Demystifying Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG): charting the ESG course in Africa

Demystifying Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG): Charting the ESG Course in Africa by Karamo NM Sonko and Mariama Sonko is a vital work exploring the complex ESG landscape in Africa. This book is both timely and highly relevant as it addresses pressing issues affecting the lives of millions of people on the continent, especially those with disabilities. The authors provide a comprehensive overview of ESG principles, highlighting Africa’s unique challenges and opportunities. One of the book’s most exciting aspects is its focus on the social dimension of ESG, particularly how it relates to individuals with disabilities. This book argues that effective social protection systems are essential for human development and political stability.

The structure of this book has four parts formed from eight chapters; significant discussion related to disability is located in Chapter 2, which highlights the sad reality that Sub-Saharan Africa has the lowest social protection and health care coverage in the world, with only 17% of the population covered, compared to the global average of 47% (ILO 2017). This data emphasizes the importance of social protection in reducing poverty and vulnerability, especially for people with disabilities. The author highlights the limited coverage of mandatory social security schemes, primarily available to workers in the formal sector, leaving those in the informal sector, who constitute the majority, without any coverage. In addition, some data reveals inadequate provision of pensions, with only around 10% of the economically active population in Ghana and Zambia contributing to pension schemes.

Chapter 5 shows the significant contribution of this book, namely its discussion of the Gambian Special Needs Entrepreneurial Fund (GSNEF). Founded in 2021, GSNEF is an ESG framework that aims to empower people with disabilities in The Gambia by providing entrepreneurial skills and seed capital to start sustainable businesses. This initiative, funded by the Arab Bank for African Economic Development (BADEA) and Heeno International, is an example of how targeted support can increase the economic participation of people with disabilities. GSNEF provides three main types of assistance to people with disabilities: (1) interest-free microcredit, (2) entrepreneurship training through workshops, and (3) skills training through sewing apprenticeships. As of 31 December 2022, less than 2 years after the start of operations, GSNEF has trained 400 beneficiaries and provided microcredit to others. This shows how this program has succeeded in reaching many individuals in a relatively short time.

This book makes a strong case for including disability considerations in the ESG framework. This book argues that businesses are interested in the welfare of their employees, including those with disabilities, because this promotes sustainable development and maximizes the potential of all individuals. With its emphasis on the importance of integrating people with disabilities into the economy through entrepreneurship support and skills training, this book presents a model that can be replicated in other countries in Africa. It also emphasizes the importance of support from various stakeholders, including governments, the private sector, and international organizations, in creating an inclusive environment for people with disabilities.

This book is topical because it challenges the status quo by advocating for a more inclusive and comprehensive ESG approach that considers the needs and rights of people with disabilities. The authors present a compelling argument for why disability must be a critical component of ESG discussions and policies, making this book mandatory for scholars, policymakers, and practitioners. In-depth analysis, combined with practical examples and case studies, makes Demystifying Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG): Charting the ESG Course in Africa a valuable resource for anyone interested in understanding the relationship between ESG and disability. This is an essential addition to the literature on social protection and disability rights, providing actionable insights to improve the lives of marginalised populations.

The interdisciplinarity covers other essential aspects of ESG, including environmental and governance challenges in Africa. As such, it is relevant not only for those focused on social issues but also for those interested in the environmental and governance dimensions of ESG. The authors underline that a holistic approach to ESG, encompassing environmental protection, social inclusion, and good governance, is necessary to achieve sustainable development in Africa.

In conclusion, it fills a significant gap in ESG discourse. It provides a roadmap on how African countries can improve their social protection systems to be more inclusive of people with disabilities. This is a thought-provoking and enlightening read that will stimulate essential discussions and have the potential to drive meaningful change in the region. With detailed explanations and compelling arguments, Demystifying Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG): Charting the ESG Course in Africa highlights the importance of applying inclusive ESG principles in Africa. This book is a call to action for all stakeholders committed to achieving sustainable and inclusive development on the continent.

Anggun Meranti Yuwandari Baswetan and Garry Rheinhard Kondologit
Universitas Hasanuddin, Indonesia
[email protected]

Acknowledgement

The authors would like to express their deepest gratitude to the Pengelola Dana Pendidikan (LPDP), who has sponsored our master’s studies.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).