The idea that ESG may be a flawed concept when it comes to sustainable development has been the subject of a lot of headlines recently. The question then becomes: How relevant is ESG for Africa as a continent? Wangui Kaniaru, Partner at ALN Kenya, looks into the theme Imagining The Future and trends on key issues like ESG, climate change and regional integration leading up to ALN Associates’ Weekend this year. ESG is fundamentally important, but in order to understand this, it’s crucial to distinguish the broader scope from its active frameworks. If you consider the wider context, ESG is a critical instrument in the future for Africa. It is a crucial aspect of what companies must examine, what investors must take into account, and what is necessary for societal transformation. However, a few difficulties become apparent when you consider the strategic approach. The frameworks utilised to measure and implement ESG targets are not very detailed. Governments are employing a variety of incentives and systems to help materialise ESG compliance, but these efforts are not consistent on a national level. Additionally, there is a lack of coordination, which prevents African countries from addressing the interconnected problems caused by climate change in a way that fosters resilience. ESG has the ability to transform sustainability away from being an external construct that is being imposed by individuals who are seeking to tick off a box . Instead, sustainability has to evolve into a resource created by Africans and for Africans to shape their future.