Sustainability must move from policy documents and conference halls into homes, schools and communities, and clear, consistent regulation is what gives businesses the confidence to invest. This was the message from Her Royal Majesty, Olori Data Matemilola, and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) at the inaugural Africa Sustainability Forum (ASF) held on Tuesday.
Organised by TheNumbersNG.com, the Forum brought together business leaders, policymakers, development partners, investors and sustainability professionals under the theme “Sustainable Futures: Driving Just Transitions, Green Growth and Shared Prosperity.”
“Sustainability begins at home”
Delivering a goodwill message, Olori Data, wife of the Olowu of Owu, Oba (Prof) Saka Adelola Matemilola, applauded the organisers and called for stronger community engagement. She also called for access to affordable, safe and clean cooking solutions, particularly for women who still depend on firewood.
Citing her clean cooking advocacy since 2021, she noted that her 2019 book, The Charming Gardeners, uses African storytelling to teach young people about clean cooking, household air pollution and environmental responsibility.
She urged sustainability organisations, businesses, educators and development partners to turn commitments into practical action.
“Sustainability begins at home, grows through education and succeeds when no one is left behind,” she said.
NCC: Policy clarity builds investor confidence
Representing the Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, Dr Aminu Maida, Mrs Oluntunde Osunleye, Principal Manager, Regulatory Services, brought the regulator’s voice to the Forum. She said clear, consistent policy gives businesses and investors the confidence to act.
She spoke on green telecom infrastructure, infrastructure sharing and the Commission’s achievements in supporting growth across the digital economy ecosystem. The NCC stressed that a sustainable future requires strong policy, strong partnerships and the commitment of all stakeholders.
A just transition must fit Africa’s realities
Dr Marilyn Obaisa-Osula, Partner and Head of Sustainability and Climate Change at PwC Nigeria, addressed the question “What Does a Just Transition Mean to Africa?” She said Africa cannot simply copy the pathways of other regions. The transition must be fair, inclusive and built around the continent’s own energy, economic and social context.
In a fireside chat on “Beyond ESG: Financing Africa’s Next Growth Opportunity,” Fola Odufuwa, Managing Director of New Frontier Capital Advisors, while answering from the Moderator and Mc of the day , Louisa Olaniyi, said investors respond to clear returns, credible structures and trust. Sustainability, he noted, is increasingly seen as a sign of a sound business rather than a cost.
Closing the awareness gap
Speakers at the panel moderated by media and communications professional, Jude Benson which included Agharese onaghise, Executive secretary FBRA, Dr. Adeyemi Adun, Group Head, Environment and sustainability at Dangote, industries Ltd, Engr Monday Irenoa and Ola Igwe, operation strategist ALX West and Central Africa, on “Building an inclusive Green Economy for Africa” examined how sustainability challenges can be turned into economic opportunities. They noted that for many Nigerians, sustainability still sounds technical or distant, and that closing this awareness gap is the first step towards action.
Key recommendations
The Forum closed with a call to action built around four recommendations:
. Move from conversation to commitment.
. Build partnerships across sectors.
. Government, business, development organisations and investors must work together, because no single group can deliver this alone.
.Include women and young people. The most sustainable economy draws on everyone’s talent, including in infrastructure, technology and finance.
. Make sustainability simple. It should be communicated in plain language so every Nigerian can see why it matters to their own life.
Earlier In his welcome address, Elvis Eromosele, Managing Editor of TheNumbersNG.com and Lead Coordinator of ASF 2026, said the Forum was designed to focus on practical ideas, partnerships and action rather than sustainability as a concept. A short theme documentary opened the programme, and it ended with networking, media interactions and exhibition visits.
About the Africa Sustainability Forum
The Africa Sustainability Forum is an annual platform organised by TheNumbersNG.com to convene business leaders, policymakers, government representatives, development organisations, sustainability professionals and investors for practical conversations about Africa’s economic, environmental and social future.
