Former President John Dramani Mahama will headline the 7th Africa Sustainability Report Summit, Exhibition and Awards (AASuP) in Accra. The three-day event, scheduled for September 24 to 26, 2026, focuses on Africa's transition to a green economy. This summit aims to build capacity and unlock potential across the continent.
The summit, themed “A Green Economy Transition in Africa: Building Capacity, Unlocking Potential,” will take place at the La Palm Royale Beach Hotel. It brings together policymakers, businesses, and sustainability professionals. The event seeks to accelerate Africa’s shift to a green economy. It also addresses challenges hindering progress towards the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
This initiative comes as Ghana and Africa face a significant skills and capacity gap in sustainability. This gap undermines the continent's ability to effectively implement the SDGs adopted in 2015. Despite available financing for sustainable development, countries often struggle to meet technical conditions. This situation prevents them from accessing crucial funds for green projects and initiatives. Building local expertise is therefore critical for Ghana's economic future.
Humphrey Tetteh, President of the Association of African Sustainability Practitioners (AASuP), highlighted these concerns. He stated that Ghana has made progress on only a few of the 17 SDGs. Mr. Tetteh emphasized that the challenge extends beyond funding. He pointed to a shortage of professionals with the technical expertise needed to manage and implement projects. These projects must meet the requirements of international financiers. He stressed the need for local expertise to attract and utilize sustainable development financing effectively.
The summit's implications are far-reaching for Ghana's economic development and environmental sustainability. Addressing the skills gap can unlock substantial financing for green projects. This will create new jobs and foster economic growth in environmentally friendly sectors. Decision-makers will watch for concrete strategies and partnerships emerging from the discussions. The market will respond to increased investment opportunities in sustainable industries. The event also includes an Executive Masterclass on Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) from November 9 to 14, 2026. This masterclass aims to strengthen ESG practices among executives and professionals. Participants will receive practical training in ESG strategy and performance measurement. The member fee for this masterclass is GHS 12,500 per participant. This fee excludes applicable taxes and accommodation. The masterclass aligns with international standards like ISO 14001 and ISO 26000. These initiatives are crucial for moving beyond discussions to practical, bankable projects. The Presidency of the Republic of Ghana and the Office of the Minister of State for Climate Change and Sustainability support the September 2026 summit. This high-level support underscores the national importance of these sustainability efforts.