RAEX AND RISK INSIGHTS HOST HIGH-IMPACT WEBINAR ON ESG RISKS & OPPORTUNITIES IN AFRICA
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 12, 2026
Moscow, Russia | Johannesburg, South Africa
Risk Insights (RI), Africa’s leading ESG data analytics firm, and RAEX International Group, a global rating agency headquartered in Moscow, successfully hosted an international webinar titled “ESG in Africa: Risks and Opportunities.” The event attracted strong interest from a professional audience and brought together representatives from public authorities, financial institutions, corporates, regulators, investors, and sustainability experts.
The webinar marked the first practical milestone following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between RAEX and RI in December 2025. The partnership aims to strengthen cross-regional knowledge exchange and to develop more inclusive ESG assessment methodologies tailored to emerging markets and the Global South.
The event was opened by Mr. Peter Pavlenko, Trade Representative of the Russian Federation in the Republic of South Africa, who underscored the strategic importance of the collaboration.
“The MoU between RAEX and RI is not merely a formal agreement. It represents a shared commitment to closing the intelligence gap between regions and to developing ESG frameworks that reflect the real economic and developmental trajectories of emerging markets,” said Mr Pavlenko. "This partnership ensures that Africa and the Global South are not only participants in the ESG dialogue, but active contributors shaping its future.”
The keynote presentation was delivered by Mrs. Anushka Bogdanov, Founder of RI, who provided an in-depth overview of ESG risks and opportunities across the African continent and demonstrated how artificial intelligence is transforming ESG data collection and rating methodologies.
“Africa is often viewed through a narrow risk lens, yet the data tells a far more nuanced story,” said Anushka. “By applying AI-driven ESG analytics, we are able to better capture local realities, reduce systemic bias, and unlock sustainable investment opportunities that are frequently overlooked by traditional ESG models.”
During the webinar, participants explored key themes including:
- Global trends in sustainable development.
- ESG risk assessment in emerging and developing economies.
- The use of artificial intelligence to enhance the objectivity and scalability of ESG ratings.
- ESG-related risks and growth opportunities in Africa
- Geopolitical perspectives on ESG and sustainability.
The strong level of attendance and active engagement throughout the session underscored the growing demand for region-specific ESG intelligence and for alternative analytical frameworks that extend beyond traditional Western-centric models.
About RAEX International Group
The RAEX rating consortium is Russia's largest agency in the field of non-credit ratings. The agency brings together a team of specialists who launched the country's first rating projects in the 1990s. RAEX compiles rankings, assigns non-credit ratings, conducts industry and market research, and organises events related to its analytical activities. The agency's key areas of activity are the preparation of ratings in the fields of education, the non-profit sector, sustainable development, and business development infrastructure.
For more information, visit:
Website: www.raexpert.org
For press and general inquiries, contact:
Email: info@raexpert.org
About Risk Insights (RI)
Risk Insights is a pioneering African ESG data analytics firm and ESG Advisory company, best known for its proprietary platforms ESG GPS® and A-Cubed, which deliver AI-driven sustainability and risk analytics for both listed and unlisted companies across the continent. RI works closely with stock exchanges, regulators, financial institutions, and policymakers to accelerate ESG adoption, strengthen disclosure practices, and enhance sustainable finance readiness across African markets. Through its partnerships Risk Insights continues to drive innovation in ESG data, analytics, and capacity-building across Africa.
For more information, visit:
Website: www.riskinsights.co.za
For press and general inquiries, contact:
Email: info@riskinsights.co.za
The Trade Representation of the Russian Federation in the Republic of South Africa
It is an official body aimed at promoting Russia’s economic, trade, and investment interests in the South African market.
The mission of the Trade Representation is to support and develop bilateral foreign economic relations between Russia and South Africa, stimulate the growth of mutual trade, expand exports of Russian goods and services, and strengthen business cooperation between companies of the two countries.
Website: https://za.minpromtorg.gov.ru/
Telegram: https://t.me/rustradesouthafrica