Waltersmith Petroman Oil Limited has confirmed its partnership with the Africa Interviews Sustainability Forum 2025, deepening calls for Environmental, Social, and Governance principles to be embedded at the core of Africa’s growth and development strategies.

The second edition of the forum, according to a statement, will take place on Tuesday, September 16, at the Capital Club, Victoria Island, Lagos, bringing together business leaders, policymakers, regulators, and sustainability experts. Discussions will focus on the theme, “Beyond Compliance: Making ESG Work for African Realities.”

Waltersmith’s partnership highlights the increasing recognition among Nigerian corporates that ESG considerations are not simply compliance obligations but critical elements of long-term competitiveness, investor confidence, and social credibility. The oil and gas company said its support for the initiative reflects its commitment to aligning business growth with sustainable practices that balance economic progress, environmental protection, and social impact.

The growing emphasis on ESG has been visible across different sectors in recent years. Seplat Energy, for instance, has embedded ESG oversight at the board level and launched the Tree4Life initiative, which targets planting one million trees annually over five years as part of its climate action plan. Similarly, Sahara Group recently joined the United Nations Global Compact, reinforcing its pledge to global sustainability principles and advancing cleaner energy pathways in its operations.

These examples point to a gradual shift in corporate Nigeria, where companies are realising that sustainability is now a major determinant of access to capital, consumer trust, and long-term resilience. Analysts note that the African business environment is increasingly being shaped by global investors and partners who demand stronger ESG accountability as a prerequisite for collaboration.

Launched in 2024, the Africa Interviews Sustainability Forum has quickly grown into a respected platform for African-led solutions to global sustainability challenges. Unlike traditional conferences that often stop at rhetoric, the forum aims to spotlight real-world case studies, foster cross-sector partnerships, and generate outcomes directly relevant to Africa’s socio-economic priorities.

The inaugural edition in 2024 provided insights into how African companies can design ESG frameworks tailored to the continent’s unique realities—ranging from infrastructure deficits and high unemployment to climate vulnerabilities. Building on that success, this year’s edition seeks to move discussions into action-oriented strategies that deliver measurable impacts for communities and businesses alike.

Sam Umukoro, Co-Founder and Editorial Director of Africa Interviews, welcomed Waltersmith’s participation, describing it as a demonstration of leadership from the Nigerian private sector.

“Waltersmith’s support is the kind of corporate leadership needed to align business growth with social and environmental responsibility,” Umukoro said. “It shows that African businesses are not only responding to global sustainability demands but are actively shaping frameworks that reflect our local realities.”

The company, which operates both upstream and downstream in Nigeria’s petroleum sector, has, over the years, invested in initiatives aimed at community development, environmental safety, and economic empowerment. Its partnership with the forum, industry watchers say, signals a broader commitment to building resilience in an industry often criticised for its environmental impact.

This year’s forum promises to be dynamic, with a keynote address, high-level panel discussions, and targeted networking sessions. The event will address pressing issues such as integrating sustainability into corporate governance, financing Africa’s energy transition, scaling renewable energy adoption, and ensuring social inclusion in business growth strategies.

Participants will also explore how ESG frameworks can be adapted to reflect Africa’s economic realities while remaining globally credible. A central objective is to bridge the gap between policy commitments and practical outcomes, ensuring that sustainability becomes a driver of tangible development across the continent.

With Waltersmith joining other progressive companies to champion the initiative, the Africa Interviews Sustainability Forum 2025 is set to reinforce the message that Africa’s path to growth must be sustainable, inclusive, and globally competitive.