THE need to implement environment, social sphere and governance (ESG) principles has been the topic of discussion around the world for decades.

In Africa, it is of particular importance. The continent has enormous potential for development and structural reforms. Thanks to them, it is possible to achieve rapid positive transformations in the economy and social sphere.

In terms of environment, climate change in Africa has already led to an increase in extreme weather events (droughts, floods, mudflows, etc.). The social sphere and governance also request positive changes. There are systemic risks to the economy, public health, agriculture and livelihoods of the population in a number of countries.

Most global companies are implementing ESG practices – they are becoming part of their activities in all areas. This way they not only earn money, but also contribute to the well-being of local communities and reduce poverty. Companies operating in the nuclear energy sector play a special role in this process.

Nuclear technology is clean energy that does not harm the environment and, when implemented correctly, causes positive changes in all areas of life, including education, medicine and environmental protection. Nuclear companies do not just distribute clean fuel. Many of them provide ongoing assistance to the countries in which they operate. This applies to the environmental and social spheres.

Tanzania, like other African countries, faces widespread environmental problems such as deforestation, soil erosion, pollution, deterioration of water systems and loss of biodiversity. Yet one of the main problems in Tanzania is illegal hunting of elephants: their ivory is especially popular with poachers.

Attempting to help the country, the Russian state corporation Rosatom has been implementing projects to help the Nyerere and Selous national parks combat this problem and preserve the animal population since 2015. The company provided training, equipment and technical supplies for rangers monitoring the territory, including using drones. As a result, the situation has gradually begun to change for the better.

Another important area is the development of education in Tanzania and other African countries. Chinese companies are successfully investing in the education of African students. According to the Chinese Ministry of Education and UNESCO, in 2016 alone, China accepted almost 62 thousand African students to its institutes, second only to France (103 thousand).

There are currently about 38,000 students from Africa studying in Russia. Rosatom also implements scholarship programmes for students who want to connect their lives with nuclear and engineering specialties. Thanks to them, African students can study at Russian universities, become professionals and return to Africa to develop the country’s economy. Educational work includes dissemination of materials on nuclear technologies, trips to Russia for students, journalists and experts to get acquainted with nuclear industry enterprises, lectures and even work with schoolchildren.

Supporting children, especially those living in poor areas, is important because the social elevator starts in childhood. After a child receives good knowledge at school, he gets a chance to continue his education at university under a grant and get a job with a decent salary. It is worth mentioning a regular project in which children and teenagers from Africa take part – “International Smart Holidays”. Young Africans themselves become a part of national traditions; join in a large number of events to get to know Russia. This is how cultural exchange and broadening of their horizons takes place.

An example of a responsible business attitude to the region of presence is Mantra Tanzania. The company has developed a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Strategy for 2023-2028. It is aimed at supporting healthcare, reliable water supply, environmental protection and sports in the countries of presence and local communities.

To improve the standard of living of Tanzanian citizens, the development of medicine is needed. Without constant access to emergency care and necessary medicines, people’s health is deteriorating, and mortality is increasing. To combat this problem, Mantra, a subsidiary of Uranium One, carried out several projects in 2023.

One such project was Mantra Tanzania Limited’s donation of N36 million to build a maternal and child health centre in Likuyu Parish.

Majani Moremi Wambura, the company’s head of sustainability, said the contribution would help improve the quality of health services provided to mothers and children. The support will not be limited to the village. Discussions are underway with the county and municipal administration to build a health centre to provide quality health services to the entire village.

In terms of business, ESG also promotes ethical business practices. This, in turn, can help improve the overall governance environment in the country and reduce corruption. Overall, the ever-growing interest in ESG factors on the part of corporations can change the standard of living of the population and lead Tanzania to dramatic improvements.