EMAIL ADDRESS:

[email protected]

PHONE NUMBER :

+27 81 781 3798

Facebook Twitter Youtube Instagram Linkedin

About The Programme

2026 Programme & Key Takeaways

Theme:
A world of change: Strengthening the Economics of Sustainability

The 2026 Sustainability & ESG Africa Conference & Expo brought the business case for sustainability into focus, exploring how organisations can move beyond compliance and reporting to embed sustainability into business strategy, operational performance and long-term value creation. The programme brought together industry leaders, sustainability professionals, investors and decision-makers to examine how ESG can strengthen business resilience, unlock economic opportunities and support a more sustainable African economy.

Key discussions explored green industrialisation, systemic risk, climate and nature integration, circular business models, sustainability reporting and the shift from reporting to measurable performance and impact. Practical workshops and expert-led sessions highlighted the tools, skills and collaborative approaches needed to turn sustainability ambitions into meaningful action, while leadership discussions examined the relationship between ESG, investment, local value chains and economic growth.

A central takeaway from the programme was that sustainability is not simply a compliance requirement or an environmental responsibility, but a strategic business consideration that influences costs, revenues, investment decisions, access to capital, procurement, risk management, operational continuity and competitiveness. Through knowledge-sharing, networking, the Sustainability Solutions Expo, the Beyond Awards and the Student Innovation Competition, the 2026 event demonstrated how collaboration, innovation and practical implementation can help organisations create shared value and strengthen Africa’s sustainable economic future.

What sets the event apart

The 2026 Sustainability & ESG Africa Conference & Expo stood apart by bringing together Africa’s sustainability leaders, business decision-makers, innovators and solution providers around one central question: how can sustainability deliver measurable economic value? Rather than focusing solely on compliance, commitments and reporting, the event placed practical implementation, business performance and long-term resilience at the centre of the conversation. Its combination of high-level leadership discussions, expert-led sessions, practical masterclasses, sector-focused conversations and a dedicated Sustainability Solutions Expo created opportunities for delegates to gain actionable insights, explore solutions and build meaningful partnerships. The event also celebrated African innovation and impact through the Beyond Awards and Student Innovation Competition, recognising the organisations and young innovators developing solutions to sustainability challenges. With its distinctly African perspective and emphasis on connecting sustainability ambition with real business outcomes, the conference provided a platform for collaboration, knowledge-sharing and practical progress towards a more resilient and sustainable African economy.

08:30 - 9:00   |   Registration - Committee Room 4 (Foyer)

This half-day pre-conference workshop invites delegates to help co-design the next generation of circular business solutions for forest-based
and biobased value chains. Designed as a hands-on working session rather than a lecture, it uses a structured “pre-mortem” to stress-test
new FSC solutions — built specifically for the African market — and turn practical feedback into concrete design input. This workshop will
attract Sustainability professionals, ESG practitioners, Procurement and Supply chain professionals, Strategic planning teams, Climate,

Nature and Reporting practitioners, Operations, Manufacturing and finance leads, Executives, Consultants and public-sector decision-
makers looking to prepare for the next generation of sustainability requirements.

Workshop Leader: Henriette Thorsén Clausen, Change Management and Process Lead, Forest Stewardship Council Circularity Hub

IUCN’s energy-related work supports decision-makers, regulators, investors and project developers in identifying and managing these risks
across the full project lifecycle—from strategic planning and site selection through construction, operation, repowering and decommissioning.
This includes applying spatial planning, early biodiversity-risk screening, cumulative-impact assessment and the mitigation hierarchy of avoid,
minimise, restore and, only where appropriate, offset.
The masterclass will also examine where Nature-based Solutions can complement engineered infrastructure and conventional environmental
management—for example through catchment restoration, wetland protection, erosion control, ecological rehabilitation and biodiversity
enhancement around energy developments.

