SALI attended PAFA Sustainability Week 2025, a virtual event held from 10 to 13 November 2025. The Pan African Federation of Accountants (PAFA) organised this four-day sustainability summit through its PAFA Sustainability Centre of Excellence with the core theme: “From Awareness to Implementation: Empowering Africa to Deliver Sustainable Value.” This event focused on actionable strategies for sustainability reporting, integrated reporting frameworks and capacity building across Africa’s business and professional sectors.
The programme tackled key topics shaping Africa’s sustainability agenda:
Global Sustainability Standards and Africa’s Strategic Positioning
The opening sessions examined how international sustainability reporting standards, such as the IFRS Sustainability Disclosure Standards, can be adapted to the African context. Delegates explored how alignment with global reporting frameworks boosts credibility and supports investors seeking transparent environmental, social and governance (ESG) data from African organisations.
Policy, Regulation and System Alignment for Sustainable Value Creation
Day two centred on policy coherence and regulatory frameworks that help governments and private sector entities implement sustainability reporting and accountability measures. Discussions highlighted the need for integrated systems that link reporting, public finance and long-term development goals.
Implementation Strategies for SMEs and Capital Flows
Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) often face challenges in adopting sustainability practices. Sessions addressed how sustainability reporting can unlock green capital, strengthen access to sustainable finance and improve public-sector engagement with private-sector sustainability initiatives.
Assurance Practices and Skills for Future-Ready Reporting Professionals
The final day focused on the role of assurance, quality and professional skills in driving reliable sustainability disclosure. Participants discussed how accountants, auditors and sustainability practitioners can deepen competence and adopt best practices in sustainability assurance to support transparent reporting ecosystems.
Across all days, PAFA emphasised capacity building so that organisations and professionals in Africa can confidently meet sustainability reporting requirements and comply with emerging ESG disclosure standards. SALI’s team engaged with speakers and delegates, reinforcing our mission to strengthen sustainability reporting capabilities in emerging markets.
PAFA Sustainability Week 2025 reaffirmed that Africa’s sustainability journey is shifting toward implementation, productivity and measurable impact. It drew sustainability leaders and accounting professionals committed to integrating ESG, reporting frameworks and ethical practices into business and governance across the continent.
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