Invest Africa and DLA Piper join forces to support ESG best practices in African renewable energy projects
Global law firm DLA Piper has partnered with Invest Africa (www.InvestAfrica.com), the leading trade and investment platform for African markets, to support the development of ESG best practices in projects renewable energies in Africa.
Clear environmental, social and governance (ESG) goals and metrics have become an increasingly important part of fundraising as investors seek to align their portfolios with sustainable growth. For a continent endowed with abundant natural resources, this represents a significant opportunity for the green energy sector in Africa. However, renewable energies are not always synonymous with sustainability and the development and articulation of ESG measures can pose a significant challenge to projects when preparing for investment cycles.
The project will bring together experts from the worlds of impact investing, development finance and law. During a series of online meetings, participants will discuss strategies to improve ESG practices in renewable energy projects in Africa from a fundraising and operational perspective.
Among those who spoke at the inaugural session on Thursday 13e May be Cathy Oxby, Commercial director, Africa Greenco, Dr Valeria Biurrun-Zaumm, Senior Investment Manager, DEG, Orli Arav, Director General – Energy Inclusion Facility (EIF) – Global Lion’s Head Partners, Beatrice Nyabira, Partner, DLA Piper Africa, Kenya (IKM Advocates) and Natasha Luther-Jones, Partner, Global Co-President of Energy and Natural Resources, International Co-Head, Sustainable Development and ESG, DLA Piper.
Veronica Bolton-Smith, COO of Invest Africa, said: “Africa is particularly vulnerable to the impact of climate change although it contributes very little to global emissions. As the price of renewables drops, they will form an increasingly important part of Africa’s electrification. In this context, it is essential that projects have the necessary tools to apply ESG best practices not only from an environmental point of view but also in terms of good governance, fair working conditions and contribution to social inclusion. . I look forward to working closely with DLA Piper on this important topic. “
Natasha Luther-Jones, Global Co-Chair of Energy and Natural Resources and International Co-Head of Sustainability and ESG at DLA Piper also said: “Climate change is one of the biggest challenges facing businesses. and people are facing today and when we look at its reduction – whether it’s in the way we power our devices, what we eat or how we dress, where we live or how we work – it all comes down to necessity. increase the amount of clean energy that is accessible and affordable. However, renewable energy companies are not automatically sustainable as sustainability is a focus on all ESG factors, not just the environment. We know that the need for renewable energy will only increase, as will the number and size of renewable energy companies. The added challenge is to ensure that these are truly sustainable organizations and that’s what we’re excited to discuss during the webinar. “
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Invest Africa.
Media contact:
[email protected]
About Invest Africa:
Invest Africa is a leading trade and investment platform, using over sixty years of experience in Africa to provide its members with unique insights and exposure to business opportunities.
Based in London, Invest Africa also operates out of four capital cities: Johannesburg, New York, Dubai and Geneva.
Our vision is to play a central and influential role in Africa’s socio-economic growth by directing sustainable capital to key perspectives on the continent.
As a trusted entry point to Africa, we support and connect businesses and investments through a unique range of services and events, and our high standards consistently reflect our belief that a responsible and profitable private sector has a crucial role to play in Africa’s development.
About DLA Piper:
DLA Piper is a global law firm capable of supporting the most important legal needs of clients wherever they do business. With offices in the Americas, Europe, Middle East, Africa and Asia-Pacific, we represent more clients in a wider range of geographies and practice disciplines than virtually any other law firm in the world.
Our lawyers have extensive experience in arbitration, banking, competition and commerce, as well as corporate crime and corporate finance. We have strong practices in employment, energy, hospitality and leisure, insurance, intellectual property, litigation, mergers and acquisitions and have developed key teams in the areas of retirement, private equity, real estate, tax and technology.