Report: Mohammed A. Abu
The 2025 edition of the International Conference on Environment, Social, Governance and Sustainable Development of Africa(ICESDA) is scheduled to take off at the Institute of Management & Public Administration(GIMPA) in Ghana’s capital city of Accra from the 23rd-24th October,2025.
Theme
Hosted by Green Cities International under the theme, “From Cradle to Cradle: Putting ESG and Sustainability First in Africa’s Green Transition Effort” the event is a joint academic-industry transformative gathering that seeks to address the pressing challenges facing Africa and today’s planet at large.
Event Keynote and Guest Speakers
The Keynote and Guest Speakers include, Ghana’s Minister of Energy & Green Transition,Hon.John Abdulai Ginapor, Professor David John Edwards, Birmingham City University, UK, His Excellency, Mene Wamkele, Secretary General of Africa Continental Free Trade Area(AfCFTA) and Prof George Ofori, London South University, UK.
Partners
Hosted in partnership with the University of Johannesburg,Pentecost University,Fidems Group,Adom Group,Fidelity Bank,MTN,B5 Plus Group,Jospong Group of Companies,McDan Group,DBS Industries Ltd among several others,ICESDA, is the first attempt in Ghana and within the sub-region to bring business leaders, political leaders, academic leaders, scholars, local and global ESG/CSR practitioners.
ICESDA offers a one-stop-shop platform to discuss the contributions of corporate organizations in delivering the sustainable development goals. The event provides a unique platform for corporates to showcase their ESG/CSR Mindset, Past ESG/CSR Contributions, Current ESG/CSR Engagements, ESG/CSR Innovations; and ESG/CSR Future Thinking.
Sponsors
The event is being sponsored by Ghana Gas,TOYOTA,Absa Bank, Ghana Civil Aviation Authority(GCAA), Jospong Group of Companies, Telecel Ghana, Fidelity Bank, Solidarity International, Tullow Oil among several others.
Aims and Objectives: The event aims to foster a deeper understanding of how Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles can be effectively integrated into Africa’s development strategies, ensuring that sustainability is prioritized from the outset, create a platform for diverse stakeholders—including business leaders, policymakers, traditional authorities, and academics—to collaborate on innovative solutions that support green development and transition efforts across the continent, to showcase successful case studies and best practices in sustainable development from various sectors, emphasizing the role of corporate responsibility and community engagement in achieving long-term sustainability goals among others.
Who to Attend
Ministers of State of African Countries, Political Leaders, Consulates, Diplomats, Academics, Technocrats, Students, Business Executives of Local and Multinational Companies, Employees and Staff of Public and Private Sector organizations, Businessmen and Entrepreneurs Traditional and Religious Leaders
Background
As Africa navigates its green transition, there is a pressing need for innovative ideas and solutions that can effectively address the continent’s unique challenges.
Problem Context/Justification
The event is being hosted against the background that, Africa is at a critical juncture in its development journey, facing unprecedented challenges that threaten its progress and sustainability.
Despite its rich resources and potential for growth, the continent grapples with significant issues, including widespread poverty, youth unemployment, and environmental degradation.
These challenges are compounded by the impacts of climate change, which exacerbate food and water insecurity, and create a pressing need for innovative responses that incorporate Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles.
Conference Outcomes
The expected Outcomes of the Conference Aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) among others include:
- Strengthened Partnerships for Sustainable Development (SDG 17):Establish collaborative frameworks among stakeholders to enhance partnerships that drive sustainable development initiatives across Africa.
- Increased Awareness of ESG’s Role in Poverty Alleviation (SDG 1):Foster a deeper understanding of how ESG practices can contribute to poverty reduction and promote inclusive economic growth.
The organizers recognize that integrating ESG frameworks into business practices is essential for fostering sustainable growth and addressing the challenges Africa and humanity at large, face.
“This conference is a clarion call to all stakeholders to engage in sustainable practices and community development. ICESDA represents a pioneering effort in Ghana, bringing together leaders from various sectors to discuss the vital role of corporate organizations in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Green Development Imperatives (GDI); while advancing Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles” notes, Prof De-Graft Owusu Manu, President Chair of Green Cities International.