• Home
  • Blog
  • Community
  • Knowledge
  • Cover Stories
  • Startup Stories
  • Playbooks
  • Podcasts
  • Português
    • Events Homepage & Booking
    • Start-Up Night Africa Series
    • Lioness Lean In Series
    • Lionesses of Africa Annual Conference
    • Harvard University / Lionesses of Africa Conference
    • Young Lioness Lean In Series
    • About Us
    • Impact Partners
    • Contributor Team
    • Contact
    • Join the Community
    • Signup for FREE Newsletters
    • Share Your Startup Story
    • Share Your Lioness Launch
    • Share Your Lioness Co-Lab
    • Become a Contributor
    • Nominate to '100 Lionessess'
    • Become an Impact Partner
    • Contact LoA
Menu

Lionesses of Africa

276 5th Avenue
New York, NY, 10001
(212) 634-4540
The Pride of Africa's Women Entrepreneurs

the pride of Africa's women entrepreneurs

Lionesses of Africa

  • Home
  • Blog
  • Community
  • Knowledge
  • Cover Stories
  • Startup Stories
  • Playbooks
  • Podcasts
  • Português
  • Events +
    • Events Homepage & Booking
    • Start-Up Night Africa Series
    • Lioness Lean In Series
    • Lionesses of Africa Annual Conference
    • Harvard University / Lionesses of Africa Conference
    • Young Lioness Lean In Series
  • About +
    • About Us
    • Impact Partners
    • Contributor Team
    • Contact
  • Connect +
    • Join the Community
    • Signup for FREE Newsletters
    • Share Your Startup Story
    • Share Your Lioness Launch
    • Share Your Lioness Co-Lab
    • Become a Contributor
    • Nominate to '100 Lionessess'
    • Become an Impact Partner
    • Contact LoA

ESG Integration: A Game-Changer in Corporate Governance

August 3, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Nkemdilim Uwaje Begho

The nature of business has evolved, and corporate considerations are not what they once were. Gone are the days of profitability and outsized returns at all costs. The world is currently facing many urgent challenges, from climate change to environmental degradation, and social inequality. These challenges are putting a significant strain on organisations, and governments alike. A study by the World Economic Forum found that 85% of CEOs believe that environmental risks will have a significant impact on their businesses in the next five years.

In response to these challenges, there is a growing movement towards sustainable corporate governance practices by adopting Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) considerations. ESG is a strategy to manage the environmental, social, and governance (ESG) impact that an organisation makes across its operations.

Understanding ESG: A Foundation of Sustainable Corporate Governance

ESG represents a paradigm shift in how organisations operate and interact with the world. It’s a holistic framework that evaluates an organisation’s performance across three key areas:

1. Environmental (E): This dimension focuses on an organisation’s ecological footprint. It assesses its commitment to environmental sustainability, including practices related to climate change, resource management, and waste reduction. You see, organisations that embrace environmental responsibility are more likely to adopt eco-friendly practices, reduce carbon emissions, and promote biodiversity.

For instance, Apple has committed to making all of its products carbon-neutral by 2030. This is to tell you that there is a growing awareness of how climate change and other environmental challenges can affect both the organisation and society’s existence.

2. Social (S): The social aspect of ESG concentrates on an organisation’s interactions with its stakeholders, including employees, customers, communities, and society at large. It encompasses diversity and inclusion, labour practices, human rights, and community engagement.

Organisations that prioritise social responsibility tend to have better relationships with employees, enhanced customer loyalty, and a positive societal impact. In lieu, McKinsey Global Institute found that companies that are committed to sustainability outperform their peers by 15% in terms of revenue growth and 12% in terms of profitability.

3. Governance (G): Governance refers to an organisation’s internal management and decision-making processes. It evaluates factors like board composition, executive compensation, shareholder rights, and ethical behaviour. Strong governance ensures transparency, accountability, and ethical conduct within an organisation.

Why ESG Matters in Corporate Governance

ESG is becoming increasingly important for corporate governance. This is because ESG factors can have a significant impact on an organisation’s long-term corporate performance and sustainability. For example, if you run an organisation with a poor environmental record, you may face increased regulatory scrutiny and higher costs.

If your organisation has a poor social record, you could suffer irreparable reputational damage, losing customers, employees, brand equity and market share.

