EQUITY GROUP ‘S  2022 SUSTAINABILITY REPORT LAUNCHED

Equity Group has unveiled its annual sustainability report for the year 2022. It is  themed :  “Growing Together in Trust.” The  report positions Equity as a key driver and leader in sustainability, demonstrating the group’s commitment to socio-economic and environmental transformation across Africa. Additionally,  it  reflects Equity’s unwavering dedication to sustainable business practices and the integration of environmental, social  and governance (ESG) aspirations into its day-to-day operations.

The  Chairman of Equity Group Holdings, Professor Isaac Macharia, emphasized the significance of the report in the wake of the post-pandemic recovery and the escalating global concerns surrounding climate crisis, social equity, poverty, food insecurity and the emerging debt crisis. “This report signifies our relentless vision to be a driving force behind sustainable socio-economic prosperity in Africa. In the face of pandemic repercussions and global climate challenges, it falls upon the private sector in collaboration with governments, development and like-minded partners to lead the charge in addressing societal concerns,” said Professor Macharia.   “ At Equity, our twin-engine business model drives us to seamlessly integrate sustainability into our core business strategy, propelling Africa towards an equitable and prosperous future,” he added.

Sustainable transformation

Commenting on the report, Equity Group Managing Director and CEO, Dr. James Mwangi, said :  “The future beckons us to strive beyond business as usual and embrace sustainable transformation. Technology adoption will be the cornerstone of Africa’s development in line with the fourth industrial revolution. “   According  to Dr. Mwangi,   Equity’s Africa recovery and resilience plan emphasizes the pivotal importance of Africa’s people, environment, natural resources  and economic opportunities.

Further,  this report  epitomizes Equity Group’s unwavering dedication to sustainable business practices and summarizes the strides made in incorporating them   into its   strategy, governance, risk management as well as performance measurement.  It also  adheres to the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) and the  Taskforce for Climate-Related Financial Disclosure (TCFD) guidelines. This demonstrates   Equity’s unwavering commitment to transparent sustainability and impact reporting as well as   best-in-class global practices.

Impact

Equity Group’s climate, energy and environment-related initiatives have been  impactful. By planting 21.8 million trees in alignment with Kenya’s forest cover initiative, implementing climate-smart agricultural practices  and providing support to farmers, the bank actively contributes to sustainable practices in the region. In that respect, it   has incorporated climate risk assessment into its credit process and has financed over $120 million worth of green projects. “I am pleased to share that Equity Group’s dedication to diversity, equality, and inclusion is unwavering,”  emphasized  Dr. Mwangi. The report further showcases Equity Group’s steadfast commitment to its social engine’s core pillars, creating a roadmap for a brighter and more sustainable future.