Standard Bank has launched its pioneering Sustainability Academy, a comprehensive learning platform designed to bridge the sustainability knowledge gap and equip businesses across Africa with practical Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) solutions.
By Lebogang Mashala, editor at African Farming
For many companies, sustainability is no longer a choice but a necessity. Yet, while the importance of ESG is widely recognised, businesses often struggle to turn ideals into action. With investors and markets increasingly factoring ESG into decision-making, African business leaders require clear, practical guidance to adapt while sustaining growth.
“As one of Africa’s largest financial institutions, we are committed to supporting sustainable economic growth by creating a net positive impact through our social, economic and environmental initiatives,” said Dr Manessah Alagbaoso, Executive Head of Business Ecosystems & Sustainability for Business and Commercial Banking at Standard Bank. “The Sustainability Academy represents our dedication to guiding businesses across Africa – both our clients and non-clients – on this crucial journey towards a sustainable future.”
Sustainability Areas Covered In The Training
The Academy has been built to provide hands-on, actionable training in key areas of sustainability. Businesses can explore:
- Sustainability and ESG principles and their impact on performance.
- Renewable energy solutions tailored to different industries.
- Climate-smart agriculture, with a focus on productivity and cost benefits.
- Water and wastewater management strategies.
- Carbon markets, and how to tap into new opportunities.
By focusing on practical implementation, the Academy helps demystify complex sustainability concepts and shows how they support business growth and resilience.
Standard Bank has partnered with Microsoft and Philanthrosoft to deliver the Academy through the Community Training platform, a secure, cloud-based solution powered by Microsoft Azure. The platform ensures scalability, robust data protection and user-friendly access across Africa’s diverse markets.
Key features include:
- Secure single sign-on access;
- Bespoke sustainability content developed by Standard Bank;
- Industry-specific training modules;
- Feedback and assessment tools; and
- Ongoing support through Standard Bank relationship managers.
- “We are excited to work with Standard Bank on this transformative initiative,” said Terisha Maharaj, Strategic Account Director at Microsoft. “Our platform is designed to democratise access to learning. By making sustainability education accessible and scalable, we are helping businesses thrive in an evolving global economy while driving meaningful change across Africa.”
The Academy was piloted in Eswatini, Ghana, Nigeria, Lesotho and South Africa, where 93 Business and Commercial Banking clients participated. The strong uptake highlighted the urgent demand for sustainability knowledge in the market. Feedback from diverse sectors helped refine the content, ensuring it is relevant, practical and market-driven.
Sustainability Academy Is Up And Running – And It’s Free
Now officially launched, the Academy is available across all countries where Standard Bank Business and Commercial Banking operates, and is also open to businesses worldwide.
By offering the Academy free of charge, Standard Bank is going beyond traditional banking services to provide value-added solutions that empower businesses and communities. The initiative is closely aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in advancing responsible business practices and education.
“This initiative will not only improve businesses’ understanding of sustainability but will also help reduce the knowledge gap in our markets around this critical concept,” said Alagbaoso. “We are positioning African SMMEs to make informed decisions that benefit their businesses, communities and the environment.”
Looking forward, Standard Bank plans to grow the Academy’s reach by building strategic partnerships with universities, multilateral agencies, corporates and other stakeholders. These collaborations will broaden the content, strengthen impact and reinforce the bank’s commitment to SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.
Through the Sustainability Academy, Standard Bank is not only financing businesses, it is also equipping them with the knowledge, skills and tools to thrive in a rapidly evolving global economy while contributing to a more sustainable future for Africa.
