ESG Framework
Environmental, Social & Governance
ACEN's ESG framework is not a checkbox — it is the lens through which we evaluate every partnership, investment, and advocacy position.
As a convening body for energy investment and policy across Africa and the Caribbean, ACEN holds a unique responsibility. The projects we facilitate, the policies we advocate for, and the partnerships we broker have real and lasting consequences for people, ecosystems, and economies. Our ESG framework ensures we exercise that responsibility with rigour and integrity.
Environmental
ACEN places environmental stewardship at the centre of every initiative. We support projects that measurably reduce greenhouse gas emissions, protect biodiversity, and build climate resilience. Our investment facilitation prioritises renewable energy technologies — solar, wind, hydro, geothermal — and we apply environmental due diligence standards to all partnerships.
Key Commitments
- ✓Prioritise zero-emission energy technologies in all investment facilitation
- ✓Assess environmental impact of partner projects using internationally recognised frameworks
- ✓Support nature-based solutions alongside energy transition goals
- ✓Promote energy efficiency alongside renewable generation
Social
Energy poverty is a social justice issue. ACEN is committed to ensuring the clean energy transition creates equitable outcomes — particularly for communities that have historically been underserved by energy systems. We champion gender inclusion, youth leadership, and community ownership as pillars of a just transition.
Key Commitments
- ✓Centre community benefit in all energy partnership agreements
- ✓Advance gender equity in energy leadership through the Women in Energy programme
- ✓Support youth and early-career professionals through the Student/Individual membership tier
- ✓Measure social impact alongside financial returns in all facilitated projects
Governance
Trust is earned through transparency and accountability. ACEN holds itself and its member organisations to high governance standards — including ethical business practices, anti-corruption commitments, and transparent reporting. Our own governance structure — with an independent Board and Advisory Council — models the standards we promote.
Key Commitments
- ✓Publish annual impact and governance reports for member review
- ✓Require all Corporate and Partner tier members to affirm ESG commitments
- ✓Engage in policy advocacy for anti-corruption and transparency reforms in energy procurement
- ✓Implement conflict of interest and whistleblower policies across ACEN operations
ESG Reporting & Transparency
ACEN publishes regular ESG and impact reports for members and the public. Reports include project-level impact data, governance updates, and progress against our ESG commitments.
2024 ACEN ESG Report
Expected Q3 2025
2023 Impact Summary
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ESG Policy Framework (v1.2)
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Investment ESG Screening Criteria
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