A Review of Corporate Sustainability Practice in Africa – Insight Report Series

Corporate sustainability is a holistic approach to conducting business while achieving environmental, social, and economic (including financial) goals and managing ‘footprint’ to create more value for all stakeholders.

It is common knowledge that Africa is faced with societal challenges slowing the prosperity of her people and her economy leaving many organisations, governments and communities puzzled as to the best approach needed to tackle these seemingly insurmountable problems. In this insight series, LBSSC’s team of experts and researchers explore the various ways businesses on the continent are embedding sustainability. Parts 1 and 2 take a deep dive into Creating Shared Value (CSV), a concept invented by Harvard professors Kramer and Porter and how it is currently practised using case studies of select organisations in Africa.

This insight articles series highlights organisations in Africa that have prioritised applying sustainability thinking in business strategy and their approach to societal impact alongside profitability. Part 1 and Part 2 focus on companies practicing the ‘Creating Shared Value’ approach to corporate sustainability.  The extent to which organisations grasp the delicate interplay between profit and purpose will define the future of responsible business on the continent. Organisations that master this balance will not only thrive economically, they will become great stewards of the environment and contribute positively to society. As businesses navigate the challenges of the continent, it is worthy of note that purpose and profit can be powerful allies in shaping the Africa We Want.

The Africa Corporate Sustainability Champions – Case Series

Organisations in Nigeria are starting to appreciate the sustainability dimension to their activities, although as a nation, we still have some way to go. This is why I am pleased that the LBS Sustainability Centre is taking the initiative to document the experiences of organisations who are some way on their sustainability journey, to present their understandings and interpretations of sustainability in their organisations, the benefits they have had on their local communities and the lessons learnt from their journey.

It is anticipated that these are experiences from which other organisations in Nigeria and beyond, may be able to learn from, as they consider how they too can imbue the sustainability agenda in their own businesses.

Business and Sustainability Development in Nigeria, The Banking Industry

The main objective of this report, Business and Sustainable Development in Nigeria: The Banking Industry, is to present a business-relevant resource on corporate sustainability practices in Nigeria’s banking industry. It is a practical resource for banks, business executives, investors, market analysts, regulators, academics and the public. It is designed to provide information on sustainability trends, efforts to address sustainable development in the banking industry, as well as related challenges and opportunities.

Lagos Business School Sustainability Centre, Annual Report 2020

The year 2020 was one of harsh realities and uncertainties. We are glad for your support, loyalty and commitment notwithstanding the extraordinary and challenging circumstances we all faced. We made it through and would like to share with you our reflections, learnings and accomplishments. Despite the disruptions, we at the Lagos Business School Sustainability Centre achieved our goal of bringing together theory and practice of sustainability through courses, research and dialogue forums all centred on four thematic areas – (1) Sustainable Development & Corporate Sustainability, (2) Responsible Business & Leadership, (3) Circular Economy and (4) Nonprofit & Social Enterprise Management. Through strategic engagement with corporates, leading NGOs, LBS Faculty and expert facilitators, our committed team members designed and delivered various programmes for business executives, nonprofit leaders, sustainable waste managers, media personnel, business students, etc.

Lagos Business School Sustainability Centre, Annual Report 2019

Our work in 2019 was focused on three thematic areas: O(1) Responsible Business & Leadership; (2) S u sutainable Development & Corporate Sustainability, and (3) Nonprofit Management & Social Entrepreneurship. I am glad to share that through our courses, conferences and research, the LBS Sustainability Centre reached over a thousand individuals and organisations in 2019. This was achieved through the Centre’s targeted knowledge-sharing initiatives and strategic partner engagement. Working with our committed team members, LBS’ faculty, expert facilitators and key partners, we designed and delivered various programmes for business executives, sustainability professionals and media personnel.

Lagos Business School Sustainability Centre, Annual Report 2018

Our work in 2019 was focused on three thematic areas: O(1) Responsible Business & Leadership; (2) S u sutainable Development & Corporate Sustainability, and (3) Nonprofit Management & Social Entrepreneurship. I am glad to share that through our courses, conferences and research, the LBS Sustainability Centre reached over a thousand individuals and organisations in 2019. This was achieved through the Centre’s targeted knowledge-sharing initiatives and strategic partner engagement. Working with our committed team members, LBS’ faculty, expert facilitators and key partners, we designed and delivered various programmes for business executives, sustainability professionals and media personnel.

Project Impact Report: Building Youth Leadership Capacity in Nonprofit Management

Recognising the need to build the capacity of youth in the nonprofit sector, LBS Sustainability Centre with the support and guidance of the Ford Foundation developed and implemented the project ‘Building Youth Leadership Capacity in Nonprofit Management’. The project began in June 2017 and has led to the development of a certificate programme for youth in the sector, Nonprofit Leadership and Management Programme (NPLM). The project has also connected youth to experienced mentors through the senior fellows in residence programme and the participation of industry experts as facilitators which is an integral part of NPLM.

Sharing Information on Progress (SIP) Report 2020

The past two years have been quite eventful for TLagos Business School. With the pandemic ravaging the world and leaving nations scrambling for solutions, we had to innovate not just to survive but to thrive in these unprecedented times. As a leading business school in Africa, we are even more resolute in our commitment to the UN Principles of Responsible Management Education as they align with our mission and strategy focus on impact.