Mahama Leads Africa’s Sustainability Future at Historic Summit

President John Dramani Mahama is expected to headline the 7th Africa Sustainability Report Summit, Exhibition and Awards (AASuP) in Accra from September 24 to 26, 2026. The three-day event, organized by Think Energy Media in collaboration with the Association of African Sustainability Practitioners (AASuP), will bring together policymakers, businesses, sustainability professionals, academics, and other stakeholders to explore practical approaches to accelerating Africa's transition to a green economy.

A Green Economy Transition in Africa

The summit, themed "A Green Economy Transition in Africa: Building Capacity, Unlocking Potential," will feature President Mahama as the Special Guest of Honour. Johnson Asiedu Nketia, Chairman of the National Democratic Party NDC, is among the distinguished speakers expected to address participants at the summit. Other notable speakers include the Vice-Chancellor of Accra Technical University, Professor Amevi Akpovi; GoldBod Director for Responsible Mining and Sustainability, Professor Ishmael Quaicoe; Finance, Management and Sustainability Professional, Dr Thelma Frimpong Mensah; and Head of Shared Services at CalBank PLC, Dr Abraham Aguriba.

Sustainability Skills Gap Undermining Progress

Ahead of the summit, AASuP has raised concerns about a significant skills and capacity gap that it says is undermining Ghana and Africa's ability to effectively implement the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Humphrey Tetteh, President of AASuP, said Ghana has made progress on only a few of the 17 SDGs since their adoption by the United Nations in 2015. The challenge, he noted, is not limited to funding but also involves a shortage of professionals with the technical expertise required to develop, manage, and implement projects capable of meeting the requirements of international financiers.

Closing the Sustainability Skills Gap

To address the skills gap, AASuP is organizing an Executive Masterclass on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) from November 9 to 14, 2026, at the Adomi Bridge View Hotel in Akosombo. The five-day programme, themed "Lead. Design. Measure. Assure. Transform," is targeted at executives, sustainability professionals, and organizations seeking to strengthen their ESG practices and translate sustainability commitments into measurable outcomes. Participants will receive practical training in ESG strategy, performance measurement, governance, assurance, and sustainable transformation, supported by workshops and real-life case studies.

The two initiatives are being positioned as part of efforts to close Africa's sustainability skills gap and strengthen the capacity of institutions and professionals to translate sustainability commitments into practical and bankable projects. The organizers say the objective is to move beyond discussions on climate change and the SDGs to building the skills, institutions, and leadership required to unlock the economic opportunities associated with Africa's transition to a greener economy.

The September 2026 summit is being held with support from the Presidency of the Republic of Ghana and the Office of the Minister of State responsible for Climate Change and Sustainability. The AASuP member fee for the Executive Masterclass is GH¢12,500 per participant, excluding applicable taxes and accommodation, with registration expected to close on October 15, 2026. The two initiatives are expected to bring together experts and stakeholders to address the challenges hindering progress towards the SDGs and explore practical approaches to accelerating Africa's transition to a green economy.

Source: JOY