How African Businesses Can Embrace Sustainability for a Better Future

In recent years, the need for sustainable business practices has become increasingly apparent through the introduction of “Closing The Green Gap”. As the world grapples with the realities of climate change and the impact it has on our planet, companies have come to realise that they have a responsibility to do their part in reducing their carbon footprint. This is especially true in Africa, where many countries are vulnerable to the effects of climate change.

Closing the Green Gap is a term used to describe the steps that companies can take to become more sustainable. This includes reducing their carbon emissions, using renewable energy sources, and adopting more sustainable business practices. While many African companies are taking steps towards sustainability, there is still a significant gap between what is being done and what needs to be done.

How to become more sustainable as a company and recognise your Green Gap:

Becoming more sustainable as a company involves a multifaceted approach that includes reducing waste, using eco-friendly products and services, implementing sustainable practices, and embracing renewable energy sources.

Practical steps to ensure your company is working towards closing the green gap and becoming more sustainable:

• Conducting a sustainability audit on the gap:

  Start by analysing your company’s environmental impact and identify areas where you can make changes. This audit can help you set your company’s priorities and develop a roadmap for future sustainability.

• Reducing waste:

  Waste reduction can take many forms, including reducing the amount of paper used in our office, minimising packaging, recycling, and composting. Implementing a waste reduction program in your company can help save money, reduce your carbon footprint, and enhance your reputation as a socially responsible company.

• Using eco-friendly products and services:

  Consider using eco-friendly products and services in your business operations. This includes everything from green cleaning supplies to energy-efficient office equipment.

• Implementing sustainable practices to minimise the gap:

  There are many ways to incorporate sustainable practices into your business, such as switching to LED lighting in our office space, encouraging employees to use public transportation, and promoting telecommuting / carpooling. Encourage employees to participate in sustainable practices by setting up a green team or sustainability committee to aid the enforcement of more mindful business practices.

• Embracing renewable energy sources:

  Consider investing in renewable energy sources such as solar panels or wind turbines. These can provide clean energy while reducing your carbon footprint and offering a saving on energy costs while making progress on closing the green gap.

Overcoming the challenges to sustainable business practices in Africa:

One of the biggest challenges facing African companies is the lack of awareness and understanding of sustainability issues. Many companies simply do not have the knowledge or resources to implement sustainable business practices. This is where business-to-business (B2B) partnerships can play a critical role. By working together, companies can share knowledge, resources, and expertise, ultimately creating a more sustainably bright future for Africa.

B2B partnerships can take many forms. For example, companies can work together to develop sustainable supply chains. This can involve sourcing materials from sustainable origins, reducing waste, and implementing more efficient logistics systems. Through teamwork, companies are able to increase their value add and introduce a more environmentally friendly value chain which benefits everyone involved. With sustainability being a new feat for African businesses to get their heads around, a trial-and-error process may be recognised. Through the sharing of success stories and areas of improvement, a knowledge exchange could help accelerate both the adoption of these practices and also the return companies expect to receive.

Examples of sustainable business practice in Africa:

There are already some successful examples of B2B partnerships in Africa. In South Africa, particularly Coca-Cola Beverages Africa (CCBA)  partnered with Puma Energy to install solar panels at its manufacturing sites. This has helped CCBA to reduce its carbon footprint, while also reducing overall energy costs.

Similarly, in Kenya, Unilever has partnered with the Kenya Tea Development Agency (KTDA) to create a sustainable tea supply chain. This involved working with tea farmers to improve their farming practices, reduce waste, and ensure that they receive a fair price for their tea. This partnership has resulted in a sustainable and profitable tea industry in Kenya.

Closing the green gap and adopting sustainable practices is not only an ethical imperative but also a smart business decision for companies operating in Africa. By embracing sustainability, businesses can not only reduce their environmental impact but also improve their bottom line through cost savings, increased efficiency, and enhanced brand reputation. However, the journey towards sustainability requires a comprehensive approach that involves all stakeholders, including suppliers, customers, employees, and the broader community. By working together towards a common goal, businesses can make a positive impact not only in the eyes of their investors but also in the eyes of the local economy.

Finding the right practices suitable to your business model is no easy task, but with this territory being relatively new for many companies on the continent, many guides have been made available.

InterGest South Africa works with a myriad of companies and industries to engage efficacy and ensure that business operation over borders is a seamless process. With consultants, advisors and accountants at the fingertips of our clients, we offer a turnkey solution to companies wishing to expand their horizons into the African business market. With the market growing, Africa holds a special place in the eyes of sustainability, presenting the unique opportunity for growing companies to get into sustainable habits from the get-go and run their growth parallel to that of environmentally friendly business standards.

Visit our website to find out more!  https://intergest.co.za/