The Department of Commercial Accounting at the University of Johannesburg (UJ) hosted a hybrid Public Lecture on 5 March 2025 as part of the institution’s 20 Years of UJ celebrations. Held at Ubuntu Chambers, the event brought together academics, students, industry professionals, and stakeholders for a critical discussion on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) in Africa.
Anushka Bogdanov, Executive Chair and Founder of Risk Insights, delivered the keynote address on “The Role of ESG in Africa: Connecting the Value Chain for Impact.” She highlighted the evolving ESG landscape, emphasising the need for integrated, data-driven approaches to sustainability, governance, and social responsibility.
The lecture underscored ESG’s role in fostering economic growth, responsible business practices, and long-term industry impact.
Attendees actively engaged in a Q&A session following the presentation, raising pertinent questions about the challenges and opportunities within ESG. The event attracted a strong audience, with 60–80 in-person attendees and significant virtual engagement—garnering over 1,100 Facebook views and 170 YouTube views.
Risk Insights, a key strategic partner of the Department of Commercial Accounting, formalised its collaboration with UJ through an MoU in 2024. This partnership is dedicated to advancing ESG education, research, and practical application in Africa, including the development of short learning programmes. By equipping students and professionals with essential ESG knowledge, the collaboration aims to address the growing demand for sustainability expertise, particularly in finance and accounting.
Reflecting on the lecture, Dr Omobolade Ogundele, a Postdoctoral Research Fellow, noted that it deepened his interest in ESG frameworks, disclosures, and carbon accounting. Senior Lecturer Mr Philani Thusini praised Bogdanov’s ability to provide a data-driven overview of ESG trends and challenges in South Africa and across the continent. Master’s student Gael Idi highlighted ESG’s significance for Africa, a region that contributes just 7% of global carbon emissions but faces severe climate change consequences.
Professor Hinaunye Eita, Director of the School of Economics, found the lecture particularly enriching, likening it to an advanced discussion in economic modelling and ESG analytics.
The success of this Public Lecture reaffirms UJ’s commitment to thought leadership in sustainability. As ESG continues to shape the future of business and governance, the University looks forward to expanding these discussions and strengthening collaborations that drive meaningful, long-term impact.
