For many organizations, especially in emerging markets, ESG reporting remains a complex, resource-intensive task. Nigerian startup Agorra AI is addressing this challenge head-on, offering an AI-powered platform that simplifies ESG reporting and enables strategic sustainability planning.
Founded in 2023 by a team with diverse experiences across Africa and Europe, Agorra AI was born out of a recognition that traditional ESG reporting methods—often reliant on spreadsheets and manual data collection—are inadequate for today’s dynamic business needs. Co-founder and CEO Babajide Esho observed that existing platforms tend to focus on carbon metrics or cater primarily to large enterprises, leaving mid-sized businesses in fast-evolving markets underserved.
Agorra AI’s platform automates ESG data collection and reporting, aligning with various global frameworks such as the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB), and the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD). By leveraging artificial intelligence, the platform streamlines compliance and provides predictive tools to model and simulate sustainability strategies, transforming ESG from a compliance obligation into a strategic asset.
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Despite being bootstrapped, Agorra AI has made significant strides. The company has completed six pilot projects and established collaborations with notable firms like Northwest Oil, PM Oil, and Peridot Oil. These partnerships have resulted in the generation of over 50 ESG reports, with clients experiencing up to a 90% reduction in reporting time.
Operating initially within Nigeria’s energy and consulting sectors, Agorra AI’s platform is designed to be regulation-agnostic, facilitating scalability into European, Gulf, and other emerging markets. The company is currently seeking a US$200,000 pre-seed funding round to support its expansion plans, which include launching a self-service Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) platform and extending services into manufacturing, logistics, and finance sectors within the next 18 to 24 months.
Agorra AI’s emergence is timely, coinciding with Nigeria’s increasing emphasis on sustainability reporting. The Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria has outlined a roadmap for adopting the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) Sustainability Disclosure Standards, with ESG reporting expected to become mandatory by 2028. This regulatory shift underscores the growing importance of standardized, transparent ESG practices in the country’s corporate landscape
By providing tools that align with international reporting standards, Agorra AI positions itself as a valuable partner for Nigerian businesses navigating these forthcoming regulatory requirements.
Agorra AI’s mission extends beyond simplifying ESG reporting. The company envisions a future where businesses, regardless of size, can leverage AI-driven insights to make informed decisions that promote sustainability and resilience. By transforming ESG data into actionable intelligence, Agorra AI empowers organizations to proactively address environmental and social challenges, aligning business objectives with broader societal goals.
As the global focus on sustainability intensifies, platforms like Agorra AI are poised to play a crucial role in enabling businesses to meet their ESG commitments efficiently and effectively. Through innovation and strategic foresight, Agorra AI exemplifies how technology can drive meaningful progress in corporate sustainability practices.
