Cop28: Mahanyele-Dabengwa: Global south voice needed in key discussions

As the global community convenes for the 28th Conference of the Parties (COP28) in Dubai to address the pressing issue of climate change, African business leaders are stepping up to ensure a more inclusive and impactful dialogue on sustainability. CNBC Africa had the opportunity to sit down with Phuthi Mahanyele-Dabengwa, the CEO of Naspers South Africa, to discuss the company's carbon emission reduction targets and their commitment to accelerating the transition to a net-zero future. Mahanyele-Dabengwa highlighted the significant progress Naspers has made in reducing their carbon footprint, with targets set to achieve 100% reduction in Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions by FY28. Additionally, the company aims to reduce air travel emissions by 30% by FY30, demonstrating a strong commitment to sustainable practices across their operations. This proactive approach aligns with the company's focus on just energy transition and underscores their role in driving change within the private sector. One of the key themes that emerged from the interview was the importance of amplifying the voice of the Global South in climate discussions. Mahanyele-Dabengwa emphasized the need for greater representation from developing countries, particularly in Africa, where local communities are most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. She underscored the importance of partnerships between government, private sector, and local organizations to address region-specific challenges and ensure a more inclusive dialogue on sustainability. The African Business Leaders Coalition, co-chaired by Mahanyele-Dabengwa, has been instrumental in driving this agenda forward. The coalition, comprising businesses from across the African continent, is focused on achieving sustainability goals in collaboration with the UN Global Compact. By leveraging their collective influence, the coalition aims to advocate for policies that prioritize the needs of developing nations and promote equitable solutions to climate change. In the context of COP28, Mahanyele-Dabengwa highlighted the complex nature of transitioning to a sustainable future and the challenges faced by multinational corporations like Naspers. With business operations spanning over 100 markets, including emerging economies such as China, India, and Brazil, Naspers recognizes the importance of local partnerships in driving sustainable practices. By engaging with diverse stakeholders and empowering smaller organizations, Naspers seeks to ensure that the transition to a greener economy is inclusive and beneficial for all. Regarding the urgency of addressing climate targets, Mahanyele-Dabengwa reaffirmed Naspers' commitment to accelerating the transition. She emphasized the need for active collaboration between private entities, governments, and civil society to close the gap between current efforts and climate goals. By setting concrete targets for their investee companies and internal operations, Naspers is leading by example and advocating for a more sustainable business environment. Looking ahead, Mahanyele-Dabengwa outlined a vision for a successful outcome for the Global South at COP28. She called for tangible commitments to amplify the voices of smaller organizations and NGOs from developing regions, ensuring their active participation in key discussions. By advocating for greater inclusivity and diversity in the climate discourse, the African Business Coalition aims to secure meaningful outcomes that benefit all stakeholders. In conclusion, Mahanyele-Dabengwa's insights shed light on the critical role of African business leaders in shaping the global sustainability agenda. By championing a more inclusive and equitable approach to climate action, Naspers and the African Business Leaders Coalition are paving the way for a greener, more sustainable future for all.