African Union Commission and U.N. Global Compact Partner on Global Africa Business Initiative
July 26, 2024
By Samuel Ouma
The African Union Commission (AUC) and the United Nations Global Compact have announced a partnership to launch the Global Africa Business Initiative (GABI).
This collaboration aims to enhance sustainable business practices across Africa through the U.N. Global Compact's Africa Strategy, designed to build a network of accountable and ambitious African companies to seize the continent's burgeoning opportunities.
The partnership was formalized with the exchange of a Letter of Intent between H.E. Ambassador Albert Muchanga, Commissioner for Economic Development, Tourism, Trade, Industry, Mining (ETTIM) of the African Union Commission, and Assistant Secretary-General Sanda Ojiambo, CEO of the U.N. Global Compact.
The exchange occurred in the presence of H.E. Fatima Kyari Mohammed, Permanent Observer of the African Union to the United Nations, and Charles Abani, Resident Coordinator of the United Nations in Ghana.
The Global Africa Business Initiative hosted the event on the sidelines of the African Union's Sixth Mid-Year Coordination Meeting (6th MYCM) in Accra on Saturday, July 20, 2024.
Building on the African Union-United Nations framework for implementing the African Union Agenda 2063 and the Sustainable Development Goals (Agenda 2030), this partnership will support the next phase of Agenda 2063's Second Ten-Year Implementation Plan (2023-2032).
This comprehensive roadmap aims to accelerate Africa's development. The U.N. Global Compact will engage businesses across the continent to support the African Union Commission's goals and mandate.
H.E. Ambassador Muchanga emphasized the importance of the new partnership, stating, "This collaboration marks a significant advancement in our efforts to realize the objectives outlined in the African Union Agenda 2063. By partnering with the U.N. 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."
Ms. Sanda Ojiambo echoed this sentiment: "Today's exchange of letters presents an opportunity to strengthen the long-standing ties between the African Union Commission and the U.N. 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 U.N. Deputy Secretary-General H.E. Amina J. Mohammed, GABI aims to reposition Africa as a prime business destination and opportunity for global investment while contributing to 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 U.N. General Assembly.
