Ndidi Nnoli-Edozien

Ndidi Nnoli-Edozien (born July 31, 1972) is a Nigerian social entrepreneur and corporate sustainability and responsibility (CSR) expert and Bottom of the Pyramid empowerment advocate. She is the Founder and President of the Growing Businesses Foundation, Nigeria's largest Bottom of the Pyramid platform which has been managing CSR Projects for multinational corporations. She was appointed as a full-time member of the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) in June 2022 Quotes This is our moment. Let us lead with purpose and build a legacy of sustainable prosperity for generations to come. Africa is rapidly pioneering innovative practices in the circular economy, driven by necessity and ingenuity. We see a surge in waste-to-value initiatives, such as recycling plastics into construction and housing materials, organic waste converting into bioenergy, and innovative agro-processing that minimises waste. Digital platforms are connecting informal waste pickers to formal markets, enhancing efficiency and livelihoods. Cities like Lagos, Nairobi, and Johannesburg are adopting smart waste management systems, incentivised by policies. My favourite business case, Zubnol, is based in Aba and recycles plastic waste into the most beautiful beddings. The Circular Economy and its innovative ecosystems not only address environmental concerns but also create jobs, foster local entrepreneurship anchored in traditional business practices. The continent’s entrepreneurial spirit, supported by regional collaborations and global investment, is making the circular economy an integral part of Africa’s sustainable development future. Ndidi Nnoli Edozien, connecting Africa to global sustainability initiatives In the previous understanding of capitalism, the point of a business’s existence was the pursuit of profits. We have taken a significant shift in consciousness since then, with many people moving towards a belief that the value of a corporate entity is also inextricably linked to its ability to create value for its stakeholders, society, the economy and the natural environment. My reference to Solidarity Capitalism in the chapter was a way of bringing that consciousness and that awareness to the fore. I also wanted to specifically reference indigenous knowledge systems and connect them to prevalent economic systems like capitalism to find a blend that creates a more holistic and sustainable future. The thinking that I am describing is not new. These approaches and intuitive knowledge have always been embedded in the cultural heritage of many African jurisdictions, kingdoms, and concepts like Ubuntu or Umunne/a. The way the Igbo describe culture— “Omenala” and “Omanani”— references “Ala” and “Ani”, meaning the Earth. There is an understanding that the Earth is a core stakeholder in how we should live, how we should think and how we should do business. A lot of African culture has been oral tradition, not necessarily captured in writing. When talking about Solidarity Capitalism in my chapter, I wanted to capture the elements of this holistic thinking that is inherent in where I come from. Embracing indigenous wisdom in sustainable businesses: Q&A with Ndidi Nnoli-Edozien External links Category:living people Category:Businesswomen from Nigeria