Accelerating Sustainable Development Goals Progress in Africa Through Private Sector Engagement

The United Nations Global Compact recently hosted the SDGs Activation Day in Kampala, Uganda, to energize efforts towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) throughout Africa. Under the banner of the Forward Faster Now Africa initiative, this event spurred vital discussions on how private businesses can significantly contribute to achieving these global objectives.

With only a mere 17% of SDG targets projected as being on track for 2030, the urgency for action has never been more palpable. The Forward Faster initiative, introduced in 2023, beckons corporations to embrace ambitious practices in crucial domains such as gender equality, fair wages, climate resilience, and sustainable finances. Sanda Ojiambo, CEO of the UN Global Compact, underscored the need for dynamic leadership in the private sector, stating, "To achieve the Africa that we all want, we need bold private sector leaders committed to working alongside governments and civil society."

The SDGs Activation Day brought together influential business leaders, government officials, and policymakers to collectively brainstorm and strategize sustainable practices. Through focused discussions on areas like gender equality, living wages, and sustainable finance, participants were encouraged to learn from one another's experiences. Numerous African companies shared successful strategies and actionable insights, fostering a collaborative atmosphere.

Antonio Pedro, Deputy Executive Secretary of the Economic Commission for Africa, urged corporations to take decisive action toward inclusive economic growth as the continent leverages opportunities from the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Pedro emphasized that the private sector is integral to fostering innovation and job creation across Africa.

The discussions resulted in the Kampala Declaration, which called for the scaling up of the Forward Faster initiative and for businesses to make monetary commitments aligned with the SDGs. This declaration serves as a commitment towards prioritizing investments that facilitate sustainable development in Africa.

One of the key topics discussed was sustainable finance, where participants shared innovative public-private partnerships aimed at creating transformative impacts. Discussions also addressed the imperative nature of gender equality, showcasing how organizations can initiate purposeful changes through strategic recruitment, retention, and male allyship. Similar concerns were raised regarding living wages, with collaborative efforts from various sectors highlighted as critical to ensuring equitable pay, thereby uplifting workers from poverty.

The Africa Business Leaders Coalition (ABLC) rallying for collective action continues to demonstrate significant achievements, with leaders sharing their success in mobilizing nearly 5 billion USD for climate-related projects and emphasizing the need for women’s economic participation. As the Forum continues annually, it aims to foster progress on both the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Africa Union's Agenda 2063.

The UN Global Compact proudly counts over 1,100 business participants in Africa, with more than 115 companies committing to 585 specific milestones aimed at impactful achievements by 2030. With this clarion call to action, African businesses, irrespective of size, are encouraged to pledge their support to the Forward Faster targets. Interested firms can opt to join the UN Global Compact, the largest corporate sustainability initiative globally.

In closing, the UN Global Compact strives to hasten and amplify businesses' collective impact by adhering to fundamental principles and fulfilling the SDGs—uniting corporations under a shared vision to create a better world for all.