(L-R) Cross section of some participants at the CSEAR Conference – Ming Liu, Bisola Joloko, Theresa Daniel-Akibor, Egbon Osamuyimen, Mercy Denedo, Mary Adenle, Peace Okougbo, Kelechi Nnamdi, Oluwasegun Popoola, Olugbenga Agboola, and Anthony Tuedon
The Inaugural Centre for Social and Environmental Accounting Research (CSEAR) Africa Conference, held at Lagos Business School (LBS) from November 11 to 13, 2024, marked a pivotal moment in advancing the field of Social and Environmental Accounting (SEA) in Africa. The conference brought together a diverse group of scholars, industry professionals, and early-career researchers to explore the unique challenges and opportunities in SEA research, with a strong focus on Africa’s sustainable development. This milestone event highlighted the growing importance of incorporating environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles into business and academic frameworks across the continent.
A total of 36 participants attended the event, with 17 delegates attending in person and 19 engaging virtually. Over the course of three days, the conference facilitated stimulating discussions, fostering collaboration among scholars, researchers, and practitioners from different academic institutions and professional backgrounds. The conference began with the Emerging Scholars Colloquium, an essential platform for early-career researchers to present their work. A total of eight scholars from various institutions shared their papers on pressing SEA topics, receiving valuable feedback from their peers and senior faculty. The colloquium provided a unique opportunity for emerging scholars to gain mentorship while contributing to the ongoing dialogue surrounding sustainable development and corporate responsibility in Africa.
One of the most highly anticipated moments of the conference was the keynote address delivered by Prof. Kenneth Amaeshi, Chair in Business and Sustainable Development at the University of Edinburgh. His address, titled “Rethinking Sustainability Scholarship in Africa,” explored the critical need for localised sustainability research that reflects Africa’s socio-economic realities. Prof. Amaeshi emphasised that a shift in focus is required, one that moves away from globalised solutions and instead champions context-specific strategies that foster both environmental stewardship and social equity on the continent. “Sustainability is not a one-size-fits-all concept,” Prof. Amaeshi remarked, “It is critical for Africa to shape its own sustainability narrative, one that leverages its unique challenges and opportunities.”
The second day of the conference featured an enriching Global South Panel, which focused on the intersection of SEA in Africa and Latin America. This panel highlighted the potential for cross-continental collaborations, discussing how research in these regions can inform one another’s progress in addressing sustainability and accountability challenges. The panel also underscored the importance of collaborative research to foster impactful solutions for the Global South’s shared environmental and social concerns.
Throughout the conference, 19 research papers were presented, addressing a wide array of SEA-related topics. These papers covered the integration of ESG principles into corporate operations, the role of sustainability reporting in advancing corporate accountability, and the pressing need for higher education institutions to include SEA as a fundamental part of their curricula. Each presentation added a layer of depth to the ongoing discussions surrounding the role of SEA in driving meaningful change across Africa’s business and public sectors.
A notable feature of the event was the workshop on academic publishing, led by Prof. Charles Cho, an expert in sustainability research. The session provided participants with valuable insights into the academic writing and publication process, helping scholars refine their research and elevate their academic profiles. This workshop proved to be an indispensable resource for those aspiring to make a lasting impact in the field of SEA.
Reflecting on the significance of the conference, Mrs. Orevaoghene Atanya, Director of the LBS Sustainability Centre, emphasised the importance of continued collaboration in SEA research: “The CSEAR Africa Conference represents a significant step forward in ensuring that Africa is not just a recipient of global sustainability solutions but an active contributor to the global discourse. The ideas shared here will lay the foundation for a more sustainable future, not only in Africa but across the world.”
The conference concluded with a final session that focused on strengthening the SEA research network within Africa. Prof. Charles Cho, who also delivered closing remarks, expressed his appreciation for the quality of the discussions and the level of engagement shown by participants. He stated, “This conference has shown that Africa is ready to take the lead in shaping the future of sustainability. The collaboration seen here is proof that our shared commitment to advancing SEA will create lasting change.”
The Lagos Business School Sustainability Centre would like to express its heartfelt gratitude to all the speakers, participants, and partners who contributed to the success of the inaugural CSEAR Africa Conference. The event was made possible through the generous support of partners, namely: China Europe International Business School (CEIBS) Africa, CSR-in-Action, and the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), who played a crucial role in fostering meaningful dialogue and collaboration.
The CSEAR Africa Conference has set a strong foundation for the future of Social and Environmental Accounting in Africa, with new research partnerships and a collective commitment to sustainability practices that reflect the continent’s unique needs. The Lagos Business School Sustainability Centre is excited to continue building on this momentum, working with scholars and practitioners to shape a more sustainable and equitable future for Africa and the world at large.
Lagos Business School is Africa’s leading management education institution and the LBS Sustainability Centre is a leading knowledge centre that brings together the theory and practice on business and sustainability for the advancement of performance and development outcomes. For more information about the initiatives and upcoming events of the Lagos Business School Sustainability Centre, please contact sustainabilitycentre@lbs.edu.ng. Together we can work towards a sustainable future for businesses on the continent. For more information on our forums, visit: https://lbssustainabilitycentre.edu.ng/forum/
Click here to view the communique of the programme.
