Author: admin-esg

As global markets face significant policy changes, shifts in investor priorities, and increasing stakeholder expectations, organisations have come to a realisation: their data reporting must evolve or they risk falling behind.  For years, sustainability disclosures were seen mostly as compliance tasks. Companies submitted reports and moved on. But moving forward, that is not enough. Stakeholders now expect more than standard sustainability and  Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) reports. They want evidence, clear impact, and accurate information; they demand transparency.  In this article, we explain why ESG data must go beyond compliance and how businesses, particularly in Africa, can adapt reporting mechanisms that support their operations and decision-making.   The Shift from Obligation to Practical Value Initially, ESG reporting was seen as a responsibility or image...

In recent years, sustainability-related financial disclosures have transitioned from a corporate afterthought to an essential governance function. This shift has been solidified with the introduction of the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) S1 and S2, which demand much more than a compliance-based approach.  According to the guidelines, they now require companies to embed sustainability and climate-related risks and opportunities into their core business strategies, governance frameworks, and financial disclosures. For boards, particularly those in companies operating within any sector exposed to sustainability risks (which is all sectors), these standards are not optional for Nigerian entities as they have been adopted by the government. In simple terms, they represent a fundamental change in how business risks are assessed, managed, and reported. In our last...

Investors' expectations are shifting, and as the public and private sectors’ focus on ESG compliance grows, companies are expected to show how they manage environmental, social, and governance risks in their operations. This has made Sustainability reporting a critical requirement for businesses in Nigeria as well as other African nations. The International Sustainability Standards Board introduced the IFRS Sustainability Disclosure Standards, establishing a global reporting framework. Nigeria’s Financial Reporting Council (FRC) has also published a roadmap to guide companies through the adoption process. Many companies are still unsure of where to begin or how to approach the process. However, with clear steps and the right support, this transition can be managed in a way that strengthens not only business performance but credibility....

  Another International Women’s Month is here, and while International Women’s Day (IWD) on March 8th was an important moment to reflect and celebrate, the real work continues beyond a single day. This year’s theme, “Accelerate Action,” is more than a slogan. It is a directive and we are all for it! We cannot afford to move at the slow pace of progress we have seen over the years, especially as global momentum on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives has begun to flip.   The Growing Threat to DEI Initiatives In recent months, there has been a concerning trend of governments and corporations rolling back their commitments to DEI initiatives. In the United States, President Donald J. Trump signed executive orders rolling back...

February is widely recognised as the month of love. For most, the focus of their love is on personal relationships. However, at ESGIA, we also believe this is a time to celebrate organisations that demonstrate love through quantifiable impact. Thanks to our work with clients and interactions with brands across Africa and beyond, we have seen firsthand that some companies are not only about profit-making. They are actively transforming lives, empowering communities, and driving sustainability in meaningful ways. Therefore, in this season of love and appreciation, we are celebrating some brands that go beyond business as usual, making a difference through sustainability, education, empowerment, and economic growth.  Here’s why they stole our hearts 1. Sterling One Foundation – Advancing Inclusive Education Sterling One Foundation is...

  In recent years, ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) has shifted from a niche concern to a central business imperative, shaping corporate strategies across the globe. In Africa, this shift has gained momentum. The value of ESG bonds issued by African businesses surged to $4.4 billion in 2024, a dramatic increase from $1.4 billion in 2023. This rise reflects a growing commitment by African corporations and financial institutions to embed sustainability into their core operations. As we enter 2025, this commitment is more critical than ever. The growing global focus on sustainability, combined with Africa's unique challenges and opportunities, demands a strategic approach to ESG planning.    The Growing Importance of ESG Planning ESG is no longer a peripheral issue, but one that is at...