Cambridge, 3–5 June 2025
Programme Overview
Corporate affairs and sustainability executives' role in contemporary African business is strategic and advisory to the C-suite. Executives connect business to government and society, navigating complex terrains daily.
In business hubs such as Johannesburg and Nairobi, their roles span communications, risk, strategy and government relations. However, they remain misunderstood, not prioritised or as a bolt-on when attempting to paint a great corporate picture.
The partnership between the Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership (CISL) and the Wits School of Governance aims to address this gap.
Programme Features
- Customised two-day programme for corporate affairs and sustainability professionals
- Networking opportunities at the prestigious CISL Chief Sustainability Officers (CSOs) Forum
- Dinner celebrating the 20th anniversary of CISL's Corporate Leaders Groups (CLG)
- Introduction to CLG Africa’s Corporate Affairs Leadership and Sustainability Leadership Forum sessions in Johannesburg and Nairobi, respectively
- Groundwork for the creation of additional forums in West Africa
Two-Day Customised Programme
Møller Institute & Queens’ College, Cambridge – 3 & 4 June 2025
This customised programme for corporate affairs and sustainability professionals explores the evolving global context and its implications for business leadership in Africa. Delegates will engage with cutting-edge thinking on climate science, geopolitics, economics, artificial intelligence, regulation, and sustainability-driven business transformation. Through expert-led sessions, peer discussions, and leadership dialogues, participants will develop the strategic insight needed to navigate complexity and drive systemic change.
The programme takes place over two days in Cambridge, UK, and includes visits to CISL's award-winning Entopia Building.
Key Themes to be explored include:
- Forces shaping the world: Climate science, geopolitics, and economic trends
- AI and its opportunities for Africa and its impact on development
- Regulatory shifts and implications for business strategy
- Leadership, governance, and public diplomacy for systemic change
- Social innovation and entrepreneurship, and competitive sustainability
CISL CSO Forum: Competing in an Age of Disruption
Entopia Building, Regent Street, Cambridge – 5 June 2025 from 10 am–5 pm
Overview
A one-day forum convening Chief Sustainability Officers (CSOs) and senior sustainability executives from the UK/Europe and Africa to explore how organisations can contribute to systems change and global leadership in the current operating context. The forum will include speaker sessions, panel discussions and facilitated clinics.
Objectives
- Explore sustainability in the shifting global landscape and make the case for market transformation.
- Enable CSOs from different regions to engage on shared challenges
- Deep dive into the ‘how to’ aspects of driving change
- Connect competitive sustainability with alliance-building for transformation
CLGs 20th Anniversary Celebratory Dinner
Downing College, Cambridge – 5 June 2025 from 6 pm–10 pm
Overview
A celebration marking 20 years of CISL’s Corporate Leaders Groups (CLGs) — recognising the collective effort of business and finance leaders to drive systemic change through business policy advocacy in today’s geopolitical environment. The event will include a networking session followed by dinner with high-level keynote speakers.
Programme Fees
The programme fee is ZAR 70,000 or $3,800. This includes accommodation and meals in Cambridge. Participants are responsible for their own flights and transfers to and from Cambridge, including obtaining a visa. Participants requiring visa application support will receive a letter of support from CISL Africa and Wits.
Faculty and Contributors
Co-Chairs, CALP: Prof Richard Calland (CISL) and Prof Themba Maseko (Wits School of Governance)
Programme Director: Sibusiso Nkomo
Faculty: Raesetsa Hopane, Khanyi Mlambo, Susan Njoroge, Pat Dwyer and Dr Thelela Ngcetane-Vika
