African ESG Summit
African ESG Summit 2025: Africa Steps Up to Lead the Sustainability Transformation
Tunis, October 10, 2025, The third edition of the African ESG Summit, organized by the Magazine Managers in partnership with the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom Tunisia & Libya, brought together some of the most influential voices shaping Africa’s sustainable future.
With the theme “From Data to Trust: Building the ESG Advantage,” the 2025 summit explored how artificial intelligence, responsible investment, and transparent governance can accelerate Africa’s green and inclusive transformation. The event gathered business leaders, policymakers, investors, and innovators from across the continent to redefine what it means to create impact in a fast-changing global economy.
A Platform for Ideas that Move the Needle
Throughout the summit, a common message resonated: ESG is no longer optional, it is strategic.
From the opening remarks by Ms. Sahar Mechri: Executive Director of Managers Magazine, Ms. Birgit Lamm: FNF Tunisia and Libya Director and M. Wael Chouchene: State Secretary for Energy Transition; to the closing “Proof of Impact” session, every panel underscored the urgency of integrating Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles into Africa’s economic fabric.
The agenda covered a wide range of high-level discussions including AI for Net Zero, Responsible AI and Footprint, Embedding ESG in Ecosystems, and From Data to Trust illustrating how technology and ethical governance can drive measurable progress.
FNF Tunisia & Libya: Empowering the Shift from Awareness to Action
As a proud partner of the African ESG Summit 2025, FNF Tunisia & Libya reaffirmed its commitment to promoting freedom, innovation, and sustainability across Africa.
By supporting this platform, FNF played a vital role in bridging the gap between research, policy, and private sector innovation, empowering entrepreneurs, decision-makers, and investors to adopt evidence-based, transparent, and forward-looking ESG practices.
FNF’s participation aligns with its broader mission to foster economic freedom and sustainable growth where progress is driven not only by technology but by values of accountability, inclusion, and responsible leadership.
AI, Climate, and Credibility: The Summit’s Core Takeaways
One of the highlights was the AI x ESG series of panels, which examined how artificial intelligence can both accelerate and challenge sustainability goals. Experts such as Chamss Ould (dClimate) and Juda Béharé Soro (Côte d’Ivoire) showcased how data-driven systems are helping African institutions monitor carbon emissions, predict climate risks, and restore degraded lands turning innovation into tangible impact.
Meanwhile, the “From Data to Trust” panel tackled one of the most pressing issues for ESG implementation: credibility. As Charlie Martin, CEO of the UK’s Anti-Greenwash Charter, stressed, “Data only creates value when it’s transparent, verified, and used responsibly.” This discussion echoed FNF’s own philosophy that freedom thrives when truth and transparency guide progress.
Celebrating African Innovation: The African Sust’Awards 2025
The summit culminated with the African Sust’Awards 2025, celebrating startups transforming Africa’s sustainability landscape.
🏆 Chitelix, winner of the Momentum Award, was recognized for its fast-growing impact in developing biopolymers and green technologies for the cosmetics, pharmaceutical, and agricultural sectors.
🏆 IrWise, awarded Rising Star of the Year, stood out for its innovative solutions advancing responsible digitalization and smart energy management.
These success stories embody Africa’s entrepreneurial resilience and creative response to global challenges a vision that FNF continuously supports through its programs and partnerships promoting entrepreneurship and climate innovation.
ESG as a New Communication Code
The summit also underscored a key transformation: “Communicating is no longer informing it’s proving.”
This powerful statement, echoed throughout the sessions, captures the spirit of a new era where African brands and institutions must demonstrate measurable impact and ethical commitment rather than relying on slogans.
Through its work in promoting good governance, freedom of expression, and responsible business, FNF Tunisia & Libya continues to champion this new communication paradigm one that links credibility with visibility, and growth with integrity.
Toward a Freer, Greener, and Fairer Future
The African ESG Summit 2025 demonstrated that the continent is not merely following global ESG trends, it is shaping them.
By fostering collaboration between governments, investors, and innovators, and with the support of organizations like FNF, Africa is paving the way toward a sustainable, inclusive, and free future.
