As Africa continues to navigate the complexities of sustainable development, scholars and experts are emphasising the need for effective management strategies and practices that prioritise environmental sustainability, corporate social responsibility, and entrepreneurship.

At a two-day international conference on ‘Achieving Sustainable Development Goals in Africa: Management Strategies and Practices for Sustainable Development, Corporate Social Responsibility, Environmental Sustainability and Entrepreneurship’ in Enugu, participants underscored the need for collaboration among stakeholders to address peculiar challenges confronting the continent.

The conference was organised by the Faculty of Management Sciences, Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT).

Declaring the conference open, ESUT Vice-Chancellor, Professor Aloysius Okolie, highlighted the crucial role of sustainable development in Africa’s growth and progress, emphasising that achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) requires a collective effort from governments, the private sector, civil society, and individuals.

Represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Professor Chike Nwoha, the Vice-Chancellor noted that the conference is the first of its kind in the history of the institution.

Prof. Okolie noted that the conference provided a timely platform for stakeholders to share knowledge, experiences, and best practices in addressing Africa’s unique challenges and opportunities.

The Don also commended the Faculty of Management Sciences for organizing the event, which he said would contribute significantly to the discourse on sustainable development in Africa.

While describing the theme of the conference as apt, Professor Okolie said the conference will further add to the body of existing knowledge.

In his opening remarks, the Dean, Faculty of Management Sciences, Professor Uche Ugwuanyi, said the conference offers a unique opportunity for university lecturers to stay updated on the latest trends and best practices in Management Sciences, enhance their research capability and network with their counterparts.

Professor Ugwuanyi was upbeat that discussions and recommendations from the event will provide valuable insights into how organisations can adopt sustainable practices, prioritise corporate social responsibility as well as promote environmental sustainability.

Earlier in an address of welcome, the Chairman Local Organising Committee, Professor Norbert Ile said the conference offers a veritable platform for cross-fertilisation of knowledge, networking for policy makers and researchers.

He said the conference will build consensus on important issues which would enhance skills, knowledge expansion, policy development, capacity building, and encourage action on global challenges and opportunities.

In a paper presentation on ‘Achieving Sustainable Development Goals in Africa: Lessons learned from disruptive strategies and practices’, the Acting Vice Chancellor, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Anambra State’, Professor Kate Omenugha, said the SDGs represent a global framework for tackling some of the most pressing challenges such as poverty, inequality, climate change, among others.

Professor Omenugha expressed concern that with five years to the 2030 target, Africa is far from meeting the set goals.

She expressed concern that there is a lack of deliberate effort to address the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), questioning why higher education institutions, which should be leading the charge, seem to be showing a lack of enthusiasm or urgency.

The Speaker, Enugu State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Uche Ugwu believes that Africa can look inwards and find solutions to its peculiar challenges.

Other speakers at the international conference are Dr Rabiu Olowo, Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer, Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria, Dr Friday Akpan, Director General, Nigeria College of Accountancy and Professor Ambrose Anoruo from Texas, A&M University USA, among others.

The conference, which attracted participants from academia, government officials, as well as industry experts, was designed to serve as a platform for exchange of ideas on management strategies and practices for sustainable development.