Global Compact International Yearbook 2013
59
CSR in Africa
Agenda
Kenya
The Global Compact Network Kenya organized a half-day
roundtable event to discuss emerging issues on human rights.
The event was hosted by a participant of the Local Network
and provided a space for companies to engage, discuss, and
increase their knowledge on the intersection of human rights
and business within the Kenyan context. The event successfully
brought together participants and introduced them to the
Global Compact Human Rights Self Assessment Tool as well
as international trends on managing human rights risks. A
presentation on the implications of the Kenyan Constitution’s
Bill of Rights on companies was also introduced. The host
company also shared its experiences regarding these themes,
including a best practice case study that other companies
could learn from and apply to their own systems and processes.
Nigeria
As part of its contribution to the Siemens Integrity Initiative,
the Nigeria Network hosted a collective action workshop with
a focus on “Openness and Transparency: A Stakeholder Com-
mitment against Corruption.” A wide range of participants at-
tended the two-day meeting, including top business executives,
government agencies, civil society, and media. The workshop
was an opportunity to promote dialogue among the various
stakeholders using breakout sessions and small group discus-
sions along thematic areas of interest. Nearly 130 people were in
attendance, signaling a strong commitment to anti-corruption
measures and an interest in sharing and following the strong
examples of good corporate business practice.
Uganda
The Turkey and Uganda Local Networks partnered with Eu-
ropean government representatives and donor agencies to
host a session on biodiversity and ecosystem services. The
session was an example of South-South cooperation, whereby
participants engaged in discussions on how businesses are
mitigating and offsetting their biodiversity impacts. Models
of innovative public-private partnerships were shared as well
as ways in which these can contribute to conservation efforts
and thrive in competitive markets.
Ghana
The Global Compact Network Ghana teamed up with the
Ghana Chamber of Mines to organize a two-day residential
training seminar under the theme of “Environmental and
Social Responsibility: Key to Sustainable Mining.” The semi-
nar covered corporate sustainability guidelines for mining
companies in regards to the utilization of mineral royalties
and water quality management, as well as proper procedures
for mine closures and new regulations that are set to impact
companies in this sector. The event successfully created a
space for mining companies to discuss issues and ideas with
one another and move forward on the environmental agenda.
South Africa
The South Africa Network partnered with the National Business
Initiative to host a roundtable discussion on anti-corruption
collective action measures in the construction sector. Over the
course of the discussion, companies learned about current
initiatives, explored additional collective measures to address
corruption in their sector, and shared best practices from other
countries and sectors that could be applied to the construction
industry in South Africa. Presentations provided guidance to
companies in determining what measures were most suitable
for their context, and provided updates on government ini-
tiatives and regulations. Participating companies agreed that
corruption has become a major issue in South Africa and that
business should set positive examples in order to influence
change. Participants agreed to several next steps, including
pursuing partnerships with existing initiatives, expanding
representation of companies in the sector, and continuing
conversations and meetings on the issue moving forward.
South Africa
The Global Compact Network South Africa provided an over-
view of programmes throughout Southern Africa aimed at
establishing a green economy. Presentations explored synergies
and areas for regional cooperation, and the potential opportu-
nities created by these initiatives in areas such as enterprise
development to job creation, and the renewal of commercial
and residential environments.
Nigeria
The Global Compact Network Nigeria held a session covering
efforts made by companies and partners in Nigeria to increase
access to clean and renewable energy resources in rural settings.
Uganda
A Women’s Executive Conference was hosted by the Uganda
Network, and coincided with the graduation of nine women
enrolled in the Federation of Uganda Employers Female Future
Programme – a nine-month executive training programme to
elevate women into executive roles in Ugandan corporations.
Selected Activities in 2012