On 26^th June 2024, KEPSA demonstrated its integration of nature and biodiversity to promote green and inclusive growth during a business leadership roundtable on ‘The Role of Business Leadership in Accelerating Sustainability in Africa,’ held alongside the IUCN Africa Conservation Forum (ACF) 2024 in Nairobi. This session, part of the esteemed ACF, provided a platform for nearly 1,000 leaders, including government officials, business figures, scientists, environmental organizations, and IUCN members from over 50 nations, to explore the critical role of African business leaders in advancing meaningful action on nature and biodiversity. The event emphasized the importance of collaboration in addressing pressing environmental and conservation challenges across Africa.

ACF is one of the leading regional platforms that aspires to influence the sustainability agenda and biodiversity conservation strategically. The Forum brings together IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) members and multi-stakeholders to discuss some of the most pressing environmental conservation issues in Africa. It also provides an avenue for sharing information and knowledge, building partnerships, and connecting key stakeholders from different parts of Africa.

Representing KEPSA, Dr. Jackson Koimbori, Senior Circular Economy & Climate Change Coordinator, outlined how KEPSA has taken leadership in accelerating green and inclusive growth. Dr. Koimbori highlighted the role of the private sector in integrating sustainable financing models, notably for SMEs. Senior leaders and CEOs from various local and foreign companies, including the Kenya Eco-Tourism Sector, Citibank, IUCN, KEPRO, WaterFund, Social Enterprise Society of Kenya, and BioFoods, were present to contribute their insights and experiences.

The roundtable deliberated on emerging opportunities to integrate nature within business strategies, the challenges African business leaders face, and innovative approaches to tackling these challenges. Additionally, Dr. Koimbori proposed to IUCN the establishment of a collaboration focused on building the capacity of KEPSA members around ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) reporting. KEPSA also plans to partner with IUCN in the upcoming SDG Awards and the Pre-COP meeting with its members later this year, further solidifying their commitment to sustainability and environmental conservation.

The leaders' engagement at this roundtable exemplified the importance of collaborative efforts and innovative solutions in addressing the critical environmental and conservation challenges across Africa.