FITC Unveils Key Plans for 2026 ESG Conference

The Financial Institution Training Centre (FITC) has reaffirmed its dedication to promoting sustainability, responsible business practices, and long-term value creation across Africa during a high-profile press conference held in anticipation of the 2026 FITC Sustainability & ESG Conference 3.0, scheduled for Wednesday, 8 July 2026, in Lagos.

The event convened key media organisations and sustainability stakeholders to emphasise the increasing significance of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles in shaping Africa’s future. It also served as a platform to unveil key elements of the conference agenda, outline its objectives and expected outcomes, and underscore the strategic importance of sustainability in Africa’s economic transformation.

Themed **”Building a Sustainable Africa: Integrating Environmental Stewardship, Social Impact, and Strong Governance for a Prosperous Future,”** the 2026 conference aims to address the evolving role of sustainability—moving beyond mere compliance to a critical driver of business resilience and development. Organisations worldwide are responding to climate change, stakeholder expectations, regulatory shifts, and demands for greater transparency and accountability. For Africa, these challenges present significant opportunities, given the continent’s abundant human capital, natural resources, entrepreneurial energy, and innovative potential. Unlocking these opportunities sustainably, however, requires deliberate action, strategic collaboration, and responsible leadership.

In her opening address, Dr. Chizor Malize, MD/CEO of FITC, highlighted the relevance of the conference in today’s rapidly changing business landscape. She stated, “sustainability has become a strategic imperative for organisations seeking long-term resilience, competitiveness, and growth.” She stressed that organisations must move beyond declarations and commitments towards measurable implementation, embedding sustainability strategies within governance, operational frameworks, investment decisions, and organisational culture.

Dr. Malize further articulated that the conference aims to equip leaders with practical insights, actionable frameworks, and collaboration opportunities to drive meaningful ESG outcomes.

Representing the conference planning committee, James Adenuga, Group Chief of HSSE & Sustainability at Dangote Industries Limited and speaking on behalf of Ayotola Jagun, Executive Director of Oando Plc, emphasised the importance of collective effort in addressing sustainability challenges and unlocking growth opportunities across Africa. “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,” he said.

Dooyum Okwong, Head of Insights & Policy Advocacy at FITC, highlighted that the conference is designed to facilitate meaningful dialogue and encourage practical action around some of Africa’s most pressing sustainability issues. She also announced the distinguished line-up of speakers from the FITC Sustainability & ESG Institute Advisory Board, which includes notable leaders such as Prof. Fabian Ajogwu, SAN, Dr. Chizor Malize, Soromidayo George, Dr. Ndidi Nnoli-Edozien, Dr. Henrietta Onwueguzia, Olufemi Shobanjo, Olufemi Awoyemi, Tinuade Awe, and Osayi Alile.

The event’s planning committee comprises industry practitioners and thought leaders in sustainability and ESG, including: Ayotola O. Jagun, Dr. Chizor Malize, Soromidayo George, Prof. Kenneth Amaeshi, Olufemi Shobanjo, Chioma Afe, Titilope Oguntuga, Lolade Awogbade, Ebisan Akinsanya, Chinwe Ifechiga, James Adenuga, Oreoluwa Famurewa, and Osayi Alile.

The FITC Sustainability & ESG Conference continues to be one of Africa’s premier platforms for sustainability dialogue and ESG thought leadership. This year’s edition is expected to attract practitioners, corporate executives, board members, policymakers, regulators, development finance institutions, investors, multilateral organisations, academia, professional service providers, and civil society organisations. The event aims to foster cross-sector engagement and promote practical, implementation-focused conversations.

A key focus of the press conference was the vital importance of sustainability for Africa’s future development. Speakers highlighted the continent’s unique mix of opportunities and challenges. While Africa contributes minimally to global emissions, it remains disproportionately vulnerable to climate-related risks such as flooding, droughts, food insecurity, and resource pressures. Conversely, Africa holds immense potential to become a leader in renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, green infrastructure, circular economy projects, and impact-driven entrepreneurship.

Participants agreed that achieving sustainable growth necessitates deliberate efforts to align economic development with environmental sustainability, social inclusion, and effective governance. The conference is positioned as a vital platform for exploring practical pathways to these goals.

Discussions centred on the core pillars of ESG—environmental stewardship, social impact, and governance—as critical drivers of Africa’s sustainable development. Emphasising climate resilience, resource efficiency, sustainable investment, and social initiatives, speakers highlighted the importance of green finance mobilisation and strengthened cooperation among governments, financial institutions, investors, and development partners.

The role of strong governance, ethical leadership, transparency, and accountability in fostering resilient institutions and stakeholder trust was also underscored.

With growing media interest in sustainability and ESG issues, journalists engaged with speakers on topics from ESG reporting and climate action to governance best practices and sustainable investment opportunities.

The media’s role in raising awareness and driving accountability was recognised as increasingly significant.

As preparations continue for the 2026 FITC Sustainability & ESG Conference 3.0, FITC remains committed to providing a platform that fosters learning, collaboration, innovation, and tangible action. The conference aims to inspire organisations and leaders to rethink traditional approaches, embrace sustainability as a strategic priority, and contribute to building a more resilient, inclusive, and prosperous Africa.
Registration remains open. Interested participants can register via the conference registration page — https://fitc-ng.com/esg-conference-2026/ — or visit the FITC website for further information.