AU, UN Global Compact to boost sustainable business practices in Africa

The African Union (AU) Commission and the United Nations (UN) Global Compact have a strategic partnership under the Global Africa Business Initiative (GABI) to enhance sustainable business practices across Africa.

The partnership was formalized during the AU Sixth Mid-Year Coordination Meeting in Accra through the exchange of a Letter of Intent between Ambassador Albert Muchanga, AU Commissioner for Economic Development, Tourism, Trade, Industry, and Mining (ETTIM), and Assistant Secretary-General Sanda Ojiambo, CEO of the UN Global Compact, Madam Fatima Kyari Mohammed, Permanent Observer of the AU to the UN and Charles Abani, Resident Coordinator of the UN in Ghana.

The collaboration aims to amplify the impact of the UN Global Compact’s Africa Strategy, which seeks to build a cohort of accountable and ambitious African companies to seize the continent’s opportunities. The partnership is designed to support the implementation of the AU Agenda 2063 and the Sustainable Development Goals (Agenda 2030), focusing on the next phase of Agenda 2063’s Second Ten-Year Implementation Plan (2023-2032).

Ambassador Muchanga highlighted the significance of this partnership in advancing the objectives of the AU Agenda 2063, emphasizing that the collaboration reinforces their commitment to driving sustainable business and promoting economic growth across Africa. He noted that this initiative aims to create a dynamic economic environment that supports inclusive progress and empowers African nations to achieve their full potential.
Ms. Sanda Ojiambo stated that the exchange of letters marks an opportunity to strengthen the ties between the AU Commission and the UN system through GABI. She expressed a shared vision for a strong and inclusive African private sector that de-risks economies, attracts investment, and creates jobs, thereby building more prosperous and sustainable communities.
Resident Coordinator of the UN in Ghana, Mr. Charles Abani emphasized the importance of the partnership between the private and public sectors in achieving the aspirations of Agenda 2063 and the SDGs. He noted that the Global Africa Business Initiative is a crucial partner for both the AU and the private sector in Africa to drive this process forward.
Under the leadership of UN Deputy Secretary-General Madam Amina Mohammed, GABI aims to reposition Africa as a prime business destination and an opportunity for global investment. This initiative is expected to significantly contribute towards the AU Agenda 2063 and the Sustainable Development Goals, fostering economic growth and sustainable development across the continent