It is critical to note that ESG is no more a mere buzz or trending word; it represents a profound transformation in how businesses and organisations approach their societal responsibilities. ESG considerations are steadily gaining significance within the corporate landscape (even across Africa), driven by several compelling factors. This momentum is, in part, due to influential stakeholders (investors, consumers, and regulators) demanding its integration into corporate practices.

With more and more stakeholders demanding it, how can you effectively integrate ESG into your corporate governance strategies for your organisation to achieve sustainable success?

Integrating ESG into Corporate Governance

1. Set ESG goals and targets: What are your organisation’s specific goals for reducing its environmental impact, improving its social performance, and strengthening its governance practices? Those goals should be measurable, ambitious, and time-bound.

For example, Netflix has committed to investing $100 Million in environmental projects over the next five years. When you have goals like this, it allows you to track and demonstrate your social responsibility to your stakeholders.

2. Integrate ESG into risk management: ESG risks can have a significant impact on an organisation’s performance. That’s why your organisation needs to establish structures and parameters that will help identify and manage these risks through an ESG risk management framework.

For example, the European Union’s Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation (SFDR) requires financial institutions to disclose their ESG risks and impacts. This means that corporate board executives and directors need to be aware of the ESG implications of their activities to comply with regulations.

3. Disclose ESG performance: As an organisation, you need to disclose your ESG performance to your stakeholders. This transparency will help to build trust and confidence with your stakeholders

In recent times, Microsoft has been a strong advocate for ESG disclosure. This is why the company publishes an annual ESG report that is aligned with the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) standards. Microsoft’s ESG disclosure has helped the entity reduce its environmental impact and improve its social performance.

4. Adopt a Long-term View: ESG-focused organisations are more likely to thrive in the long run i.e. sustainability. By focusing on the impact of your organisation’s actions, you position yourself as a responsible and forward-thinking entity capable of adapting to changing market dynamics.

5. Adapt for Regulatory Compliance: Governments and regulatory bodies are placing increasing emphasis on ESG disclosure and compliance. Companies that align with ESG principles are more likely to navigate these regulatory changes effectively, as they would already be reporting on the ESG information that regulators require. Additionally, ESG-aligned companies are more likely to have robust sustainability practices in place, which can help them mitigate their ESG risks and comply with regulations. A close example is the United Kingdom’s Sustainability Disclosure Requirements (SDR), which will require all UK-listed companies and large asset managers to disclose ESG information from 2023 onwards.

6. Ensure Accountability Across Board: Management should be held accountable for the company’s ESG performance. This accountability should also be reflected in their compensation and performance reviews.

For instance, In 2019, Nestlé announced that it would be linking executive compensation to the company’s ESG performance. The results of this initiative have been positive, with Nestlé being ranked as one of the most sustainable companies in the world by the Dow Jones Sustainability Index in 2021.

7. Enhancing reputation: A positive ESG reputation can be a valuable asset. It attracts investors, customers, and talented employees who are increasingly looking for companies committed to ethical practices and sustainability.

For instance, Nike has committed to paying all its workers a living wage by 2025. This will prove to be a great reason for them to retain and attract top talents.

By following these steps, your organisation can effectively integrate ESG into their corporate governance practices. This would in turn enhance your long-term strategic processes for sustainable success.


Nkemdilim Uwaje Begho is a seasoned Information Technology professional with over 15 years of industry experience in Africa’s largest emerging economy with a deep purpose and focus on bridging the digital divide and transforming Africa by harnessing the benefits of digital. At home in technology from childhood, Nkemdilim is walking in her fathers’ footsteps as a second-generation Nigerian Information Technology expert. Currently CEO of Future Software Resources Ltd. (Futuresoft), one of Nigeria’s leading digital & technology solutions companies, providing a broad range of solutions for the scaling African enterprise, to consistently attract and retain its target audience, optimize its processes and increase its bottom line.

