ALAMA, Pan Africa partner in CEO’s ESG summit

Corporate leaders have been urged to view Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles as a catalyst for growth and innovation rather than merely a compliance requirement.

This call was made by Olive Kawelama, Chief Executive Officer of Alama, a start-up ESG and sustainability consultancy agency, which has partnered with Pan African Learning and Growth Network (PALGNET) to host the “Beyond Compliance ESG and Sustainability CEO Summit.”

The summit aims to enlighten top executives on leveraging ESG as a strategic advantage while fostering a business environment where ESG principles are seamlessly integrated into corporate strategies.

“The summit focuses on empowering CEOs to view ESG issues not just as a compliance requirement, but as a strategic opportunity for growth, innovation, and long-term value creation,” – said Kawelama.

“While adhering to regulatory requirements is essential, this summit emphasizes the critical role that CEO leadership plays in pushing beyond basic compliance.”

She highlighted that by actively engaging in the development of legal and regulatory frameworks, business leaders can ensure ESG policies align with local business realities while meeting global standards.

“We are encouraging CEOs to take the lead in advocating for frameworks that support an equitable and sustainable business environment. By engaging early in shaping these policies, they can influence regulations that encourage innovation, provide incentives, and foster a thriving sustainable business ecosystem,” she explained.

Addressing concerns about the financial burden associated with ESG compliance, Kawelama urged companies to shift their perspective and recognize the long-term benefits.

“Indeed, there is a financial aspect to it, but what’s important is for companies to see ESG principles as a way of driving growth and innovation. Businesses must start understanding their impact, risks, and opportunities across their entire value chain. By assessing ESG factors at each stage, from sourcing raw materials to product delivery, companies can respond strategically, mitigating risks such as carbon emissions or labor practice violations,” she said.

She pointed out that failure to integrate ESG into core strategies could lead to reputational damage and financial losses.

“Some ESG-related risks, such as penalties or reputational harm, can ultimately be more costly for businesses in the long run.” – She said

“We have seen examples, even locally, where companies suffered significant consequences due to labor issues. A proactive ESG approach helps mitigate these risks while unlocking new opportunities for sustainable growth.”

The “Beyond Compliance ESG and Sustainability CEO Summit” seeks to instill a forward-thinking mindset among business leaders, ensuring they not only meet regulatory requirements but also harness ESG principles for innovation and long-term success.