Partnership to advance ESG integration in African capital markets
Published date: 22 January 2025
GRI and the Africa Securities Exchange Association collaborate to improve the use of sustainability data by listed companies
GRI Africa has strengthened ties with regional stock exchanges through a partnership with the African Securities Exchanges Association (ASEA), advancing sustainability disclosure practices across the continent’s capital markets. This initiative involved a series of local events, training workshops and the development of ESG reporting guidelines.
Africa’s stock exchanges serve as gateways for investment and financial stability. Integrating ESG principles, aligned with the GRI Standards, enhances their ability to attract sustainable investments, build resilience and address regional sustainability challenges.
Working closely with exchange leadership, listed companies and market stakeholders, GRI Africa has guided stock exchanges in setting disclosure requirements for their listing frameworks. This involved to balance international frameworks with local contexts.
The most recent engagements with stock exchanges included:
- Botswana Stock Exchange (BSE): hosted a two-day sustainability and ESG stakeholder engagement event, where GRI Africa presented the new BSE Sustainability Disclosure Guidance and provided training on ESG data integration.
- Rwanda Stock Exchange (RSE): partnered with GRI Africa to launch its ESG Reporting Guidelines in December 2024, emphasizing the role of transparency in attracting sustainable investments.
- Casablanca Stock Exchange (CSE): contributed to ASEA Conference panels moderated by GRI Africa, which explored ESG trends and strategies.
- Egyptian Exchange (EGX): Engaged in discussions led by GRI Africa during the ASEA Conference, focussed on leveraging ESG principles for resilient capital markets.
Stock exchanges are at the heart of driving sustainable investment in Africa. By integrating sustainability considerations into listing requirements, we’re building resilient markets that align with global sustainability goals, enhance investor confidence and create opportunities for long-term economic growth, while addressing the unique challenges and opportunities of the region.
Douglas Kativu, Head of GRI AfricaGRI Africa has renewed its commitment with ASEA to advancing transparency and sustainability in African capital markets for 2025, continuing to make ESG integration a key aspect of its activities across the continent.