of nature/biodiversity and link to finance
- Current developments in regulation and best practices like the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures
- How to get started on incorporating and implementing nature
- Which tools and resources are available to support FIs
Networking Break
10:20AM - 10:50AM
Morning Coffee and Networking
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Case Study
10:50AM - 11:15AM
Building Resilient Business Models: Integrating ESG into Financial Decision-Making
Nana Maidugu
Head, Sustainability and ESG, Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority
- Analyzing the role of ESG metrics in investment strategies
- Exploring how businesses can incorporate ESG considerations into their financial planning processes to foster resilience.
- Discussing strategies for engaging stakeholders, including investors, in integrating ESG factors into financial decision-making.
- Examine how innovation in products, services, and processes can be harnessed to align with both financial goals and ESG principles.
- Addressing the need for developing the skills and knowledge required for finance professionals to navigate the integration of ESG in financial planning.
Case Study
11:15AM - 11:40AM
ESG Investing in Africa: Practices, Progress and Challenges
- Overview of ESG investing principles and their growing importance in financial markets.
- Examining recent progress in integrating ESG factors into investment decision-making processes across various industries and asset classes.
- Discussing challenges faced by investors, including standardization of ESG metrics, data quality issues, and measuring the impact of ESG initiatives.
- Exploring innovative ESG investment practices such as impact investing, thematic investing, and shareholder engagement strategies.
- Insights into the future direction of ESG investing, including regulatory developments, evolving investor preferences, and the role of technology in advancing ESG integration.
Case Study
11:40AM - 12:05PM
Driving Sustainable Finance in Emerging African Markets
Lwandle Mqadi
Principal Specialist: Sustainability ESRG & Impact, Industrial Development Corporation
- Discussing the unique challenges and opportunities of sustainable finance in emerging markets.
- Exploring the role of international financial institutions in supporting sustainable development.
- Highlighting successful examples of sustainable finance initiatives in emerging economies.
- Examining the impact of sustainable finance on poverty reduction and economic growth.
- Identifying policy priorities to foster sustainable finance in developing regions.
Case Study
12:05PM - 12:30PM
Enhancing ESG Through Financial Inclusion
- Exploring financial empowerment and social inclusion through increased access to finance
- Highlighting the need for financial services that support sustainable agriculture, renewable energy and environmentally-conscience businesses to create sustainable livelihoods
- Discuss microfinance innovations to build climate resilience
- Investigate financial inclusion strategies to implement to widen impact
Case Study
12:30PM - 12:55PM
The Role of Higher Education in Sustainability - Shaping Tomorrows Leaders
Dr. Lee-Ann Sade Modley
Deputy Head of Department and Senior Lecturer, University of Johannesburg
- Understanding ESG in higher education (The role of HE in Environment responsibility; investigating the power Universities have to create substantial social impact by addressing issues such as diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) and understanding Good governance in universities to ensure that resources are managed responsibly and decisions are made in the best interest of students, faculty, and the community)
- ESG-Focused Curriculums and Programs (The role Universities play to provide Programs that emphasize ESG; not only to prepare students for emerging careers in sustainability consulting, green technology, and ethical investment but also encourage critical thinking on the ethical responsibilities of leaders in any field)
- Universities as living labs (The ability of Higher education institutions to serve as living laboratories for ESG principles, where students, faculty, and staff can experiment with sustainability projects, social initiatives, and governance reforms.)
Lunch Time
12:55PM - 01:55PM
Lunch Time Break
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Networking Break
01:55PM - 02:05PM
One-to -One Meetings & Networking Break
.
Case Study
02:05PM - 02:30PM
Financing Sustainable Agriculture in Africa
Sheila Garakara
Country Manager, Zambia, Solidaridad Network
- Climate change poses a huge risk on agriculture, posing a direct threat to the economic development and livelihoods in Africa
- Interrogate climate financing models available for Africa and whether they can sustainably support smallholder farmers
- Discuss practical exist strategies for organization supports smallholder farmers in Africa so they can continue to thrive post project closure
Case Study
02:30PM - 02:55PM
Unlocking the Circular Economy: Strategies for Sustainable Growth in ESG Market in Africa
- Establishing policies and regulations to incentivize circular economy practices
- Encouraging the adoption of innovative technologies that support circularity, such as eco-design, and renewable energy solutions.
- Facilitating collaboration among businesses, governments, NGOs, and communities to create synergies and scale up circular economy initiatives.
- Investing in education, training, and awareness campaigns to build capacity and understanding of circular economy principles among stakeholders.
- Mobilizing public and private sector finance and investment to support circular economy projects and startups.
- Fostering sustainable growth and development in the ESG market.
