It’s good news that African business is not excluded from the net-zero discourse.
I am pleased to share that I have joined the 2025 Breakthrough Agenda Business Groups.
The Breakthrough Agenda, launched in 2021, aims to enhance global cooperation on the transition to net-zero. As the official business partner of the World Business Council on Sustainable Development (WBCSD), the initiative focuses on closing the “collaboration gap” and accelerating international action on climate change.
Engaging with Global Leaders on Net-Zero
Last week, I joined senior leaders of the Steel, Cement & Concrete, and Buildings sector Business Groups, alongside High-Level Climate Champions and the International Energy Agency (IEA), to discuss sectoral business sentiment and policy recommendations for the 2025 Business Breakthrough Barometer.
What Is the Business Breakthrough Barometer?
The Barometer focuses on:
- Seven sectors account for over 60% of global emissions
- 59 participating countries, representing 80 %+ of global GDP
- Sector-specific challenges requiring policy support
- Tracking progress against the 2030 goals to ensure accountability
- Building consensus on Priority Actions for launch at COP
Key Highlights from the 2024 Barometer Report
Governments must step up:
90% of leading businesses are ready to invest more if bold, sector-specific policies are implemented.
Businesses are investing:
91% of executives see the net-zero transition as a business opportunity.
74% reported increased investments over the past three years.
But risks remain:
66% of business leaders say the next phase of investment is at risk due to weak investment cases and slow infrastructure scale-up.
Why This Matters for Africa
Africa experiences disproportionate vulnerability to climate change, despite contributing minimally to global emissions. At the same time, the continent holds enormous potential to support global net-zero efforts.
Being part of this dialogue allows me to bring emerging market insights and African perspectives into the Breakthrough Agenda’s international cooperation priorities ahead of COP30.
Share Your Voice
If you’re working on innovative sustainability projects in Africa or have policy insights relevant to your sector, I’m open to receiving input to share with the Business Groups. This is a collective journey, and your voice matters.
👉 Access the full report: The 2024 Business Breakthrough Barometer Report | WBCSD
