ESG in Action Africa: A Year in Review
As the year comes to an end, we are taking time out at ESGIA Africa to reflect on what 2025 has meant to us. Much of our work is done in training, strategy and consulting, advisory sessions, conversations with leaders, and quiet reviews of systems that shape how organisations operate. Today’s article is not our regular. It is a simple reflection on what we did, what we learnt, and what we aim to carry into 2026. We also believe that everyone who reads this will take a few lessons as they prepare for the coming year.
2025 in Clear Terms
For us at ESGIAA, this year was primarily centred on helping organisations move from ESG and sustainability interests to action. Many African businesses already understand the value of sustainability practice. The challenge has always been how to make it work in daily operations without disrupting what the organisation is already doing. Basically, that focus was exactly how we handled our work and interactions with clients over the past 12 months. We paid attention to practical ideas, measurable progress, and transparent engagement.
Throughout the year, we worked with organisations, government institutions, development actors, and small teams that needed clarity on where to start. A key lesson across all these groups was simple. People want to improve, but they also need steps that make sense within their own context.
What Influenced Our Work
The discussion on ESG, sustainability, climate risk, responsible business, and social impact expanded across our continent this year. It moved from conferences and briefings to daily operational conversations.
It should be noted that this was also a year many organisations rolled back on their ESG initiatives. Nevertheless, we continued to emphasise that instead of stepping away from what has already been built, organisations should focus on strengthening the areas that need improvement. As a result, these topics became relevant to budget decisions, sustainability reporting, expansion plans, recruitment, and even internal audits.
For us at ESGIA, this meant remaining practical. Leaders did not need complex documents. They needed guidance so they could implement programmes without confusion. As a result, our tools were simple, our sessions were focused on what works, and our advisory stayed grounded in the realities African organisations face.
Key Highlights From Our Year
Across different sectors, several moments stood out:
Leadership and board training
Our training sessions for executives and board members, organisations, and brands provided room for important conversations. Leaders wanted more than definitions. They wanted clear explanations of how ESG and sustainability gaps appear in practice and how environmental or social risks can influence long-term plans. These sessions created space for reflection and improvement. As the year closes, we also delivered a training on ESG Outlook for 2026, which focused on navigating strategy, stakeholder expectations, and emerging standards.
Organisational Advisory
Many organisations asked for help in strengthening their internal systems. This included reviewing reporting lines, risk structures, internal controls, and processes related to environmental and social responsibility. What made this work meaningful was the openness to adopt processes that support long-term growth.
Community-Related Engagements
Whether the focus was on supply chains, local partnerships, or social impact projects, or reporting, one point was clear: A project works better when the people it affects feel involved. This shaped some of our most valuable engagements during the year.
Thought Leadership
Throughout the year, we shared articles and commentary aimed at making responsible practice easier to understand. Our goal was not to sound academic or authoritative. It was to help people see why strong governance supports better performance.
Lessons That Stood Out
Across all our engagements, a few lessons remained consistent.
- African organisations do not benefit from templates that do not reflect their realities. They benefit from guidance that fits their context, whether it is size, sector, culture, and environment.
- Data is important, but clarity is even more important. Many teams struggle with ESG and sustainability measurement because they do not know what is relevant or useful. Once that becomes clear, progress becomes easier.
- Small improvements are more effective than long lists of commitments. The organisations that made the most progress this year focused on what they could maintain and measure.
What Still Needs Work
It is important to mention that there are still areas that require attention. Many organisations are trying to balance growth with responsible sustainability practice, but limited resources or outdated processes sometimes create obstacles. Some sectors face external pressure that does not match their current capacity. Others experience climate-related risks without the support or information needed to plan properly.
Across the continent, reporting has improved, but consistency remains a challenge. Many organisations have policies but struggle with implementation. These gaps are real and will require support, collaboration, and patience.
Looking Ahead
More importantly, as we move into 2026, our focus remains clear. We want to help more organisations build systems that last. In the coming year, our work will focus on three areas.
- Support for ESG and Sustainability Improvement
We will continue to work with boards and executives and organisations to strengthen decision making structures and simplify sustainability processes for enhanced business performance.
- Practical ESG Application for Smaller Organisations
We plan to expand training and advisory for small and medium organisations that want to apply responsible practices without unnecessary complexity.
- Clearer Skills and Learning Programmes
Many professionals have asked for more structured learning. We will continue to develop programmes that are useful, accessible, and relevant.
Our Appreciation
We appreciate every organisation that invited us into their internal processes this year. We value every participant who took part in our training sessions. We acknowledge every partner who supported our work and every critic who challenged us to refine our approach. This year showed that progress does not always come with announcements. It happens quietly in revised documents, in clearer communication, in updated procedures, in risk reviews, and in conversations that shape future choices.
Final Notes
If there is one idea we want to end the year with, it is this. Meaningful improvement comes from clarity and consistency. Responsible practice is not a trend. It is the willingness to improve systems even when it is not easy. As the year closes, we look forward to working with organisations that want to strengthen their structures and create long term value.
From all of us at ESGIA Africa, thank you for engaging with us this year. We wish you rest, reflection, and a productive start to the next year.
