The Financial Institution Training Centre (FITC) has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing sustainability, responsible business practices, and long-term value creation across Africa during a high-level press conference held ahead of the 2026 FITC Sustainability & ESG Conference 3.0, scheduled for Wednesday, July 8th, 2026, in Lagos.
The press conference brought together leading media organizations and sustainability
stakeholders to discuss the growing importance of Environmental, Social, and
Governance (ESG) principles in shaping Africa’s future. The event also provided an
opportunity to unveil key elements of the conference agenda, outline its objectives and
expected outcomes, and highlight the strategic role of sustainability in Africa’s economic
transformation.
The 2026 FITC Sustainability & ESG Conference 3.0 is themed: “Building a Sustainable Africa: Integrating Environmental Stewardship, Social Impact, and Strong Governance for a Prosperous Future.”
Over the years, sustainability has evolved from a compliance and corporate responsibility
concern into a critical business and development imperative. Across the globe,
organizations are being challenged to respond to 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, Dr. Chizor Malize, MD/CEO, FITC, gave an overview of the
conference and its relevance within today’s rapidly changing business and development
environment.
She emphasized that sustainability has become a strategic imperative for organizations
seeking long-term resilience, competitiveness, and growth. She noted that organizations must move beyond declarations and commitments to measurable implementation, stressing that sustainability strategies must be embedded within governance structures, operational frameworks, investment decisions, and organizational culture.
Dr. Malize further explained that the conference seeks to equip leaders with practical
insights, actionable frameworks, and collaborative opportunities needed to drive
meaningful ESG outcomes.
Delivering the welcome address on behalf of Ayotola Jagun, Executive Director,
Oando Plc, and Chairman of the Conference Planning Committee, James Adenuga, Group Chief, HSSE & Sustainability Officer, Dangote Industries Limited, emphasized 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 on the upcoming conference, Dooyum Okwong, Head, Insights & Policy
Advocacy, FITC, highlighted that the conference is designed to facilitate meaningful
dialogue and encourage practical action around some of Africa’s most pressing
sustainability priorities.
She outlined the industry thought leaders who are on the line up as speakers at the
conference, the FITC Sustainability & ESG Institute Advisory Board comprises
distinguished leaders including Prof. Fabian Ajogwu, SAN, Senior Partner, Kenna
Partners and Chairman, Guinness Nigeria PLC; Dr. Chizor Malize, MD/CEO, FITC;
Soromidayo George, Director, Corporate Affairs & Sustainable Business; Dr. Ndidi
Nnoli-Edozien, Member, International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB); Dr.
Henrietta Onwueguzia, Director, Business Innovation Accelerator; Olufemi
Shobanjo, Chief Executive Officer, NGX Regulation Limited; Olufemi Awoyemi,
Board Chairman, Proshare Nigeria; Tinuade Awe, Experienced Attorney and
Governance Consultant; and Osayi Alile, Chief Executive Officer, Aspire Coronation
Trust (ACT) Foundation.
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The distinguished Planning Committee comprises sustainability and ESG practitioners
and industry thought leaders, including: Ayotola O. Jagun, Executive Director, Oando
Plc; Dr. Chizor Malize, MD/CEO, FITC; Soromidayo George, Director, Corporate
Affairs & Sustainable Development, Coca-Cola HBC Nigeria; Prof. Kenneth Amaeshi,
Chair in Sustainable Finance & Governance; Olufemi Shobanjo, CEO, NGX Regulation
Limited; Chioma Afe, Director, External Affairs, Seplat Energy; Titilope Oguntuga,
Director, Sustainability IHS Towers; Lolade Awogbade, Green Growth Advisor, FCDO;
Ebisan Akinsanya, Coordinator, Corporate Responsibility & National Programs,
Chevron; Chinwe Ifechiga, Social Performance Advisor, Total Energies; James
Adenuga, Group Chief HSE & Sustainability Officer, Dangote Industries Limited;
Oreoluwa Famurewa, Executive Director, Corporate Affairs, Friesland Campina;
Osayi Alile, Chief Executive Officer, Aspire Coronation Trust (ACT) Foundation.
The FITC Sustainability & ESG Conference has evolved into one of Africa’s leading
platforms for sustainability dialogue and ESG thought leadership.
This year’s edition is expected to attract sustainability practitioners, corporate executives,
board members, policymakers, regulators, development finance institutions, investors,
multilateral organizations, academic institutions, professional service providers, civil
society organizations. The conference is designed to create opportunities for cross-sector engagement while facilitating conversations that are practical, implementation-focused,
and outcome-driven.
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.
At the same time, Africa possesses significant potential to become a global leader in
renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, green infrastructure, circular economy
solutions, and impact-driven entrepreneurship.
Attendees agreed that achieving sustainable growth requires deliberate efforts to align
economic development objectives with environmental sustainability, social inclusion, and
governance effectiveness.
The conference is therefore positioned as a platform for identifying practical pathways
toward achieving these goals. Key discussions at the press conference centered on the core pillars of ESG – environmental stewardship, social impact, and governance – as critical drivers of sustainable development across Africa. Speakers highlighted the importance of climate resilience, resource efficiency, sustainable investment, and strategic social initiatives in creating long-term value for businesses and communities. The discussions also emphasized the growing role of green finance in mobilizing capital for sustainable projects and the need for stronger collaboration among governments, financial institutions, investors, and development partners. Additionally, participants underscored the importance of strong governance, ethical leadership, transparency, and accountability in building resilient institutions and fostering sustainable growth and stakeholder trust. The event attracted strong participation from members of the media, reflecting growing
interest in sustainability and ESG-related issues.
Journalists engaged speakers on topics ranging from ESG reporting and climate action to
governance practices and sustainable investment opportunities. The discussions underscored the increasingly important role of the media in raising awareness, driving accountability, and promoting informed conversations around sustainability.
As preparations continue for the 2026 FITC Sustainability & ESG Conference 3.0, FITC
remains committed to creating a platform that supports learning, collaboration,
innovation, and action.
The conference aims to inspire organizations and leaders to rethink traditional approaches, embrace sustainability as a strategic imperative, and contribute meaningfully to building a more resilient, inclusive, and prosperous Africa.Registration remains open. Interested participants can register via the conference registration page – https://fitc-ng.com/esg-conference-2026/ or visit FITC website.
