ESG African Summit: Integrating ESG Criteria into Business Strategies
Claudia Cariello, ESG Project Manager & Marketing Manager at Google, shared her vision on integrating Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria into business strategies during the second edition of the ESG African Summit, organized by Managers magazine.
Her presentation highlighted the strategic importance of ESG criteria for African companies seeking to meet the growing expectations of consumers and investors. Cariello emphasized that a recent study reveals that consumers are willing to pay almost 10% more for sustainable products, while over half of them prioritize companies that adopt genuine environmental sensitivity. This finding demonstrates that adopting sustainable and transparent practices has become imperative for businesses.
Five key axes have been identified as priorities for a successful ESG transition:
- Transparency and data integrity, necessary for building trust with stakeholders.
- Climate impact mitigation, through reducing carbon emissions and adapting to environmental risks.
- Social responsibility and equity, by promoting diversity, inclusion, and fair working conditions.
- Supply chain sustainability, to ensure ethical and responsible practices throughout the process.
- Regulatory compliance, to conform to evolving international standards.
To measure and track progress, Cariello recommended that companies prioritize simple and relevant indicators adapted to their sector. The use of international standards and standardized certification tools also improves transparency and structures approaches.
However, challenges persist, particularly in integrating these practices sustainably and raising awareness among employees and partners. The key lies in clear and accessible communication, using captivating storytelling to better engage stakeholders.
The future of ESG criteria appears promising, with technology playing an increasingly important role in anticipating risks and personalizing corporate responses. These practices are no longer optional; they have become essential for reinforcing business resilience and competitiveness in the long term.
