Cambridge, 2026 dates TBC
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
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
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
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
