[Beijing & Hong Kong, 19 March 2026] — “Strengthening Readiness for Sustainability Reporting in Zambia and across Africa” webinar was successfully held on 19 March 2026. The session was organised by the Capacity-building Alliance of Sustainable Investment (CASI), in collaboration with the Securities and Exchange Commission of Zambia (SEC Zambia), and supported by the ESG Exchange.

This webinar convened a broad range of stakeholders in Zambia, including regulators, standard setters, listed companies, financial institutions, investors, service providers, as well as other stakeholders in the sustainability reporting ecosystem of Zambia and Africa.

In his opening remarks, Dr. Ma Jun, MH, Chairman of CASI, highlighted the merits of a robust sustainability reporting ecosystem, to complement the green taxonomy launched by the Government of Zambia in 2025, in accelerating the growth of sustainable finance. He commended the efforts by SEC Zambia in identifying the need to strengthen the sustainability reporting readiness in the country, and welcomed this joint initiative by the financial regulator and CASI to gather feedback on the capacity building needs of Zambia, in facilitating the introduction of targeted technical assistance to scale up the local sustainable finance market.

The webinar featured presentations from key representatives across regulatory, professional and international institutions, including Mr. Mwelwa Mwaba (Zambia Institute of Chartered Accountants, ZICA), Ms. Nonde Sichilima (Securities and Exchange Commission of Zambia, SEC Zambia), Mr. Cheng Lin (CASI Secretariat / Institute of Finance and Sustainability, IFS), and Ms. Koketso Modise (South African Reserve Bank).

Key highlights of the session include timeline on the adoption of the international sustainability standards board (ISSB) requirements by local public listed companies, and efforts in channelling green and sustainable capital from international investors to the Zambian capital market vis-à-vis disclosures aligned with international best practices. The need for comprehensive stakeholder consultation with regards to a recent regulatory framework on climate disclosures on an African country was also discussed – in ensuring feedback from the industry is carefully considered when regulatory tools are developed. Double materiality were raised by participants and speakers as part of the considerations in the sustainability reporting journey of Zambia, alongside the availability of data in supporting the use of green taxonomies in the country.

Cheng Lin, Head of the CASI Secretariat, presented global practices in the sustainability reporting space, including examples of those by various stock exchanges and financial regulators in Asia and other emerging markets. His presentation also featured case studies of banks and corporates in China and other Asian countries, which could serve as references of Zambian stakeholders in developing their respective sustainability reports.

Panel Discussion: Bridging Sustainability Capacity Gaps in Zambia

Subsequent to the presentations by the four distinguished speakers, a panel discussion focusing on practical operational challenges of the sustainability reporting ecosystem was convened – moderated by Mr. Peadar Duffy (Chief Executive Officer, The ESG Exchange), and joined by panellists including Mr. Mwelwa Mwaba (ZICA), Dr. Ndidi Nnoli-Edozien (International Sustainability Standards Board, ISSB), and Mr. Mutale Mukuka (Chief Financial Officer, Copperbelt Energy Corporation, CEC).

Panellists discussed on a broad range of key topics under sustainability disclosure, and here are some of the key takeaways:

ü  The need to incorporate latest sustainability reporting standards and requirements within the professional examination and syllabus, such as that of the accounting and financial profession, to ensure the uptake and knowledge of the local financial and reporting professionals.

ü  Timely for Zambian financial regulators and supervisors to consider other aspects of sustainability disclosure, such as nature related risk and opportunities – in order to build short-term and long-term resilience of companies vis-à-vis climate and sustainability considerations.

ü  Regular consultations and engagements between policymakers and market participants, to ensure exchange of insights vis-à-vis policy guidance issued on sustainability disclosure and reporting, alongside introducing flexible pathways for companies to transition as part of the journey.

This webinar marks the inaugural session of CASI’s technical assistance (TA) and capacity building programme for Zambia and across Africa, forming part of a broader series of initiatives aimed at supporting the development of sustainable finance ecosystems in emerging markets. As part of this effort, participants are encouraged to complete the post-event survey, which will help inform the design and focus of upcoming technical support, ensuring that future engagements are closely aligned with the practical needs and priorities of stakeholders. This session also serves as a precursor to the upcoming Lusaka Climate Finance Week   on the week of 23 March 2026.

For general enquiries, please contact:
CASI Secretariat
Email: casi@ifs.net.cn

For media enquiries, please contact:

Ms. Jessica Tsang

Email: jessica.tsang@sprinkles.org.hk