More articles by Nkemdilim

Featured
Bridging the ESG Knowledge Gap: 5 Key Metrics Every Board Should Use to Assess and Improve ESG Performance
Dec 29, 2024
Bridging the ESG Knowledge Gap: 5 Key Metrics Every Board Should Use to Assess and Improve ESG Performance
Dec 29, 2024
Dec 29, 2024
The Case for Accountability, Transparency and Authenticity
Sep 8, 2024
The Case for Accountability, Transparency and Authenticity
Sep 8, 2024
Sep 8, 2024
5 Ways a Strong ESG Proposition Can Create Brand Value
Aug 19, 2024
5 Ways a Strong ESG Proposition Can Create Brand Value
Aug 19, 2024
Aug 19, 2024
ESG Integration: A Game-Changer in Corporate Governance
Aug 3, 2024
ESG Integration: A Game-Changer in Corporate Governance
Aug 3, 2024
Aug 3, 2024
Advancing Diversity and Inclusion in Leadership: A Multifaceted Approach
Aug 20, 2023
Advancing Diversity and Inclusion in Leadership: A Multifaceted Approach
Aug 20, 2023
Aug 20, 2023
Unleashing the Potential of Generative AI: Exploring the Path to AI-Driven Success
Aug 11, 2023
Unleashing the Potential of Generative AI: Exploring the Path to AI-Driven Success
Aug 11, 2023
Aug 11, 2023
Building consumer confidence in the Digital Economy: Ensuring trust and security
Jul 23, 2023
Building consumer confidence in the Digital Economy: Ensuring trust and security
Jul 23, 2023
Jul 23, 2023
2023 is almost here…how is your brand going to evolve?
Dec 18, 2022
2023 is almost here…how is your brand going to evolve?
Dec 18, 2022
Dec 18, 2022
3 Ways To Enhance Your Customer Experience Using Augmented Reality
Sep 4, 2022
3 Ways To Enhance Your Customer Experience Using Augmented Reality
Sep 4, 2022
Sep 4, 2022
3 Ways of Reaching and Engaging Transformational Consumers
Aug 20, 2022
3 Ways of Reaching and Engaging Transformational Consumers
Aug 20, 2022
Aug 20, 2022
How to Drive Traffic to your Website Successfully
Aug 14, 2022
How to Drive Traffic to your Website Successfully
Aug 14, 2022
Aug 14, 2022
How Digital Transformation is driving Disruption in Wealth Re-Distribution
May 13, 2022
How Digital Transformation is driving Disruption in Wealth Re-Distribution
May 13, 2022
May 13, 2022
7 Reasons why outsourcing digital marketing will grow your business 
Apr 23, 2022
7 Reasons why outsourcing digital marketing will grow your business 
Apr 23, 2022
Apr 23, 2022
5 Reasons why your business should get better at Email Marketing
Feb 12, 2022
5 Reasons why your business should get better at Email Marketing
Feb 12, 2022
Feb 12, 2022
How to Use Earned Media, Owned Media & Paid Media to Increase Revenue
Jan 16, 2022
How to Use Earned Media, Owned Media & Paid Media to Increase Revenue
Jan 16, 2022
Jan 16, 2022
2021 in Review….5 Lessons from the Digital Marketing World 
Dec 19, 2021
2021 in Review….5 Lessons from the Digital Marketing World 
Dec 19, 2021
Dec 19, 2021
Buyer Personas, Buyer Profiles & How to Get In Front Of Your Ideal Buyer
Nov 20, 2021
Buyer Personas, Buyer Profiles & How to Get In Front Of Your Ideal Buyer
Nov 20, 2021
Nov 20, 2021
5 Steps to Create an Effective Digital Marketing Strategy
Oct 3, 2021
5 Steps to Create an Effective Digital Marketing Strategy
Oct 3, 2021
Oct 3, 2021
Digital Marketing Tips for Professional Services
Sep 11, 2021
Digital Marketing Tips for Professional Services
Sep 11, 2021
Sep 11, 2021
5 Ways Content Marketing Can help Your Brand
Jul 24, 2021
5 Ways Content Marketing Can help Your Brand
Jul 24, 2021
Jul 24, 2021
Digital Transformation: Why Companies Must Innovate Bottom-to-Top & Drive Stability Top-to-Bottom
Jun 20, 2021
Digital Transformation: Why Companies Must Innovate Bottom-to-Top & Drive Stability Top-to-Bottom
Jun 20, 2021
Jun 20, 2021
5 Reasons Your Social Media Marketing Needs a Content Strategy
May 9, 2021
5 Reasons Your Social Media Marketing Needs a Content Strategy
May 9, 2021
May 9, 2021
Accelerate your Digital Transformation Journey, a must read for Board Members, C-level Executives and Business Owners 
Apr 25, 2021
Accelerate your Digital Transformation Journey, a must read for Board Members, C-level Executives and Business Owners 
Apr 25, 2021
Apr 25, 2021
The Why, What, and How of Building Your Personal Brand 
Mar 13, 2021
The Why, What, and How of Building Your Personal Brand 
Mar 13, 2021
Mar 13, 2021
In Guest Blog Tags Nkemdilim Begho, ESG
← The Journey of Empowerment: From Single Mother to Successful EntrepreneurEmpowering Growth: Businesswomen and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) →

CELEBRATING 10 YEARS


LATEST PODCAST

LIONESSES OF AFRICA · AI Series Ep. 2 : AI-Human Collaboration in the Workplace

Lioness Radio Show: AI Series Ep. 2 : AI-Human Collaboration in the Workplace - Tune in for an engaging conversation designed to equip you with the knowledge to embrace AI and unlock its possibilities for your business.


