Leading with purpose
ATS is calling for a shift in how African businesses think about sustainability—not as an isolated initiative, but as a strategic imperative to drive long-term growth, resilience, and equity. From ecological preservation to social empowerment, the sustainability agenda is multifaceted and urgent. The insights shared in this article are informed by the work of Sharon Beulich, ATS Director: Business Development and Sustainability, whose thought leadership has been featured in several publications and contributes to ongoing conversations around sustainable business practices.
As a subsidiary of Tsebo Solutions Group, ATS contributes to the global sustainability dialogue through its involvement in the United Nations Global Compact and the Africa Business Leaders Coalition (ABLC). As members of the ABLC, the Group’s CEOs actively participate in a call to action for business leaders to collaborate towards a sustainable and thriving Africa.
By cutting carbon emissions, expanding green areas, optimising resource use, uplifting local communities, and investing in education and infrastructure, companies can collectively address the continent’s most pressing challenges—together.
Transforming remote sites into sustainable hubs
ATS is known for its sustainable and transformational stewardship. Operating in remote locations with limited resources, the business focuses on transforming these environments into hubs of collaboration and development, providing essential services while laying the groundwork for long-term local benefits.
With 97% of its workforce made up of frontline employees, ATS is deeply embedded in the regions it serves. This proximity allows it to implement sustainability solutions that are contextually relevant and rooted in community partnership.
Reshaping key sectors through green innovation
Key industries such as mining, agriculture, and forestry are crucial to Africa’s economy, but they often face significant environmental and regulatory challenges. Beulich advocates for the integration of green technologies, aggressive waste reduction, and strict environmental compliance to shift these sectors towards models of sustainable practice.
She emphasises that environmental strategies must be paired with strong governance, innovation, and a long-term outlook, where sustainability becomes a performance driver, not a trade-off.
Empowering local communities and building resilience
Equally important is the role of business in strengthening the communities in which they operate. Beulich emphasises that sustainable development must be inclusive, with community members directly benefiting from local resources.
She encourages businesses to foster shared value by investing in education, healthcare, and infrastructure, unlocking opportunities for economic inclusion and local capacity building. Empowerment at this level, she notes, is essential to building resilient societies that can thrive independently.
Enabling change through regulation and leadership
Beulich calls on governments across Africa to enforce stronger environmental and development regulations, supporting the business community in its transition to more sustainable models. She also urges leaders to prioritise infrastructure that can withstand environmental pressures and support population growth in a resource-constrained future.
Education: The foundation for a sustainable future
At the heart of lasting change is education. Beulich concludes by highlighting its central role in preparing future leaders and innovators equipped to meet Africa’s complex challenges.
She calls for a renewed dedication to sustainability, not only as a responsibility, but as a strategic opportunity to shape Africa’s future for the better.