Case Study
02:55PM - 03:20PM
Carbon Credits to support Bankability of Green Energy Projects in Africa
Thomas Frohn / Hydrogen, Renewables and Climate Action Projects | Southern Africa / TÜV SÜD South Africa (Pty) Ltd
Case Study
03:20PM - 03:45PM
Enhancing Pan African Regulatory Synergy Towards Mainstreaming Africa’s Voice in Global Standard-Setting: A Case of Sustainability Reporting
Iheanyi Anyahara
Coordinating Director, Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria
Iheanyi Anyahara / Coordinating Director / Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria
Networking Break
03:45PM - 04:15PM
One-to -One Meetings & Networking Break
.
Case Study
04:15PM - 04:40PM
Navigating Regulatory Frameworks for Sustainable Finance in Africa
- Examining the existing regulatory frameworks related to sustainable finance in African countries.
- Exploring the comparative analysis of regulatory approaches across different regions within Africa.
- Understanding the implications of regulatory shifts on asset managers and institutional investors.
- Establishing the strategies for effectively navigating evolving regulatory landscapes to promote sustainable finance.
Panel Discussion
04:40PM - 05:05PM
Achieving Smart Cities and Sustainable Infrastructure in Africa
- Harnessing technology and data-driven solutions to build resilient and sustainable cities.
- Integrating renewable energy sources into urban infrastructure for energy efficiency and carbon reduction.
- Designing transportation systems and urban planning strategies to promote sustainability and reduce emissions.
- Innovative approaches to water management, waste reduction, and green building practices in urban development.
- Case studies of successful smart city projects and their impact on quality of life and environmental sustainability
Closing Remark
05:45PM - 05:55PM
Chairman’s Closing Remarks and End of Day One
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DAY 2 - 22 May 2025
Case Study
08:40AM - 09:05AM
ESG Reporting and Transparency: Building Trust in ESG African Markets
Tsheko Ratsheko
Chief Strategic Resilience and Governance Officer (Acting), Exxaro Resources
- Exxaro’s Commitment to Transparent and Accurate ESG Reporting for Investors
- Exploring the Current ESG Reporting Standards and Practices in South Africa
- Innovative Tools and Technologies Enhancing Exxaro’s ESG Data Collection and Reporting
- Insights from Companies with Leading ESG Reporting Practices Exxaro’s Approach to Strengthening Transparency and Accountability in ESG Disclosures
- Evaluating the Growth Potential of Green Building Projects and Sustainable Infrastructure
Case Study
09:05AM - 09:30AM
ESG/ Sustainability Reporting and Transparency: Building trust in ESG African Markets
Loshni Naidoo
Chief Sustainability Officer, JSE
- Importance of ESG/ Sustainability reporting is for private sector in the African market o How it can attract financing and enhance corporate reputation
- Current state of ESG/ sustainability reporting on the continent o Highlight any recent regulatory developments
- Main challenges and barriers to effective reporting
- Role of technology or digital tools can enhance reporting and transparency
Case Study
09:30AM - 09:55AM
Ethical Considerations in AI-Driven ESG Integration
- Addressing biases and fairness issues in AI models for ESG data analysis.
- Ensuring responsible use of AI technologies in ESG evaluation.
- Balancing data privacy concerns with the need for transparency.
- Incorporating stakeholder perspectives in AI-driven ESG strategies.
- Establishing ethical guidelines and frameworks for AI applications in ESG.
Case Study
09:55AM - 10:20AM
Challenges and Solutions in AI Adoption for ESG Reporting
- Overcoming data quality and consistency challenges in ESG datasets.
- Integrating AI technologies with existing ESG reporting frameworks.
- Bridging the gap between ESG data availability and relevance.
- Building organizational capabilities for AI-enabled ESG reporting.
- Addressing regulatory complexities and compliance requirements.
Networking Break
10:20AM - 10:50AM
Morning Coffee and Networking Break
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Panel Discussion
10:50AM - 11:30AM
Digitalization to Achieve Technology Innovation in Climate Technology Transfer
- Exploring the role of digitalization in accelerating climate technology transfer.
- Showcasing successful case studies where digital tools have facilitated innovation in climate technology adoption.
- Discussing the challenges and opportunities in leveraging digital platforms for efficient technology transfer in the context of climate action.
- Highlighting the potential of data analytics and IoT in optimizing the transfer process and enhancing scalability of climate technologies.
- Fostering collaboration between tech developers, policymakers, and climate experts to harness digital solutions for impactful climate technology dissemination.
Case Study
11:30AM - 11:55AM
Digital Transformation for Environmental Conservation
- Leveraging digital technologies for environmental monitoring and conservation.