LIONESS WEEKENDER COVER STORIES

LIONESS WEEKENDER COVER STORY
Dr Margaret Kemigisha, a publishing entrepreneur passionate about childrens’ literacy
Dr Margaret Kemigisha, a publishing entrepreneur passionate about childrens’ literacy
Sydelle Willow Smith, a pioneer of solar-powered mobile cinema in Africa
Sydelle Willow Smith, a pioneer of solar-powered mobile cinema in Africa
Babette Kourelos, a passionate artisanal bread-baking business builder
Babette Kourelos, a passionate artisanal bread-baking business builder
Thandekile Moloko, an entrepreneur empowering her clients’ financial futures
Thandekile Moloko, an entrepreneur empowering her clients’ financial futures
Teboho Seretlo, a passion-driven entrepreneur helping SMEs to grow
Teboho Seretlo, a passion-driven entrepreneur helping SMEs to grow

IMAGE OF THE DAY. CELEBRATING WOMAN MADE IN AFRICA.

Image of the Day / Oryx Desert Salt

Sustainable salt and pepper…At Lionesses of Africa, we are passionate about supporting  sustainable brands, and a great example is Oryx Desert Salt, founded by Samantha Skyring in South Africa. This growing
Image of the Day / Reform Studio

Sustainable fashion accessories…We love showcasing women business innovators, so this morning we are featuring the work of sustainable lifestyle brand, Reform Studio, an inspirational eco-focused manufacturing
Image of the Day /Femi Handbags

Full Bloom Style…Add a touch of summer florals to your wardrobe with one of the beautiful new Bloom handbags from Femi Handbags in Nigeria, founded by Femi Olayebi. With their eclectic pops of colour, there&rsq
Image of the Day / Melvins Teas

Time for tea…If you love tea, then this Cool Chamomile tea from the Melvins Tea brand, founded by Flora Mutahi in Kenya is just what you need. The brand is part of Melvin Marsh International, the Kenyan-based f
Image of the Day / Afropian

Storytelling through accessories…Afropian, the Pan-african lifestyle brand founded by Ethiopean entrepreneur Hortense Mbea, is a rare, fully hand-made in Africa brand. It uses traditional know-how in a modern way t
Image of the Day / AAKS

Vibrant Ghanaian craftsmanship,…We just have to share one of our favourite accessories of the year, this beautiful hand-woven bag created by award-winning designer Akosua Afriyie-Kumi and her AAKS brand in Ghana. We lo
Image of the Day / Ledikana

Contemporary South African Chic…Knowing exactly how to spot a gap in the marketplace is key to the success of any fashion brand, and Mapholo Ratau, founder of Ledikana in South Africa, has achieved that goal. For h
Image of the Day / The 1964 Brand

Modern relaxed fashion…Olakunmi Oni is the founder of The 1964 Brand in Nigeria, a fashion business that proudly promotes self-care through minimalist clothing for the modern woman. Loyal patrons of The 1964
Image of the Day / Adèle Dejak

Big bold accessories…We are big fans of luxury jewellery and accessories made with love and passion on the African continent, and Adèle Dejak in Kenya is the epitome of handmade luxury. The brand c
Image of the Day / ReelFruit
 
Healthy snack treats…We love showcasing Africa’s women agribusiness builders, and ReelFruit, founded by Affiong Williams, is inspirational - it’s the largest fruit processing, packaging and distributi
Image of the Day / Oryx Desert Salt

Sustainable salt and pepper…At Lionesses of Africa, we are passionate about supporting  sustainable brands, and a great example is Oryx Desert Salt, founded by Samantha Skyring in South Africa. This growing Image of the Day / Reform Studio

Sustainable fashion accessories…We love showcasing women business innovators, so this morning we are featuring the work of sustainable lifestyle brand, Reform Studio, an inspirational eco-focused manufacturing Image of the Day /Femi Handbags

