As sustainability continues to shape global conversations around development, governance, and responsible business practices, the need for practical knowledge and capacity building across Africa has become increasingly important. Train Africans on Sustainability (TAS), an initiative founded by Dr. Orlando Odejide, is working to bridge that gap by equipping Africans with the knowledge, skills, and tools needed to actively participate in the global sustainability agenda.
According to sustainability professionals involved in the initiative, TAS was established in response to a growing need for practical sustainability education across the continent. While awareness of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) principles and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) has increased significantly in recent years, many individuals and organizations still struggle with implementation due to limited access to structured and practical learning opportunities.
The initiative was created to move participants beyond awareness and into action by providing relevant, practical, and context-driven sustainability education. At the heart of the programme is Dr. Odejide’s vision of training 50,000 Africans, reflecting a commitment to building a generation of sustainability-conscious leaders and professionals capable of driving meaningful change across the continent.
TAS serves as a comprehensive capacity-building platform focused on sustainability, ESG principles, and SDG implementation. The programme is designed to accommodate a broad audience, including young professionals, corporate organizations, public sector institutions, and individuals seeking to strengthen their understanding of sustainability and its practical application.
A key distinguishing feature of TAS is its emphasis on real-world implementation. Participants are exposed to practical insights into how sustainability operates within organizations, how ESG frameworks can be integrated into business operations, and how sustainability performance can be measured and reported. The programme also prioritizes contextual relevance by ensuring that learning materials and discussions reflect African realities and challenges, enabling participants to apply global sustainability concepts effectively within their own environments.
The importance of sustainability education in Africa has become even more pronounced as the continent navigates complex environmental, economic, and social challenges. With a rapidly growing population and increasing development demands, decisions made today are expected to have far-reaching implications for future generations.
Sustainability education provides individuals and organizations with the tools needed to balance economic growth, environmental responsibility, and social inclusion. It helps transform sustainability from a broad concept into a practical framework for decision-making, innovation, and long-term development. Industry professionals involved with TAS note that one of the major barriers to sustainability adoption is not a lack of interest, but rather uncertainty about how to implement sustainable practices effectively. Through education and capacity building, TAS seeks to address this challenge by providing clarity, guidance, and actionable knowledge.
Since its inception, TAS has recorded encouraging progress. The initiative has attracted 548 registered participants, with 212 individuals successfully certified as 2030 Agenda for SDGs and ESG (IWA48) Champions. Beyond certification, participants are increasingly applying their knowledge within their professional and personal environments.
Many graduates of the programme have begun leading sustainability discussions within their organizations, while others are exploring ways to align their activities and projects with the Sustainable Development Goals. This transition from passive awareness to active engagement is regarded as one of the strongest indicators of the programme’s impact. Evidence of participant activities, awareness campaigns, and sustainability initiatives can be found across professional networks, particularly LinkedIn.
Looking ahead, TAS remains focused on expanding its reach and deepening its impact across Africa. The initiative is working towards extending its presence into more countries, strengthening strategic partnerships, and enhancing the quality of its training programmes. The long-term objective is to establish TAS as a leading platform for sustainability capacity building on the continent through collaborations with private sector organizations, government institutions, and development agencies.
The initiative also offers multiple pathways for engagement. Individuals can enrol in the programme to develop their sustainability competencies while becoming part of a growing network of professionals committed to advancing sustainable development. Organizations can participate by partnering to train employees, sponsoring programmes that increase access for participants, or collaborating on projects that support their ESG and sustainability objectives.
Through its collaborative approach, TAS seeks to bring together diverse stakeholders with a shared commitment to building a more sustainable future for Africa. By investing in knowledge, capacity building, and practical action, the initiative is positioning itself as a catalyst for sustainability transformation across the continent.