Sahara Group, a prominent energy and infrastructure conglomerate, has outlined a roadmap for Africa’s sustainable development in its 2024 Sustainability Report, emphasizing environmental action, community empowerment, and diversified energy solutions. Titled Beyond Energy: Fostering Africa’s Sustainable Future, the document details the company’s alignment with global frameworks, including the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) standards, while spotlighting measurable progress across its operations.
Ejiro Gray, Director of Governance and Sustainability, described sustainability as a “transformational engine” driving the company’s strategic decisions. Key initiatives include scaling investments in gas infrastructure and renewable energy, advancing carbon-reduction projects, and integrating environmental, social, and governance (ESG) risk management into corporate strategy. “This year marks a pivotal shift in embedding sustainability at the core of our operations, ensuring resilience and accountability across all divisions,” Gray noted.
The report highlights several milestones: over 4 million work hours achieved without lost-time injuries, 612,498 kilograms of CO2 emissions avoided through recycling, and ₦43.5 million (approximately $29,000) distributed to 1,000 waste collectors via the “Go Recycling” program. Sahara’s social impact efforts reached over 75,000 individuals through projects spanning education, healthcare, and gender equity in 11 countries, alongside reforestation programs in Ghana, Tanzania, Nigeria, and Dubai. An additional 11,000 students received training in green entrepreneurship through partnerships like the Enterprise and Business Incubation Center (EIBIC) at the University of Lagos.
Bethel Obioma, Head of Corporate Communications, emphasized innovation as central to balancing Africa’s energy needs with ecological responsibility. “Our focus extends beyond energy security to shaping sustainability-led growth,” he said, citing ongoing pilot solar projects and efficiency upgrades. While gas remains a transitional priority, the company is expanding renewable energy trials to reduce emissions across its upstream, midstream, and downstream operations.
Human-centric initiatives also feature prominently. Emilomo Arorote, Group Head of Human Resources, stressed that Sahara’s approach prioritizes “empowering communities and ensuring inclusive growth.” Programs include vocational training, youth skills development, and allocating 3% of operational expenditure to host-community development projects.
The report underscores Sahara Group’s broader vision of fostering equitable progress while navigating Africa’s complex energy landscape. “Sustainability is a journey without a finish line,” Gray added. “Every step we take—whether in reducing emissions or uplifting communities—is a building block for a resilient future.”
With operations in over 18 countries, Sahara’s strategy reflects a growing trend among African energy firms to align economic objectives with climate and social imperatives. As nations grapple with energy access and environmental challenges, the company’s blended focus on innovation, safety, and grassroots engagement offers a template for regional transformation.