- Building IoT and sensor technologies for tracking and managing environmental resources.
- Big data analytics for optimizing resource management and reducing waste.
- Blockchain applications for transparent and efficient environmental governance.
- Collaborative platforms for citizen engagement in environmental initiatives.
Case Study
11:55AM - 12:20PM
Policy Frameworks for Achieving Net Zero Carbon
- Analysis of current global policies and agreements related to carbon reduction.
- Evaluation of the effectiveness of carbon pricing mechanisms.
- Case studies on successful policy implementations in various regions.
- Exploration of the role of government incentives in promoting sustainable practices.
- Discussion on the challenges and opportunities of transitioning to renewable energy sources.
Case Study
12:20PM - 12:45PM
Technological Solutions for Carbon Capture and Removal
- Overview of carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) technologies.
- Innovations in direct air capture (DAC) and enhanced weathering techniques.
- Challenges and opportunities in scaling up carbon removal technologies.
- Integration of nature-based solutions such as afforestation and soil carbon sequestration.
- Economic and policy considerations for incentivizing investment in carbon removal infrastructure.
Case Study
12:45PM - 01:10PM
ESG: Climate Change
- Physical risk - Risks associated with either specific weather occurrences (acute) or longer-term climate transitions (chronic)
- Transition risk - Risk arising from the transition to a low carbon economy
- Liability risk - Risk arising from future generations suffering from climate change risks and seeking to assign blame and obtain compensation for the losses
Adejare Somorin / Executive Director / International Initiative for Peace (IIP)
Lunch Time
01:10PM - 02:20PM
Lunch Time Break
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Networking Break
02:10PM - 02:20PM
One-to -One Meetings & Networking Break
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Case Study
02:20PM - 02:45PM
Climate Risk Management: Strategies for Resilience
- Identifying and quantifying physical and transition climate risks.
- Incorporating climate scenario analysis into risk assessments.
- Tools and methodologies for mapping climate-related risks.
- Integrating climate risk into financial risk assessments.
- Understanding ESG integration for climate risk management in contemporary business strategies
Case Study
02:45PM - 03:10PM
Blockchain and Decentralized Solutions for African’s Carbon Trading
- Utilizing blockchain technology for transparent and efficient carbon trading.
- Decentralized platforms for carbon offset verification and trading.
- Smart contracts and automated compliance mechanisms in carbon markets.
- Potential of tokenization to democratize access to carbon markets.
- Case studies of successful implementations of blockchain in carbon trading.
Case Study
03:10PM - 03:35PM
Nature-Based Solutions for Carbon Sequestration in Africa
- Harnessing the potential of natural ecosystems for carbon sequestration.
- Afforestation and reforestation initiatives: Challenges and opportunities.
- Blue carbon ecosystems: Mangroves, seagrasses, and coastal wetlands.
- Sustainable land management practices for carbon sequestration.
- Financial mechanisms to support nature-based carbon offset projects.
Networking Break
03:35PM - 04:05PM
One-to -One Meetings & Networking Break
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Case Study
04:05PM - 04:30PM
Urban Planning and Infrastructure Development for a Sustainable Africa
- Sustainable urban planning strategies for African cities
- Innovative infrastructure development for sustainable cities
- Integration of green spaces and public transportation systems
- Utilizing technology for efficient urban management
- Addressing challenges of rapid urbanization and population growth
Case Study
04:30PM - 04:55PM
BESS and Opportunities and Challenges in the Energy Value Chain
Sibongile Mazibuko
Deputy Director, The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition
The Continent needs a common position of the financial challenges surrounding the Battery Energy Storage Solutions (BESS). Also, it needs to unlock alternative and sustainable recycling investment solutions around BESS to not only assist Governments but industry at large. PS: commonalities in finance for BESS but a common posture for affordability to households without compromising on the quality and foreseeable maintenance costs.
Case Study
04:55PM - 05:20PM
Building Towards Sustainable Net-Zero Future
- Exploring effective approaches and methodologies to build a sustainable path towards a net-zero carbon future.
- Examining the role of renewable energy sources in the transition to a net-zero future and strategies for their seamless integration.
- Discussing the importance of sustainable infrastructure in achieving net-zero goals and explore best practices for its development.
- Delving into practical steps and initiatives that organizations can adopt to become carbon neutral and contribute to a sustainable net-zero future.
- Understanding the significance of partnerships and collaborative efforts among businesses, governments, and communities in building a collective and sustainable net-zero future.
Closing Remark
05:20PM - 05:30PM
Chairman’s Closing Remarks and Closing Session
• Call to action for continued collaboration and progress within the realm of ESG and climate initiatives
