London, UK//-Lead Consultant of Tarragon Edge, Dr Genevieve Pearl Duncan has called for the needed systems, right norms, regulations, and structures to enable Africa leverage on its endowed natural resources to attract funds available for achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.
She made the call when she spoke on sustainable financing at the just ended LWB Leadership Summit in London, UK from 18 -19th May 2023.
Dr Duncan also advocated that financial institutions should be ready to support businesses with incentives in green financing, advising the audience to take note of the Africa Green Bank Initiative launched at COP 27 in Egypt by the Africa Development Bank (AfDB)
She reiterated the fact that “Africa has many opportunities to leverage on and although we also have challenges, we should focus more on capitalising on our strengths; here are more than enough natural resources, put in the needed systems and structure especially in Governance and be more strategic in our negotiations”.
Dr Duncan used the occasion to call for a shift in the mindset on these issues of leadership, to remember that “we all have a role to play in ensuring Africa progresses on the agenda of sustainable future”.
Speaking on the topic- ‘Sustainable Global Financing -Challenges and Opportunities’, she stated that the issue of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) should not just be a tick of the box by firms but should be embedded in all organisations big or small.
The consultant also asked corporate/ business leaders to be intentional about ensuring committed efforts that would lead to the sustainable future come 2030 and beyond”.
Dr Duncan who shared a panel discussion with Mozambique ‘s President of the Confederation of Economic Association, Agostinho Zacharias Vuma; and George Baba Femi Executive Director of eTransact Ghana Ltd, with broadcast journalist and Partner of Channels TV London Bureau Chief, Juliana Olayinka, as the moderator.
Other key speakers at the conference were Dr Mohammad Saeed, Snr Advisor, Trade Facilitation, International Trade Center, Geneva Area Switzerland; Prince Clem Ikanada Agba, Minister for Budget and National planning, Nigeria; Dr Tinashe Manzungu, Africa Board Council, Zimbabwe; Jemma Hotta , partner at Our Clark Solicitors; among others.
The two-day conference was under the theme -Business Beyond Borders; Global Partnerships & Sustainable Investments was organised by Leaders Without Borders Development Center (LWBDC) with key partners such as Ble’ Global, Tarragon Edge Limited and California Metropolitan University.
Instructively, the Center is an internationally recognised organisation focused on improving leadership skills, entrepreneur skills while creating an environment for trade and investment opportunity.
Its mission is to create a level playground for businesses across the globe to connect, trade and expand. It is also a networking center for businesses to connect globally whilst encouraging global partnership and cross border alliances.