Workshop Leader: Marie Parramon-Gurney, CEO and Chief Transformative Officer, SKULTCHA

Hosted By:

Welcome: Wendy Poulton, Director, ESG Africa Events 

                   Shameela Soobramoney, Chief Executive Officer, National Business Initiative 

 

Keynote: Green Industrialisation, Localisation and Industrial Development 

Dr Sibongile Mazibuko, Deputy Director Invest SA- Green Economy, DTIC Green Economy

 

Business Leadership panel: Translating Policy ambition into investment, local value chains and jobs 

Chair: Tiekie Barnard, Chief Executive Officer, Shared Value Africa

Panellists:

  • Nontokozo Hadebe, Group Executive for Strategy and Sustainability, Eskom Holdings
  • Vincent Labuschagne, Chief Operating Officer, SolarAfrica 
  • Kudzayi Mazikana, Head of Sustainability: Business and Commercial Banking, Nedbank
  • Ravi Naidoo, Chief Executive Officer, Youth Employment Programme (YES)

 

Closure and call to action: Summarise insights and leadership priorities  

Athi Biko, Senior Manager: Finance & Stakeholder Engagement, UN Global Compact Network South Africa

Partner:
Co-Sponsors

This executive panel will explore how leading organisations are responding to these complex risks, how sustainability is evolving from a Compliance function to a core leadership priority, and what boards and executives must do to build organisations that are resilient, adaptable and positioned for long term value creation in an Increasingly uncertain world.

This session explores how companies can move beyond sustainability fatigue and re-energise teams around practical, business-relevant action. It
will consider how sustainability can be made meaningful for operations, finance and frontline staff, and how leadership narratives, incentives,
culture nudges can help connect sustainability to pride, purpose and performance

The focus in this session is on the shift from sustainability reporting as a compliance exercise to sustainability as a driver of performance and measurable impact. It will explore the latest reporting trends, how organisations can measure what changes outcomes, and how sustainability information can be linked more directly to financial resource allocation and decision-making.

Take advantage of this extended networking break to connect with fellow delegates, speakers, sponsors and exhibitors in an informal setting.

 

BREAKAWAY 1.2.1

Plenary hall

 

BREAKAWAY 1.2.2

Committee Room 4

 

BREAKAWAY 1.2.3

Committee Room 5

 

BREAKAWAY 1.2.4

Breakaway 1

Is Sustainability and ESG Dead,
Rebranded or Finally Becoming
Real?

Some argue ESG has become politicised and diluted others say it is moving from branding to
measurable business performance. 

Speaker:

Berenice Francis, Group Executive for Risk, Sustainability and People, The Motus Group

 

Climate Adaptation: Who Pays When the Future Becomes Uninsurable?

Governments, insurers, investors, businesses and communities all have different views on who
should carry the cost of rising climate risk

Speaker:

Eric Rautenbach, Senior Consultant. Marsh Africa

The Circular Business Case: What the Data Actually Shows

Many companies face growing pressure on material costs and supply security — but lack the data to act. This session presents
new, independently validated research on what circular transition costs and what it
delivers.

Speaker:

Henriette Thorsén Clausen, Change Management and Process Lead, Forestry

Who Rates the Raters? ESG Scores, Credit Risk and the
Power of Rating Agencies

A debate on whether rating
agencies are helping markets price sustainability risk properly, or whether inconsistent scoring, opaque methods and commercial incentives are distorting
decision-making

Speaker:

Ted Maselesele, Treasurer, African Credit Rating Association & Obed Mbuzi, Vice President, African Credit
Rating Association

 

BREAKAWAY 1.2.5

Committee Room 4

 

BREAKAWAY 1.2.6

Committee Room 5

 

BREAKAWAY 1.2.7

Breakaway 1

 

BREAKAWAY 1.2.8

Plenary Hall

AI Augmenting v s Replacing Skills

This conversation will explore how AI is transforming the future of work by augmenting human capability, improving business performance, and reshaping skills development, while examining the balance between automation, ethics, and the continued value of
human insight and creativity across African industries.

Speaker:

Carolynn Chalmers, Chief Executive Officer, Good Governance Academy

Nature and Biodiversity: The Next Big Reporting Burden or a Business Survival Issue?

