Africa's Sustainable Future Takes Center Stage at Unstoppable Africa 2024

The Africa Hub and 10 Networks of the UN Global Compact successfully hosted an important side event as part of Unstoppable Africa 2024, themed, "Driving Sustainable Impacts in Africa with Digital and Energy Transition Solutions". This impactful gathering which held on 25th September 2024 in New York, showcased the private sector's sustainable investments in Africa, highlighting the UN Global Compact's collaborative approach with African businesses.

Key Highlights
Digital transformation and energy access and transition took centre stage, with buisness participants in Africa showcasing inspiring examples of using digital solutions and investments to transform their businesses and provide sustainable solutions, as well as impact stories integrating or resulting in the reduction of greenhouse emissions in the energy consumption or production, or an enhanced use of renewables.

The opening remarks were given by, Dr. Herve Lado, Head of the Africa Hub UN Global Compact, Abuja. This was followed by a Fireside Chat between Mr Bolaji Balogun, Member of Board of UN Global Compact - CEO of Chapel Hill Denham and Ms. Sanda Ojiambo, Assistant Secretary General, Executive Director of UN Global Compact. Moderated by Ms. Naomi Nwokolo, Executive Director of Global Compact Nigeria Network, the session was titled 'Leveraging digital and energy transitions for Africa transformation with the UNGC footprint in Africa'. 

The event also hosted a panel on 'Digital and Energy Transitions: Driving sustainable impacts with digital solutions and energy transition'. Four companies’ representatives discussed their achievements and impact stories and reflected on what is needed to bring their projects to scale. The panelists were Mr. Abir Leheta, CEO Egytrans, Mr. Akinbode Bamgboye, Chief Finance Officer, Oando Clean Energy (OCEL), Ms. Itumeleng Mogatusi-Sekgota, Sustainability Pathways and Planning Specialist- Africa & Australia, Anglo American, Digital Expert: Chris Diaz, Executive Chairman, Adili Group, Kenya, and Energy Expert: Adaku Ufere, Africa Energy Expert. The session was moderated by Naomi Nwokolo, Executive Director Global Compact Network Nigeria, in coordination with Walaa El Husseiny, ED Egypt Network; Judy Njino, ED Kenya Network; and Achieng Ojwang, ED South Africa Network.

The Closing Remarks were given by Ms. Tolu Lewis-Tamoka, Chief Government Relations and Africa, UN Global Compact. The event emphasized the importance of partnerships, innovation, and sustainable solutions to drive Africa's growth.

Looking Ahead: Opportunities for Africa
Two key areas highlighted at the session to be considered as part of the UN Global Compact's future Africa Strategy include:

• Empowering Youth and Young Entrepreneurs:Tap into the vast potential of Africa's youth to foster innovative solutions that address the continent's shifting economic and social landscape.
• Strategic Partnerships for Energy Transition and Digitalization: Develop and strengthen partnerships to accelerate Africa's energy transition and digitalization, aligning with the 2030 Agenda.

Building on Momentum
Unstoppable Africa 2024 concluded with optimism and commitment to harness Africa's potential for global leadership. The UN Global Compact's continued efforts will be crucial in driving growth, sustainability, and partnership opportunities across the African continent.