Like previous years, 2025 has been passive and slow in implementing the Paris Accords, despite COP30 in Brazil, which left many more agitated and disappointed rather than serving as a platform for solutions. Though some progress was made, Africa and the global south remain sidelined in climate talks, and more effort is needed from Africa, developed countries, and the international community as a whole. 

Despite a highly polarised world with escalating geopolitical tensions across almost every continent, which risks the future of ESG and its implementation, Africa should reflect on what this year has brought in terms of sustainability and consider what needs to be addressed as we approach a new year. Their role in mitigating climate change risks, energy transitions, and achieving Net Zero Emissions cannot be overlooked. 

This year, Africa made some progress in tackling climate change and its related risks, although underlying issues such as conflict, extreme weather conditions, literacy levels, and high living costs are stretching these efforts. Despite these challenges, Africa should recognise that sustainability and ESG have shifted from being a “what-if” or “nice-to-have” to essential priorities for businesses and a vital part of daily life for everyone. These are some of the key lessons from this year and considerations for next year’s growth and focus.

Consumer and Societal Awareness 

This is the simplest way to embed sustainability practices in people. By fostering a circular economy culture that promotes recycling, refurbishment, or reusing of products, we reduce resource wastage and maximise material value. Individual mindful living is a powerful means to raise awareness among the masses, creating a platform for significant behavioural change in product usage, care for your immediate environment, and sustainable health and wellness. The latter can be achieved by leveraging the abundant natural resources available to us to produce our daily products, from beverages and foods to cosmetics or even infrastructure.  

Regenerative and Sustainable Agriculture 

Agriculture is a major source of income and subsistence for nearly three-quarters of Africa’s population. Therefore, this is a long-term and essential practice for the future. While sustainable farming aims to preserve resources and minimise environmental harm, regenerative agriculture is more advantageous because it actively works to improve land beyond its original state through practices such as minimal tillage, which reduces soil disturbance; crop rotations and diversification; and agroforestry. Although agroforestry is common in Africa, its adoption should be increased. Additionally, as Africa is largely a pastoral society, employing methods like rotational grazing and maintaining biodiversity and habitats helps keep ecosystems sustainable for the future.

Water Use and Conservation

Africa’s water problems are largely caused by climate change and its associated risks. We are highly vulnerable to droughts and famines, and with a significant increase in global water stress, water use and conservation are unavoidable. Firstly, as Africa becomes an industrial hub for manufacturing and processing — much of it driven by foreign investors — we should establish frameworks and policies for water saving and wastewater treatment to lessen the pressure on water sources. Individuals, institutions, and organisations should also adopt water conservation and treatment methods. While this may not eliminate the overall water issues, it can help mitigate them until long-term solutions for reducing water shortages are developed.

Sustainable Financing, ESG and SMEs

With Africa’s purchasing power growing, literacy levels rising, and a projected population increase, small businesses are expanding across the continent. Because of this, countries and their financial institutions have demonstrated significant maturity and evolution in scaling SME financing; they should therefore reassess their lending strategies and loan portfolios to align with requirements that embed ESG practices throughout their value chains. A recent study shows that 72% or more of SMEs operate without a defined sustainability framework or carbon reduction plan. They should view sustainability as a profitable venture by maximising materials and resources, as well as improving efficiency and reducing waste, which can lead to cost savings and operational resilience.  

Governance, Formulation and Implementation of ESG Policies

Policies and regulations form the foundation of any sustainability effort. Countries with their NAPs should update them to match current ESG standards and global trends. AI in ESG is a crucial issue that deserves close attention. Although AI is not yet widely integrated into Africa’s systems, it is necessary to do so. Developing a clear and comprehensive understanding of how AI can help make sustainability measures future-proof and current is essential. Since sustainability is a complex topic with vast amounts of data and figures, AI can assist in analysing data and making it understandable for the general public. It will aid in aligning NAPS with goals such as sustainable building, education, and energy prediction, as well as conserving energy and water in data centres consuming significant power. Another policy that should be included in countries’ NAPs is the “High Seas Treaty,” designed to focus on seas and ocean biodiversity, with aquaculture being a major source of tourism and food for many. Scheduled to begin implementation in 2026, it sets clear mandates for actions to reduce ocean pollution and overfishing and to protect ecosystems. 

Regional Unity, Resilience and Adaptation

Finally, for all this to work, Africa as a whole should act and speak as one on matters of climate and sustainability. This year has been marred by conflict across the continent, from Sudan to Rwanda, DR Congo, Ethiopia, and the political instability and coups within some Sahel Belt states, as well as outside influence from foreign powers fuelling these conflicts. Conflicts and militaries are major emitters, accounting for 5-7% less than Africa’s total emissions of 2-4% annually. Conflict resolution is essential, with continental arbitration and mediations as well as seeking consensus among conflicting states. Almost all wars in Africa are resource-centred, from the Nile and the Great Renaissance Dam to Sudan’s Civil War and gold, so it is better to leverage these resources for societal growth and development. We should actively consider what measures and actions we must take to integrate ESG and sustainability into our daily practices.