TNFD and nature-related disclosure are gaining traction, but some companies see nature as complex, hard to measure and difficult to monetise.

Speaker:

Emma Schumann, Sustainability and Strategic Consultant, Richard Fergusson, Forest
Stewardship Council (FSC)

Green Growth vs Degrowth: Can We Consume Our Way to Sustainability?


One view says technology, innovation and markets can deliver sustainable growth; another argues that consumption itself
must be reduced.

Speaker:

Karin Ireton, ESG and Sustainability Adviser, FTI Consulting

Scope 3 and Supply Chains: Accountability or Impossible
Burden?

Companies are increasingly expected to account
for supplier emissions and impacts, but many suppliers
lack data, capacity or resources.

Speaker:

Bhongo Sonti, Africa Programme Manager, GRI
Africa

Case Study Speaker: Wakina Munene, Ag Senior Manager, Sustainability & innovation, Kenya Airways PLC

Take advantage of this extended networking break to connect with fellow delegates, speakers, sponsors and exhibitors in an informal setting.

This session will bring sustainability to life in our innovation in motion showcase while experts highlight the challenges, the complex ecosystem and where this industry is and can make a difference. 

Speaker: Emily Gammon, Knowledge Lawyer, Webber Wentzel

Speaker: Krelyne Andrew, General Manager Sustainability, Sappi Verve.

The fashion and accessory industry’s dependence on fossil fuels, cheap labour and complex supply chains makes it one of the most critical sectors for sustainable reform. Consumers and brands are driving
circularity, traceability and transparency, but the rate of change is slow and often opaque. As sustainability faces off against fast-paced consumerism in this critical industry, we interrogate topical questions for
the industry.

Moderator: 

Emily Gammon, Knowledge Lawyer, Webber Wentzel


Panellists:

  • Krelyne Andrew, General Manager Sustainability, Sappi Verve
  • Esethu Cenga, Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Muna
  • Carlyn Frittelli Davies, Consultant: Natural Resources and Environment, ENS
  • Ntombi Nkhambule, Previously Chief Operating Officer, Thebe Magugu

Experience the future of circular innovation through a curated collection of pioneering products—from recycled fibre fashion and upcycled accessories to products made from recycled plastics, sustainable material innovations and circular lifestyle solutions

Experience the future of circular innovation through a curated collection of pioneering products—from recycled fibre fashion and upcycled accessories to products made from recycled plastics, sustainable material innovations and circular lifestyle solutions

The evening session will celebrate sustainability leadership, innovation and future talent. The Beyond Awards and Student Innovation Competition will recognise organisations, practitioners and emerging
innovators who are demonstrating practical action, measurable impact and new thinking in sustainability and ESG.

Sponsored By Naspers & Co-Sponsored by DP World

Connect, celebrate and network with industry leaders and changemakers at our post-Awards. networking reception in the exhibition area Join us in celebration of these achievements.

NETWORKING HOST BAR & FOOD AWARDS SPONSOR

This short opening session will welcome participants back and frame the focus for the day. It will connect the previous day’s leadership, economics and impact discussions to the more sector-focused delivery conversations that follow.

Zama Mkhize, Group ESG Manager, Dis-Chem Pharmacies
Marie Parramon-Gurney, Chief Executive Officer, Skultcha

This workshop has been designed to simplify that landscape by introducing two globally recognised and complementary approaches to sustainability management and reporting and how SMMEs and utilise them (Free to attend)

How Insurance is Shaping Investment Decisions

Chair: Danie Dorfling, Consultant, Moore Stephens 

Panellists

  • Thabo Twalo, Chief Underwriting Officer, Santam Broker Solutions, Santam 
  • Rachael Naggayi, Chief Finance Officer, RE Uganda
  • Abel Sakhau, Chief Sustainability Officer, Sanlam Infrastructure
  • Johnathan Cloete, Senior Consultant, Marsh Africa

Start the day by reconnecting with colleagues, meeting fellow delegates and engaging with exhibitors over refreshments. Explore the latest sustainability solutions, products and services while building valuable connections with industry leaders, innovators and decision-makers from across Africa.

