GreenBDG Africa recognises the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in accelerating sustainability, improving operational efficiency, and enhancing Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) outcomes. This policy sets out the principles, responsibilities and controls governing the development, deployment and use of AI systems across GreenBDG Africa's operations, products and services.
The policy is intended to ensure that AI is used ethically, responsibly, transparently and in compliance with applicable laws and industry best practice.
01 — Purpose
Stated objectives
✓Accelerate sustainability outcomes and improve operational efficiency through responsible AI adoption.
✓Ensure AI is used ethically, transparently and in compliance with applicable laws and industry best practice.
✓Maintain human oversight so AI supports, rather than replaces, professional judgement.
✓Protect data privacy, confidentiality and the integrity of ESG reporting and client advice.
✓Manage AI-related risks — privacy, cybersecurity, regulatory, reputational, bias and environmental — in a structured way.
✓Minimise the environmental footprint of AI use and favour providers with strong sustainability credentials.
02 — Scope
This policy applies to:
People
All GreenBDG Africa employees, contractors and consultants.
Internal platforms
AI-enabled products and services, including AfricaESG.AI, SUMS and associated monitoring, reporting and analytics platforms.
Third-party tools
Generative AI applications used in business operations, such as ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot, Gemini and similar technologies.
Systems
AI systems developed internally or procured from external providers.
03 — AI Governance Principles
GreenBDG Africa commits to the following principles:
3.1 Human Oversight
- AI shall support human decision-making and not replace professional judgement.
- All material recommendations, reports, ESG disclosures, sustainability assessments or compliance-related outputs generated using AI must be reviewed by qualified personnel before release.
3.2 Transparency
- Users and clients should be informed when AI materially contributes to analysis, reporting or recommendations.
- AI-generated outputs must be traceable to their sources and assumptions wherever possible.
3.3 Accuracy and Reliability
- AI outputs must be validated before being used for client advice, compliance reporting or investment decisions.
- Employees may not rely solely on AI-generated information without independent verification.
3.4 Fairness and Non-Discrimination
- AI systems shall not intentionally create or reinforce unfair bias based on race, gender, disability, nationality or other protected characteristics.
- Where AI models are used to support decision-making, GreenBDG Africa shall periodically assess potential bias and fairness impacts.
3.5 Privacy and Data Protection
- AI applications must comply with applicable data protection legislation, including the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) and other relevant regulations.
- Employees may not upload confidential client information, personally identifiable information, financial data or proprietary project information into public AI platforms unless approved controls are in place.
3.6 Sustainability
GreenBDG Africa recognises the environmental impacts associated with AI computing infrastructure. The company will seek opportunities to:
- Use AI efficiently.
- Minimise unnecessary computational demand.
- Prefer providers with strong renewable energy and climate commitments.
- Measure and disclose material AI-related emissions where feasible.
04 — Acceptable Use of AI
Employees may use approved AI tools for:
- Research support.
- Drafting reports and presentations.
- Data analysis.
- Coding assistance.
- Sustainability modelling.
- ESG reporting support.
- Operational efficiency improvements.
All AI-generated content must be reviewed for:
- Accuracy.
- Completeness.
- Bias.
- Compliance.
- Confidentiality.
05 — Prohibited Uses
Employees shall not:
- Upload confidential client information to unauthorised AI platforms.
- Use AI to generate fraudulent, misleading or deceptive content.
- Allow AI systems to make unsupervised decisions affecting clients.
- Present AI-generated outputs as verified facts without validation.
- Use AI in ways that violate intellectual property rights or contractual obligations.
06 — Data Governance
All AI applications must comply with GreenBDG Africa's data management standards. Data used for AI purposes shall be classified according to sensitivity level, as set out below:
| Classification |
Permitted AI Use |
| Public Data | May be used within approved AI platforms. |
| Internal Data | May only be used in approved enterprise AI environments. |
| Confidential Client Data | Requires explicit authorisation and approved security controls. |
| Restricted Data | May not be entered into any public AI system. |
07 — AI Risk Management
AI-related risks shall be assessed according to the following categories:
- Privacy risks.
- Cybersecurity risks.
- ESG reporting risks.
- Regulatory risks.
- Reputational risks.
- Bias and fairness risks.
- Environmental impacts.
High-risk AI applications must undergo formal review prior to deployment.
08 — Governance Structure
| Role |
Responsibility |
| Executive Committee | Maintains overall accountability for AI governance. |
| AI Governance Lead | Appointed by the CEO; responsible for policy implementation, risk management, compliance monitoring, training and awareness, and vendor assessment. |
| Business Units / All Employees | Remain accountable for responsible AI use within their respective functions. |
09 — Third-Party AI Providers
GreenBDG Africa shall assess AI vendors against the following criteria:
- Data privacy compliance.
- Security controls.
- Transparency standards.
- ESG commitments.
- Regulatory compliance.
- Service reliability.
Vendor contracts should include appropriate safeguards regarding data handling and intellectual property.
10 — Training and Awareness
All employees shall receive periodic training on:
- Responsible AI use.
- Data privacy obligations.
- AI risks and limitations.
- Prompt engineering best practices.
- Verification of AI-generated outputs.
11 — Monitoring and Review
This policy is effective from 19 June 2026 and shall be reviewed annually, or whenever significant technological, legal or business developments occur.
GreenBDG Africa will continuously monitor emerging AI regulations and international standards, including:
- ISO 42001 – Artificial Intelligence Management Systems.
- OECD AI Principles.
- UNESCO AI Ethics Recommendations.
- South African data protection requirements.
- Evolving ESG disclosure frameworks relating to AI.
12 — Policy Statement
GreenBDG Africa believes that AI should be deployed as a force multiplier for sustainability, resilience and responsible development. Through sound governance, transparency and human oversight, the company seeks to harness AI in a manner that creates lasting value for clients, communities and the environment, while managing associated risks responsibly.