THE African Union Commission (AUC) and the United Nations Global Compact have announced a new partnership aimed at promoting sustainable business practices across Africa. This collaboration, part of the Global Africa Business Initiative (GABI), seeks to leverage the UN Global Compact’s Africa Strategy to foster a network of accountable and ambitious African companies, harnessing the continent’s vast opportunities.
The partnership was formalised through the exchange of a Letter of Intent between Ambassador Albert Muchanga, Commissioner for Economic Development, Tourism, Trade, Industry, and Mining (ETTIM) of the African Union Commission, and Sanda Ojiambo, CEO of the UN Global Compact, at the African Union’s Sixth Mid-Year Coordination Meeting in Accra, Ghana. The event was also attended by Fatima Kyari Mohammed, Permanent Observer of the African Union to the United Nations, and Charles Abani, Resident Coordinator of the United Nations in Ghana.
Building on the framework for implementing the African Union Agenda 2063 and the Sustainable Development Goals (Agenda 2030), this partnership aims to support the next phase of Agenda 2063’s Second Ten-Year Implementation Plan (2023-2032). The UN Global Compact will engage businesses across the continent to support the African Union Commission’s development goals.
Ambassador Muchanga highlighted the significance of the partnership, stating, ‘This collaboration marks a significant advancement in our efforts to realise the objectives outlined in the African Union Agenda 2063. By partnering with the UN Global Compact, we are reinforcing our commitment to driving sustainable business and promoting economic growth across Africa. Together, we aim to create a dynamic economic environment that supports inclusive progress and empowers African nations to achieve their full potential.’
Sanda Ojiambo added, ‘Today’s exchange of letters presents an opportunity to strengthen the long-standing ties between the African Union Commission and the UN system through a partnership with the Global Africa Business Initiative. We share a transformative vision for the continent, where a strong and inclusive African private sector helps de-risk economies, attracts investment, and creates jobs, building more prosperous and sustainable communities.’
Under the leadership of UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina J. Mohammed, GABI aims to reposition Africa as a prime business destination and opportunity for global investment, while also contributing towards the African Union Agenda 2063 and the Sustainable Development Goals.
Interested participants can now register to request an invitation to attend GABI’s flagship event, ‘Unstoppable Africa,’ which will take place in New York from September 25-26, on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly. For more information on the Global Africa Business Initiative, visit gabi.unglobalcompact.org.
By forging this partnership, the African Union Commission and the UN Global Compact are set to drive a new era of sustainable business and economic growth across Africa, aligning with the broader objectives of regional and global development frameworks.
