Strategic Social Responsibility That Drives Business Growth and Earns Lasting Trust
Why Companies That Give Back Are the Ones That Move Forward
In today’s dynamic world, sustainability is no longer a corporate buzzword, it’s a responsibility. It calls on businesses to go beyond profit-making and actively shape a better future for society. Forward-thinking organizations are aligning themselves with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), not as an obligation, but as a mission. DeKing Group of Companies ltd is one of such organizations that exemplify this value system standing as a reference point of how businesses can lead with purpose and prosper in the process.
Why the SDGs Matter for Businesses
The SDGs, a collection of 17 global goals set by the United Nations, aim to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure prosperity for all by 2030. These goals provide a framework that businesses can adopt to improve not just their environmental and social impact, but also their operational resilience and relevance in the long run.
According to a report by the Business & Sustainable Development Commission, achieving the SDGs opens up over $12 trillion in business opportunities annually and could create up to 380 million new jobs by 2030. This clearly shows that sustainability isn’t a cost, it’s a catalyst for growth and innovation.
Our Commitment in Action
At DeKing Group, our commitment to sustainability transcends compliance. It is deeply rooted in our organizational culture, operations, and our relationship with the communities we serve. Here are key areas where our initiatives are making a difference:
1. Quality Education (SDG 4)
We invest in educational programs for underprivileged youth and also support our staff through continuous professional development. This dual focus on external impact and internal growth helps bridge skill gaps and drive innovation.
- Impact: Over 1,200 youth trained since 2021; 60% transitioned to employment or entrepreneurship. 80% of staff completed CPD programs annually.
2. Employment & Decent Work (SDG 8)
Through inclusive hiring, local sourcing, and capacity building, we contribute to job creation and dignified work. We prioritize gender equity and youth employment in all project zones.
- Impact: 35% of our workforce are from marginalized backgrounds, and 50% are below the age of 35.
3. Affordable and Clean Energy (SDG 7)
We integrate renewable energy solutions in our operations and actively support clean energy education across communities.
- Impact: Reduced carbon footprint by 40% through solar energy adoption in our facilities.
4. Industry, Innovation & Infrastructure (SDG 9)
Innovation is at the core of our project designs. We support local innovators and build resilient infrastructure that serves both economic and environmental needs.
- Impact: 5 sustainable infrastructure projects completed across 3 states in the last 24 months.
5. Responsible Consumption & Production (SDG 12)
We’ve streamlined our supply chains to prioritize eco-friendly materials, reduce waste, and adopt circular practices wherever possible.
- Impact: 70% of our materials are now sourced from eco-conscious suppliers.
6. Sustainable Communities (SDG 11)
Our community engagement programs include sanitation, urban greening, public safety campaigns, and participatory town planning.
- Impact: 8 communities positively impacted with improved access to clean water, safety infrastructure, and urban green spaces.
7. Climate Action (SDG 13)
We understand the urgency of climate change. Our policies promote climate-conscious construction, recycling, and carbon reporting.
- Impact: Partnered with local climate NGOs to plant over 5,000 trees and support youth-led climate activism.
How This Benefits the Business
Some may ask: why invest in these areas as a business?
- Brand Trust & Customer Loyalty
87% of consumers are more likely to support companies that advocate for social or environmental issues. Our value-driven approach has increased customer retention by 25% in the last two years. - Talent Attraction & Retention
Millennials and Gen Z, the future workforce prioritize employers with a clear social purpose. Our programs have resulted in a 40% decrease in employee turnover. - Innovation & Operational Efficiency
Sustainable practices often lead to innovative solutions that enhance productivity and reduce costs in the long run. - Investor Confidence
More investors now use Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) metrics in their decision-making. Our proactive ESG compliance boosts investor interest and financing opportunities.
We urge other companies, particularly across Africa, to adopt sustainability not as a CSR checkbox but as a corporate strategy. Start small, engage your community, revise internal practices, reduce waste, support youth, and build climate resilience.
Let’s remember: sustainable businesses are not only more competitive, they’re more impactful.
The future belongs to companies that build with purpose, grow with people, and operate with principles.
