In her opening address at the 4th Annual B Lab Africa Summit 2025 on Climate Modalities, Lucy Muigai, CEO of B LAB Africa, stressed that Africa’s future depends on collective action and courageous leadership.
One of the panel discussion during the 4th Annual B Lab Africa Summit, taking place at the Serengeti Golf and Wildlife Estate in Johannesburg, focused on how innovations and sustainable solutions can power Africa’s transition towards a resilient and inclusive future in a practical manner. From left: Dr Luz Helena Hanauer, director of operations at Voucher Distribution and panel moderator; Juliette Deloustel, head of sustainability in the hospitality industry, Attitude Hotels in Mauritius; Leanne Kiezer, fead of public affairs, nutrition, and regulatory affairs for Danone Sub-Saharan Africa; Hilda Foresythe, CEO of HMP Engineering Solutions; Tom Hanson-Smith, director at Journey’s End Vineyards; and Mirabel Bausinger, managing director of Imani Development South Africa.
One of the panel discussion during the 4th Annual B Lab Africa Summit, taking place at the Serengeti Golf and Wildlife Estate in Johannesburg, focused on how innovations and sustainable solutions can power Africa’s transition towards a resilient and inclusive future in a practical manner. From left: Dr Luz Helena Hanauer, director of operations at Voucher Distribution and panel moderator; Juliette Deloustel, head of sustainability in the hospitality industry, Attitude Hotels in Mauritius; Leanne Kiezer, fead of public affairs, nutrition, and regulatory affairs for Danone Sub-Saharan Africa; Hilda Foresythe, CEO of HMP Engineering Solutions; Tom Hanson-Smith, director at Journey’s End Vineyards; and Mirabel Bausinger, managing director of Imani Development South Africa.
She urged delegates to use this opportunity to create meaningful contacts and share ideas so that Africa can be mobilised to take action.
“This summit is where knowledge meets collaboration, and where innovative ideas are transformed into meaningful impact.”
She pointed out that signs of climate change in Africa is a reality. “We can see and are experiencing the effects of climate change on the continent. It is not a warning any more, it is a reality.”
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She also said that political and trade fragmentation are contributing to shaping the landscape.
According to her, there are a couple of aspects that needs focus and tangible plans in order to change the current situation and to unlock the potential available on the continent. These are:
Water: There are many water sources in Africa, yet there are severe droughts and famine. “We have to look at sustainable ways to better utilise available water, but also have to ensure that more people have clean drinking water.”
Education: “We have to prepare the next generation so that they can become the leaders we need.”
Technology and data: “We have to harness the potential locked up in AI and digital technologies and not see these as threats but as opportunities.”
Trade: “We have to look at trade within the continent and leverage on trade for development opportunities.”
“Our actions will determine if we achieve success or fail, if we are inclusive or exclude people, and if we are sustainable or destructive,” she stated.
She closed by emphasising that people in Africa should refrain from only accepting handouts.
“We must look for real answers to address the core problems instead of just alleviating the results of the problems. We must be bold and not settle for the easy answers,” she said.
