Insights from the Interactive Dialogue on Building a Sustainable Africa

Africa is at a crucial crossroads when it comes to sustainability. With growing environmental challenges and an urgent need to adapt to climate change, the continent’s youth, businesses, and governments are joining forces to explore solutions that can drive a sustainable future. The Interactive Dialogue on Building a Sustainable Africa, hosted by Africa Fintech Foundry (AFF) in collaboration with Future Perspectives, was an inspiring event that brought together key stakeholders from diverse sectors to discuss the path forward.

A Gathering of Visionaries

The event convened over 300 attendees, both in-person and virtually, with representation from sectors including renewable energy, waste management, plastic recycling, sustainable agriculture, healthcare, and finance. Notable leaders like Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, former Vice President of Nigeria, and Dr. Gregory Jobome, Executive Director/Chief Risk Officer at Access Bank, shared their invaluable insights on driving Africa’s green revolution. With youth engagement as a key focus, the event emphasized the role of young entrepreneurs in leading the continent toward a more sustainable and resilient future.

Key Highlights of the Dialogue

The discussions were rich with innovative ideas and actionable steps, with an emphasis on collaboration across sectors. Here are some of the highlights:

• Dr. Gregory Jobome discussed Access Bank’s role in promoting sustainability through programs like the Sustainability Finance Accelerator. This initiative supports businesses with green bonds, loans, capacity building, grants, and partnerships to help them scale their sustainable solutions.

• Daniel Awe(Group Head, AFF) and Abby Asekun (Co-founder, Future Perspectives highlighted their work in supporting startups through accelerator programs and strategic partnerships. By providing young entrepreneurs with the resources they need, AFF and Future Perspectives are fostering the next generation of sustainability champions across Africa.

• Wale Odugbesan, CEO of Royal Power & Energy Ltd, shared his vision for renewable energy in Nigeria, outlining its potential to revolutionize the country’s energy landscape and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.

• Norbert Edomah emphasized the importance of the Just Energy Transition for African youth, calling for the creation of job opportunities within the green economy and the pivotal role of youth-driven initiatives in this transition.

Youth as Drivers of Change

A key takeaway from the event was the central role of African youth in driving sustainability. The dialogue provided an interactive platform for young entrepreneurs to engage with leaders like Prof. Yemi Osinbajo and Dr. Gregory Jobome, who offered guidance on how to tackle the continent’s environmental challenges while positioning themselves for success. The panelists underscored the importance of equitable energy transitions, green industrialization, and collaborative solutions to overcome the climate crisis.

Empowering Africa’s Future Through Collaboration

The event also served as a reminder that climate action and economic growth are not mutually exclusive. While some have historically believed that pursuing effective climate action means sacrificing growth, the youth of Africa are determined to find a way to achieve climate-positive growth where sustainability and economic prosperity go hand in hand.

Collaboration across sectors, innovative thinking, and the active engagement of young people are the pillars upon which Africa’s sustainable future will be built. The Africa Future Earth Initiative (AFEI), powered by Future Perspectives, is one such effort aimed at fostering grassroots solutions to combat the climate crisis, further solidifying the importance of collective action in tackling environmental challenges.

Moving Forward: The Sustainable Finance Accelerator

Building on the success of the dialogue, AFF is excited to announce the launch of its Sustainable Finance Accelerator. This program will provide intensive support to early-stage startups working on innovative solutions for environmental and social challenges. Participants will benefit from mentorship, seed funding, and strategic connections within the African entrepreneurial ecosystem, empowering them to scale their impact and drive sustainable growth across the continent.

A Call to Action

The Interactive Dialogue on Building a Sustainable Africa marked a significant step toward realizing a green, resilient, and prosperous future for the continent. The dialogue not only raised awareness of Africa’s environmental challenges but also showcased the incredible opportunities within the sustainability sector. As Africa’s youth rise to meet the demands of a rapidly changing world, the collaborative spirit demonstrated at this event will undoubtedly be the key to unlocking the continent’s full potential. Africa’s future is green, and together, we can build a sustainable, thriving continent for generations to come.

Want to be part of the solution? Follow the journey of the Sustainable Finance Accelerator and get involved in the growing movement towards a sustainable Africa