Standard Bank Group and Stanbic Bank Uganda have launched a Sustainability Academy, an initiative designed to help businesses strengthen their Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) knowledge and build their sustainability capabilities.
The online platform will provide clients and non-clients across Africa with practical, self-paced ESG and sustainability training free of charge, giving businesses access to knowledge and tools needed to navigate the growing importance of responsible business practices.
The launch represents another step in Standard Bank Group and Stanbic Bank Uganda’s commitment to go beyond financing by equipping businesses with the capabilities required to build more responsible, resilient and sustainable operations.
Speaking at the launch, Chief Executive Officer of Stanbic Bank Uganda, Mumba Kalifungwa, highlighted the growing strategic importance of ESG and sustainability for businesses across Uganda and the region.
He said, “Sustainability is increasingly becoming a key determinant of business success. Investors, regulators, customers and communities are placing greater emphasis on how organizations manage environmental, social and governance matters. Businesses that proactively integrate sustainability into their operations are better positioned to manage risk, improve efficiency, attract investment and achieve sustainable growth.”
The Academy offers self-paced, accessible learning on key sustainability topics including ESG and sustainability principles, renewable energy, climate-smart agriculture, water and wastewater management, and carbon markets. The platform has been developed to help businesses understand the risks and opportunities associated with sustainability and enable them to adopt practical solutions that support growth, resilience and value creation.
The launch was held as part of our ESG Client Workshop, bringing together business leaders and stakeholders to explore how sustainability can be embedded within business strategies and decision-making processes.
Mumba said knowledge and capability development will play a critical role in helping businesses navigate an increasingly complex business environment.
“The Sustainability Academy is an investment in the future competitiveness of Uganda’s private sector. By enhancing sustainability knowledge and awareness, we are helping businesses make informed decisions that improve profitability, strengthen resilience and create lasting positive impact for society and the economy. This aligns with our purpose of driving Uganda’s growth and supporting our clients to succeed,” he said.
Also speaking, Cathy Adengo, our Head of Sustainability underscored the importance of building sustainability capacity among businesses and supporting clients on their ESG journey.
She said, “Sustainability is no longer a future consideration. It is a business imperative. Through the Sustainability Academy, we are providing businesses with practical knowledge and tools to better understand the environmental, social and governance risks and opportunities that shape their operating environment. Our goal is to support clients on their sustainability journey by helping them strengthen resilience, unlock new opportunities and create long-term value for their stakeholders.”
In addition, Dr. Manessah Alagbaoso, Executive Head, Business Ecosystems & Sustainability for Business and Commercial Banking at Standard Bank said “As one of Africa’s largest financial institutions, we are committed to supporting sustainable economic growth by creating a net positive impact through our social, economic, and environmental initiatives.
“The Sustainability Academy represents our commitment to taking businesses across Africa (our clients and non-clients) along on this crucial journey towards a sustainable future.”
Through the Academy, Standard Bank Group and Stanbic Bank Uganda hope to improve sustainability knowledge across businesses while supporting the transition towards more resilient, responsible and sustainable economies across Africa.
