Updapt - An ESG Tech Co, announced an alliance with Grant Thornton Advisory East Africa Limited, part of Grant Thornton International Ltd, one of the leading Audit, Assurance, and Advisory companies, headquartered in London, UK, and operating across more than 149 countries. This collaboration aims to equip African businesses with the tools and expertise needed to accelerate their decarbonization journey and contribute to Africa's ambitious net-zero goals.
Through this partnership, Updapt's innovative AI & ML driven ESG tools and deep expertise of Grant Thornton would be readily available to East African businesses empowering them to strategize and execute their net-zero goals smartly towards a more sustainable future.
Africa is a continent brimming with potential for sustainable growth. And with rapid urbanization and economic development, energy consumption is projected to double by 2040. This underscores the critical need for businesses to embrace sustainable practices and actively contribute to decarbonization efforts.
“Our collaboration with Updapt marks a pivotal moment in our ESG and sustainability journey. It aligns seamlessly with our commitment to aiding clients in shaping a more sustainable and resilient business landscape. With Updapt's state-of-the-art technology at our fingertips, we anticipate driving significant and lasting transformation.", said Jasmine Shah, Managing Partner, Grant Thornton, Uganda.
Erik Solheim, Advisory Board Member at Updapt and a Global Green Leader said, "Climate action in Africa is gaining momentum, with a focus on climate finance, carbon markets and policy changes. African countries have the potential to be the frontrunners in renewable energy, sustainable land use, and innovative technologies, attracting investment, facilitating technology transfer, and positioning African nations as leaders in the global transition to green development. I'm certain that collaboration between Grant Thornton and Updapt ESG Tech would support businesses in managing climate risks and also capitalizing on green opportunities in a smarter way."
Grant Thornton brings to the partnership a wealth of experience in audit, tax, and advisory services, complemented by Updapt's cutting-edge technology. This combination will empower businesses in East Africa to fulfill regulatory requirements more efficiently and exceed global ESG standards.
Satish Ramchandani, Co-Founder & CBO at Updapt - An ESG Tech Co, said,"Africa accounts for just 4 percent of global emissions. Yet it suffers some of the worst effects of rising global temperatures. At the same time, the African continent is rich in resources like renewables, minerals, standing ready to drive its own green growth. Additionally, ESG disclosures are gaining fresh momentum in Africa, as investor interest and activism rises globally. Our partnership with Grant Thornton is going to be valuable for businesses in these markets both from a risk management perspective and also related opportunities, through our comprehensive and proven climate tech tools being used by companies across various industries and multiple geographies”.
This partnership signifies a shared commitment to empowering East African businesses to achieve their sustainability goals and become responsible stewards of the environment. By leveraging Updapt's innovative technology and Grant Thornton's deep industry expertise, the firm plan to unlock Africa's green potential and support the goals outlined in Africa's Agenda 2063, which envisions a continent that is integrated, peaceful, and prosperous, driven by its citizens and representing a dynamic force on the international stage.