What does sustainability look like when it moves from a corporate commitment into a working business solution? At the fifth edition of the Sustainability and ESG Africa conference and exhibition companies, innovators and decision-makers will meet to share what they have achieved, what they have learned and what others can put into practice to drive measurable impact in their organisations

Under the theme A World of Change: The Economics of Sustainability, the conference will bring together leaders from across the continent to examine the business case for action: managing risk, using resources more effectively, attracting investment and creating lasting value for communities and companies.

“This is an opportunity to hear directly from organisations doing the work,” said Wendy Poulton, Programme Director at ESG Africa Events, the organisers of the event. “They are bringing real experience to the table and helping others find a way forward. The value of meeting in person is that a conversation about a challenge can become a partnership or a practical next step.”

The opening plenary will feature a CEO panel on the systemic risks facing African businesses, with a panel comprised of top business leaders. Other sessions will examine sustainability reporting and performance, climate adaptation, nature and biodiversity, and the role of finance and insurance in investment decisions. Sector discussions will take a closer look at energy and mining, Finance as well as manufacturing.

The breadth of corporate support reflects a shared commitment to finding practical solutions for a more sustainable Africa. SGS joins the event as Platinum Sponsor. Gold Sponsors include Nedbank, Marsh Africa and Provantage, and Silver Sponsors Dis-Chem Pharmacies, DP World, Raubex and SolaAfrica Energy. Naspers is the official Student Innovation prize sponsor, with DP World as co-sponsor. Carbon Trust, edX and IsoMetrix are also supporting the event. Impact Partners Eskom, IUCN and NCPC-SA will contribute their expertise and experience to the conference discussions.

Visitors can explore the exhibition to discover ideas, services and potential collaborators. Alongside established companies, the event will showcase circular economy and sustainable fashion innovators, bringing their products and approaches into direct conversation with people who may be able to adopt, support or scale them.  "If you are looking for sustainable business solutions, products or ideas, register to visit the exhibition” says Joshua Low, Co-founder and director at ESG Africa Events.   

The Student Innovation Awards, sponsored by Naspers and co-sponsored by DP World, will shine a spotlight on practical ideas from young innovators. The Beyond Awards will celebrate organisations and individuals advancing sustainability across Africa.

The exchange of knowledge begins before the main conference. On Tuesday, 29 September, free workshops supported by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) will explore circular business models and nature-based solutions. A free SMME sustainability reporting workshop will take place during the exhibition on Thursday, 1 October, helping smaller businesses develop skills they can use. Advance registration is required for the workshops.

With only days to go and conference places limited, business leaders and sustainability professionals who want to hear these case studies, meet the organisations behind them and build new partnerships are encouraged to register now.