FITC Reaffirms Commitment to Sustainability Ahead of 2026 ESG Conference

Emma Okonji

FITC has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing sustainability, responsible business practices, and long-term value creation across Africa, ahead of its 2026 Sustainability & ESG Conference 3.0.

FITC reaffirmed its commitment during a press conference held in Lagos to announce the 2026 FITC Sustainability & ESG Conference 3.0, scheduled for July 8th, 2026, in Lagos.

During the press conference, issues such as the growing importance of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles in shaping Africa’s future, were discussed.

Themed: ‘Building a Sustainable Africa: Integrating Environmental Stewardship, Social Impact, and Strong Governance for a Prosperous Future’, the conference seeks to address the challenges about climate change, growing stakeholder expectations, changing regulatory environments, and increasing demands for transparency and accountability.

For Africa, these challenges are accompanied by significant opportunities. The continent possesses immense human capital, natural resources, entrepreneurial energy, and innovation potential. However, unlocking these opportunities sustainably requires deliberate action, strategic collaboration, and responsible leadership.

In her opening address, MD/CEO, FITC, Dr. Chizor Malize, gave an overview of the conference and its relevance within today’s rapidly changing business and development environment.

According to her, sustainability has become a strategic imperative for organisations seeking long-term resilience, competitiveness, and growth. She noted that organisations must move beyond declarations and commitments to measurable implementation, stressing that sustainability strategies must be embedded within governance structures, operational frameworks, investment decisions, and organisational culture.

Group Chief, HSSE & Sustainability Officer, Dangote Industries Limited, James Adenuga, emphasised the importance of collaboration in addressing sustainability challenges and unlocking opportunities for growth across the continent.
He noted that sustainability is no longer the responsibility of a single sector or institution but a shared responsibility requiring active participation from businesses, governments, regulators, investors, civil society organizations, and development partners.

According to him, sustainable development can only be achieved when stakeholders work together to create systems and solutions capable of delivering long-term value for both present and future generations.

Speaking about the upcoming conference, Head, Insights & Policy Advocacy, FITC, Dooyum Okwong, said the conference was designed to facilitate meaningful dialogue and encourage practical action around some of Africa’s most pressing sustainability priorities. A major focus of the press conference was the strategic importance of sustainability to Africa’s future development. The speakers noted that Africa faces a unique combination of opportunities and challenges. While the continent contributes relatively little to global emissions, it remains disproportionately vulnerable to climate-related risks, including flooding, droughts, food insecurity, and resource pressures.

The conference is therefore positioned as a platform for identifying practical pathways toward achieving these goals.
The discussions underscored the increasingly important role of the media in raising awareness, driving accountability, and promoting informed conversations around sustainability.

The conference aims to inspire organisations and leaders to rethink traditional approaches, embrace sustainability as a strategic imperative, and contribute meaningfully to building a more resilient, inclusive, and prosperous Africa.