FITC deepens advocacy for sustainability across Africa ahead of July ESG conference
Financial Institutions Training Center (FITC, involved in bridging knowledge gap, has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing sustainability, responsible business practices, and long-term value creation across Africa.
Financial Institutions Training Center (FITC, involved in bridging knowledge gap, has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing sustainability, responsible business practices, and long-term value creation across Africa.
The management of FITC stated this to news recently when it announced its forthcoming Sustainability & ESG Conference scheduled for Wednesday, July 8th, 2026, in Lagos.
This year’s Sustainability & ESG Conference 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.
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.
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 lineup as speakers at the conference, to include Fabian Ajogwu, Senior Partner, Kenna Partners and Chairman, Guinness Nigeria; Chizor Malize, MD/CEO, FITC; Soromidayo George, Director, Corporate Affairs & Sustainable Business; Ndidi Nnoli-Edozien, Member, International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB); and Henrietta Onwueguzia, Director, Business Innovation Accelerator.
Others are 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.