The sectoral breakouts will provide focused spaces for participants to explore sustainability risks, opportunities and implementation priorities within specific sectors, including energy and mining, manufacturing, and finance and insurance. Each session will include short case studies, a shared sector sustainability risk and opportunity map, identification of collaboration opportunities, and an innovation canvas to support practical sector-level action in the following sectors:

BREAKOUT 2.2.1
Manufacturing

Committee Room 4

BREAKOUT 2.2.2
Energy and Mining

Plenary Hall

BREAKOUT 2.2.3
Finance and Insurance

Committee Room 5

Why manufacturing competitiveness is being redefined

Facilitator: Phillippa Rodseth, Manufacturing Circle

  • Panel 1: Competing in a Low-Carbon and Digitally Traceable Trading System

 

Speakers & Panellists

  • Merryl Ford, Digital Transformation Specialist, CSIR
  • Sanelisiwe Mdlalose, Environmental Sustainability Manager, Hulamin
  • Heidi Barends, Head of Sustainable Finance, ABSA CIB
  • Lauren Rota, Senior Director- Sustainability, DP World- Sub-Saharan Africa

 

Panel 2: Water, Nature and Circularity as Industrial Strategy

Speakers and Panellists

  • Zensile Rasmeni Masipa, Skills Development & Project Manager, NCPCA-SA
  • Tumi Tshelo, Chief Operating Officer, DFC
  • Candice Dott, Director of Engagement, TNFD
  • Synthesis and Closing Priorities: A Manufacturing Transition Agenda

From Energy Planning to Transition planning – what this Means for Business, Nature, Risk and skills
Facilitator: Xolile Msimanga, Secretary-General, SANEA

Keynote input:

  • New South African Integrated Energy Plan
  • Panel: What does the IEP mean for business transition planning?
  • Focused session: Nature and energy
    Skills, workers and regional transition response
  • Integrated synthesis and priority actions

 

Speakers and Panellists

  • Thabang Audat, Chief Director, Department of Electricity and Energy
  • Dineo Tlou, Board Member, SANEA
  • Gabi Mkhatshwa, Senior Manager, Climate change and Sustainable Development, Group Strategy and Sustainability, Eskom Holdings
  • Avhapfani Tshifularo, Chief Executive Officer, Fuels Industry Association
  • Mogale Modisane, Senior Technical Manager, AQWA
  • Marie  Parromon- Gurney, Chief Executive Officer, SKULTCHA
  • Dave Lucas, Corporate Specialist (Environmental Management), Eskom Holdings
  • Vhalinavho Khavhagali, Country Director, IUCN
  • Artemis Kostareli, Nature Director, IPIECA
  • Dalaine Parfitt, National Project Coordinator, ILO

The Evolving World of Finance Through a Sustainability Lens

Facilitator: Marie Parramon-Gurney, Chief Executive Officer and Chief
Transformative Impact Officer, Skultcha

  • What Is Finance Not Yet Looking At?
  • When Does Sustainability Risk Become Financial Risk?
  • Scenario Briefing: The Investment Committee of the Future
  • Scenario Workshop: Would You Finance It?

Session Speakers and facilitators

  • Kudzayi Mazikana, Head of Sustainability: Business and Commercial Banking
  • Sashen Singh, Senior Manager, Sustainability and Commercial Banking

Take advantage of this extended networking break to connect with fellow delegates, speakers, sponsors and exhibitors in an informal setting. 

Facilitator: Wendy Poulton, Director, ESG Africa Events/ Marie Parramon-Gurney, Chief Executive Officer, SKULTCHA

THE SPARK: HIGH IMPACT FRAMING 

  • CASE STUDY: Collaborative Policy Development

Senior representative, Department of Fisheries, Forestry and the Environment

  • CASE STUDY: Business Collaboration for integrated intervention

                     Emma Smith, Senior Analyst, DNA Economics

THE PULSE: INTERACTIVE MAPPING Participants use a digital platform to identify their priority sectors or area of works (water, nature, social or energy) sustainability

priorities and current levels of cross sector collaboration. The live results provide a baseline view of the room and highlight shared concerns.