Full Bloom Style…Add a touch of summer florals to your wardrobe with one of the beautiful new Bloom handbags from Femi Handbags in Nigeria, founded by Femi Olayebi. With their eclectic pops of colour, there&rsq Image of the Day / Melvins Teas

Time for tea…If you love tea, then this Cool Chamomile tea from the Melvins Tea brand, founded by Flora Mutahi in Kenya is just what you need. The brand is part of Melvin Marsh International, the Kenyan-based f Image of the Day / Afropian

Storytelling through accessories…Afropian, the Pan-african lifestyle brand founded by Ethiopean entrepreneur Hortense Mbea, is a rare, fully hand-made in Africa brand. It uses traditional know-how in a modern way t Image of the Day / AAKS

Vibrant Ghanaian craftsmanship,…We just have to share one of our favourite accessories of the year, this beautiful hand-woven bag created by award-winning designer Akosua Afriyie-Kumi and her AAKS brand in Ghana. We lo Image of the Day / Ledikana

Contemporary South African Chic…Knowing exactly how to spot a gap in the marketplace is key to the success of any fashion brand, and Mapholo Ratau, founder of Ledikana in South Africa, has achieved that goal. For h Image of the Day / The 1964 Brand

Modern relaxed fashion…Olakunmi Oni is the founder of The 1964 Brand in Nigeria, a fashion business that proudly promotes self-care through minimalist clothing for the modern woman. Loyal patrons of The 1964 Image of the Day / Adèle Dejak

Big bold accessories…We are big fans of luxury jewellery and accessories made with love and passion on the African continent, and Adèle Dejak in Kenya is the epitome of handmade luxury. The brand c Image of the Day / ReelFruit
 
Healthy snack treats…We love showcasing Africa’s women agribusiness builders, and ReelFruit, founded by Affiong Williams, is inspirational - it’s the largest fruit processing, packaging and distributi

STARTUP STORIES. MEET THE WOMEN WHO’VE LAUNCHED.

Featured
Tumelo Tshwagong, a South African agri-entrepreneur contributing to finding sustainable local solutions to addressing food insecurity
Tumelo Tshwagong, a South African agri-entrepreneur contributing to finding sustainable local solutions to addressing food insecurity
Gloria Sellwane Phala, a South African entrepreneur helping clients benefit from the transformative impact of yoga
Gloria Sellwane Phala, a South African entrepreneur helping clients benefit from the transformative impact of yoga
Nondumiso Leshaba, a South African business builder providing professional business advisory and accounting services to SMEs
Nondumiso Leshaba, a South African business builder providing professional business advisory and accounting services to SMEs
Anneline Lucinda Lopis, an entrepreneur on a mission to grow small scale miners around the African continent
Anneline Lucinda Lopis, an entrepreneur on a mission to grow small scale miners around the African continent
Gadifele Moeng, a South African entrepreneur empowering young people to find their voices through public speaking
Gadifele Moeng, a South African entrepreneur empowering young people to find their voices through public speaking

LIONESS DATA & INSIGHTS


LIONESS PLAYBOOKS



Screen Shot 2020-01-27 at 6.01.32 PM.png
Screen Shot 2020-01-27 at 5.34.58 PM.png

Sign up today to receive the #1-rated newsletters for Africa's women entrepreneurs.

* indicates required
Required: Please select your newsletter(s):


LIONESS BOOK REVIEWS

Featured
Dream Big and Win: Translating Passion into Purpose and Creating a Billion-Dollar Business by Liz Elting
Dream Big and Win: Translating Passion into Purpose and Creating a Billion-Dollar Business by Liz Elting
After the Idea: What It Really Takes to Create and Scale a Startup by Julia Austin
After the Idea: What It Really Takes to Create and Scale a Startup by Julia Austin
Feminine Intelligence: How visionary leaders can reshape business for good by Elina Teboul
Feminine Intelligence: How visionary leaders can reshape business for good by Elina Teboul
Bridging the Confidence Gap: How Empowered Women Change the World by Sheena Yap Chan
Bridging the Confidence Gap: How Empowered Women Change the World by Sheena Yap Chan
Authentic Selling: Be Real to Seal the Deal by Kendrick Shope
Authentic Selling: Be Real to Seal the Deal by Kendrick Shope

About Us  |  Contact Us  | PRIVACY POLICY | terms OF SERVICE  | Community Guidelines  

© 2025 LIONESSES OF AFRICA public benefit corporation. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.