Nestlé, Guinness and FMN Unite Behind Africa Sustainability Forum Pledge
Leading businesses and industry stakeholders have pledged to reduce waste, use resources responsibly, support green innovation, create jobs and promote inclusive economic growth at the inaugural Africa Sustainability Forum 2026.
Held on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, at the Oriental Hotel in Lagos, the Forum was convened by TheNumbersNG.com under the theme “Sustainable Futures: Driving Just Transitions, Green Growth and Shared Prosperity.”
The event brought together business leaders, policymakers, sustainability professionals and other stakeholders to discuss practical approaches to advancing Africa’s sustainable development. Its Africa Sustainability Pledge called on participants to translate discussion into individual and collective action.
Under the pledge, participants committed to “waste less and use resources wisely,” “back green ideas that create jobs,” ensure that “no one is left behind,” share the gains of economic growth and turn discussions into tangible action.
The declaration concluded with a call to personal responsibility: “Because Africa’s future is sustainable, and it starts with me!”
The pledge reflects the Forum’s message that sustainability should inform business decisions, investment priorities, production processes and everyday choices—not just corporate statements and conference discussions.
Organisations supporting the Forum included Nestlé Nigeria, MTN Nigeria, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Rite Foods, Flour Mills of Nigeria (FMN), Guinness Nigeria, the Food and Beverage Recycling Alliance (FBRA), PwC Nigeria, Omisej Nigeria Limited and Aren Paper Mills.
Their participation highlighted the role of cross-industry collaboration in addressing environmental challenges, expanding economic opportunities and advancing responsible business practices.
In a goodwill message, Chinwe Obi, Sustainability Manager at Nestlé Nigeria Plc, stressed the importance of collective action and purposeful partnerships.
“At Nestlé Nigeria, we believe that sustainability requires collective action, purposeful partnerships and a shared commitment to creating long-term value for people, communities and the planet,” she said.
Obi also commended the Forum for bringing diverse voices together to advance dialogue and practical solutions for Africa’s sustainable development.
Elvis Eromosele, Managing Editor of TheNumbersNG.com and Lead Coordinator of the Africa Sustainability Forum, said the focus on collaboration reflects growing recognition that Africa’s sustainability ambitions require coordinated efforts from businesses, government institutions, investors, development partners and communities.
He added that the transition to a greener economy presents both urgent challenges and opportunities for innovation and growth across areas including waste management, recycling, clean energy, responsible manufacturing and inclusive employment.
For businesses, the transition involves embedding sustainability in operations and value chains, reducing environmental impact, conserving resources and creating shared value. For policymakers and other stakeholders, it requires enabling policies, effective partnerships and investment to make sustainable choices more accessible and economically viable.
The Africa Sustainability Pledge offers a shared framework for continuing that work beyond the event, with an emphasis on resource efficiency, green enterprise, inclusion and accountability.
The Forum underscored the need for growth that benefits people and businesses while protecting the environment for future generations. Its message: building a sustainable Africa is a shared responsibility, and progress depends on turning commitments into action.