LAB PHASE 1: Friction and Barriers

  • CASE STUDY: SunCentral Solar Farm: Cross sector collaboration to design, drive and maintain sustainability

                Rethabile Mbokodi, Head of Sustainability and ESG, SolarAfrica 

  • CASE STUDY: Building Future Talent Pipelines: Leveraging Community Investment and Career Development to Create Shared Value 

                     Nomfundo Vilakazi, People & Culture Director, Dis-Chem Pharmacies

CASE STUDY BRIDGE

  • CASE STUDY: The Add Hope Story

                    Anastazia Sitenda, Social Purpose Lead, KFC Social Responsibility Trust 

  • CASE STUDY: The Stadium of Life: Building Collaboration into Sustainable Development

                Daniela Gusman, Founder and Executive, Rise International

LAB PHASE 2 – CO-DESIGNING INTERVENTIONS The phase begins with a short solution-focused case study showing the design, governance, funding and implementation of a collaborative sustainability project.

THE RIPPLE EFFECT: ACCOUNTABILITY AND CLOSE Participants then complete a digital commitment describing and action, a partnership, an initiative and resources they can share. 

CLOSURE The closing session will draw together the key insights from the day and highlight the main implications for sustainability leadership, sector action and cross-sector collaboration

Zama Pila, Group ESG Manager, Dis-Chem Pharmacies/Wendy Poulton, Director, ESG Africa Events/Josh Low, Director, ESG Africa Events

What is different about the 2026 Conference?

The 2026 Sustainability & ESG Africa Conference & Expo marked a shift towards a more commercially focused and action-oriented approach to sustainability. While previous editions helped build awareness, share knowledge and strengthen the sustainability community, this year placed greater emphasis on the economics of sustainability and how organisations can translate ESG commitments into measurable business performance, investment opportunities and long-term value. The programme explored the practical realities of implementation, including the connection between climate and nature, systemic risk, green industrialisation, responsible value chains and the move from sustainability reporting to tangible impact. The event also brought together thought leadership, practical learning, industry solutions and innovation through its masterclasses, leadership discussions, Sustainability Solutions Expo, Beyond Awards and Student Innovation Competition. This stronger connection between strategy, execution and economic outcomes reinforced the conference’s role as a platform for turning sustainability from an organisational ambition into a practical business priority for Africa.

A key difference in 2026 included:

  • A key difference in 2026 was the conference’s stronger focus on practical implementation, skills development and cross-sector collaboration. The programme was designed to move beyond traditional conference discussions and give participants more opportunities to engage, learn, test ideas and identify solutions they could apply within their organisations and industries.

    1. The Introduction of Impact Hubs

    The introduction of Impact Hubs, including a dedicated Sustainability Careers, Skills and Practice Hub, created more practical, interactive spaces within the conference. These hubs were designed to connect participants with tools, clinics, micro-sessions, training providers, career guidance, skills diagnostics, AI tools, mentorship opportunities and hands-on support. This added a stronger capability-building dimension to the event, helping participants move beyond listening and networking towards developing skills, exploring solutions and applying knowledge in practice.

    2. A Programme Designed for a Broader Professional Audience

    The 2026 programme catered to a wider range of professions, sectors and levels of sustainability experience. Alongside C-suite executives and board members, it addressed the needs of sustainability practitioners, finance teams, procurement specialists, legal and compliance professionals, investors, insurers, SMMEs, consultants, academics, students and early-career professionals. Different formats served different needs, from executive discussions on strategy, risk and value creation to practical sector sessions, skills-focused masterclasses and Impact Hubs supporting careers, enterprise development and professional practice.

    3. A Stronger Sector-Specific Focus

    Another key development was the stronger emphasis on sector-specific sustainability challenges and opportunities. Dedicated breakouts focused on areas such as energy and mining, manufacturing and construction, and finance, insurance and property. Rather than keeping discussions at a broad ESG level, these sessions were designed to use short case studies, sustainability risk and opportunity mapping, collaboration exercises and innovation canvases to help participants identify relevant challenges and practical actions within their own sectors.

