Bridging the ESG Knowledge Gap: 5 Key Metrics Every Board Should Use to Assess and Improve ESG Performance

December 29, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Nkemdilim Uwaje Begho

As ESG factors become crucial to corporate success, boards all over the world are under stakeholder pressure to evolve. Investors, regulators, and the public are demanding greater transparency and accountability. Conversely, boards are yet to build the needed preparedness to address ESG risks, resulting in financial underperformance and reputational damage. This has created a significant gap, as revealed by the African Financial Investor Relations article, which found that fewer than half of global boards, particularly in Africa, fully understand ESG concepts.

Nkemdilim Uwaje Begho, Ngozi Edozien & Bella Ikeme, three entrepreneurs empowering organisations in ESG excellence

December 14, 2024 Melanie Hawken

Lioness Weekender Cover Story

ESG In Action Africa Ltd, a consortium dedicated to empowering African organisations in their journey towards Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) excellence.

Nkemdilim Uwaje Begho, Ngozi Edozien & Bella Ikeme are the founders of ESG In Action Africa, a Nigeria based consortium of seasoned consultants and subject matter experts, committed to guiding African organisations on the transformative journey towards sustainability and environmental, social and governance (ESG) excellence. ESG In Action Africa’s mission is clear: To partner with African entities on their ESG journey to sustainability and business excellence, by democratising and localising access to ESG insights, resources, tools, training, and advisory services. Together, the ESG In Action Africa team will help to unlock the full potential of ESG by elevating strategy execution and good governance, thereby building institutions renowned for best practices who will push the envelope on ESG in Africa to the highest international standards and creating lasting value for all stakeholders as well as the communities they collectively serve.

The Importance of Elevating Marketing Governance on the Board Agenda

September 29, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Bella Ikeme

In the fast-paced business world, where strategies evolve and markets transform, the significance of brand marketing cannot be overstated. A recent study by the Marketing Science Institute underlines the profound impact of effective marketing governance on overall business performance, emphasising the strategic importance of the board's oversight on marketing matters. The study revealed that boards with at least one marketing-experienced director witnessed a three-percentage point increase in total shareholder return. Their "outside-in" perspective complements the internal operational focus of typical board members. The invaluable "been there, done that" perspective these directors offer on rebranding initiatives, strategic partnerships, and customer insights adds a layer of depth to board discussions.

ESG vs Sustainability vs CSR - An FMCG Case Study

September 22, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Bella Ikeme

A few days ago, I read an article by Ery Dimitrantzou of Cority titled “What’s the difference: ESG vs Sustainability vs CSR”. I agree with her views on the matter but because we ESG In Action Africa get that question a lot, I have decided to use a case study to help drive home the points she made:

The Case for Accountability, Transparency and Authenticity

September 8, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Nkemdilim Uwaje Begho

ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) principles with stakeholder management have become essential for present-day organisations looking to succeed and make a positive impact. This is because ESG is more than sustainability reports, it’s a compass through which an organisation can navigate its relationships with stakeholders.

5 Ways a Strong ESG Proposition Can Create Brand Value

August 19, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Nkemdilim Uwaje Begho

ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) is officially no longer a buzzword like most people thought that it was for a really long time. ESG is a necessary factor for companies and businesses striving to succeed and create lasting brand value. According to Forbes, companies with strong ESG ratings have outperformed the market by an average of 3.5% per year over the past decade. Additionally, BusinessWire reported that 85% of millennials say they are more likely to buy from companies that are committed to ESG.

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.

“…ESG…it’s been entirely weaponized…” (and what we can do about it!)

July 9, 2023 Melanie Hawken

by Lionesses of Africa Operations Department

BlackRock is the world’s largest asset manager, and so when its boss Larry Fink speaks, the world listens, and who are we to argue with his comment above (see here). He has a point and especially in the United States where the discussion, as sadly with so much in many countries these days, has become polarized along political lines.

The Problem with ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance)

August 26, 2022 Melanie Hawken

by Lionesses of Africa Operations Department

We were in London this week, the global centre for Insurance, in discussions with a seriously senior insurance guru in charge of major Financial and Professional Lines. What that means is that he insures major financial and corporate customers (the Fortune 500/FTSE100 types) for (amongst other things), securities lawsuits (those bought by shareholders) and external class action suits. Heavy duty stuff.

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