    4. Cross-Sector Collaboration That Connects the Dots

    The programme was also designed to bring the insights from individual sector discussions together through a dedicated cross-sector collaboration session. This approach recognised that many sustainability challenges cannot be solved by one industry acting alone. Participants would explore shared risks, dependencies and opportunities, identifying potential areas for joint action on issues such as water security, infrastructure resilience, skills development, supply chains, technology adoption and nature-positive solutions.

    5. Greater Emphasis on Real-World Examples and Applied Learning

    The 2026 programme placed greater emphasis on real-world examples and the practical application of sustainability principles. Case studies and discussions across topics such as sustainable fashion and the circular economy, insurance and investment decision-making, climate adaptation and water risk, critical minerals, Digital Product Passports, artificial intelligence, biodiversity and nature-positive strategies were intended to connect theory with the realities organisations face. This helped reinforce the conference’s central message: sustainability must translate into informed decisions, practical implementation, measurable impact and long-term economic value.

    Overall, the 2026 conference represented a shift towards a more practical, inclusive and commercially focused sustainability platform. By combining leadership insights with sector-specific problem-solving, skills development, real-world examples and opportunities for collaboration, it aimed to help participants move from understanding sustainability challenges to identifying the tools, partnerships and actions needed to address them.

Recognition, innovation and future talent

The 2026 Sustainability & ESG Africa Conference & Expo continued to champion sustainability leadership, innovation and emerging talent through the Beyond Awards, YES Awards and Student Innovation Competition. These platforms recognised organisations and individuals driving meaningful change, celebrated initiatives creating positive social and environmental impact, and highlighted the role of young innovators in developing solutions to Africa’s sustainability challenges. Together, they reinforced the importance of measurable outcomes, youth participation, future-ready skills and innovation in advancing sustainable economic development.

Overall, the 2026 conference strengthened its position as an African-led platform connecting sustainability leadership with economic value creation, practical implementation and collaboration. By bringing together executive insights, sector-specific discussions, masterclasses, Impact Hubs, real-world case studies, the Sustainability Solutions Expo and recognition programmes, the event connected strategy with practical action. At its core, the conference demonstrated that sustainability is not simply about managing risk or meeting reporting requirements, but about building resilient organisations, unlocking opportunities and strengthening Africa’s economic future in a world of change.

Parallel Interventions

The Sustainability Careers, Skills and Practice Hub will provide a dedicated, interactive space within the exhibition hall for individuals looking to build, transition into or strengthen their careers in sustainability. Through practical clinics, micro-sessions, tools and expert guidance, the hub will support capability-building and professional development across the sustainability ecosystem. Activities will include mini exhibition spaces for training providers, talks on career pathways in sustainability, climate and nature, CV and LinkedIn clinics, skills-gap assessments, AI tools for sustainability professionals and mentorship opportunities. The hub will cater to early-career and experienced practitioners, mid-career professionals, SMMEs, consultants and academics, helping participants identify development opportunities, strengthen their skills and build valuable professional connections. Additional Impact Hubs may be introduced based on partner interest, sponsorship opportunities and the priority themes identified during programme development.

SMME Forum

The half-day SMME Forum will provide a practical, accessible platform for small, medium and micro-enterprises to understand the business value of sustainability and explore how to integrate it into everyday operations and decision-making. The forum will focus on helping SMMEs respond to evolving customer expectations, procurement requirements, financing considerations and regulatory developments, while identifying opportunities to reduce costs, manage risks, improve competitiveness and access new markets. Discussions will translate sustainability into achievable business actions, including improving resource efficiency, strengthening supply chain practices, understanding essential ESG requirements, communicating sustainability performance credibly and preparing for emerging reporting and buyer expectations. The forum will also facilitate connections between SMMEs, larger businesses, support organisations, funders and potential partners, helping smaller enterprises strengthen their resilience and participate more effectively in sustainable value chains.