Code of Ethics for Business In Kenya Receives Recognition from Basel Institute

UN Global Compact Network Kenya Advocates Improved Sustainability Practices in Kenya’s Insurance Sector

UN Global Compact Network Nigeria and IHS Towers Convene Business Leaders for Private Sector Dialogue on Environmental Stewardship

Sustainable business practices in Rwanda received a significant boost through the United Nations Global Compact, Communication on Progress (CoP) workshop, which was held in Kigali on 12 June 2025. The UN Global Compact, which supports sustainable business practices globally by encouraging businesses to align with its Ten Principles in the areas of human rights, labour, environment, and anti-corruption, established CoP reporting as an accountability mechanism to enable businesses to report annually on their sustainability progress. The CoP is a mandatory requirement for all business participants of the UN Global Compact, and companies that fail to meet this commitment risk being de-listed from the Compact. Currently, 26 organizations are signatories of the UN Global Compact in Rwanda, with 17 participants from 14 companies attending the CoP workshop in June. The workshop focused on familiarizing Rwandan businesses with the CoP template and supporting them in accessing valuable resources that can help them use the template efficiently to report their sustainability efforts. The Workshop is of particular significance as the UN Global Compact considers Rwanda an expanding country for its mandate, with this being the first time for the majority of participants to fill out the CoP digital report. Among them, some have started preparing their sustainability reports, while others are wondering how best they can use the CoP template to submit their annual report before the deadline. The submission period for the mandatory 2025 Communication on Progress (CoP) opens on 1 April 2025 and closes on 31 July 2025. The CoP workshop, among other offerings, aims to raise awareness and strengthen the capacity of Rwandan businesses to effectively engage with the UN Global Compact Communication on Progress (CoP) and its available resources, introduce participants to the CoP as the UN Global Compact’s standardized accountability framework, and promote active participation by guiding businesses in navigating and utilizing the CoP platform, including its tools, training modules, and support resources tailored to facilitate meaningful engagement. Dr Hervé Lado, UN Global Compact Africa Regional Head, emphasized that the workshop strengthened companies’ capacity to meet Communication on Progress (CoP) reporting obligations. He clarified that the CoP is a strategic transparency tool, not mere compliance, enabling performance measurement and accountability. Dr Lado urged timely submissions to bolster the initiative’s credibility and showcase responsible business actions, framing the CoP as an opportunity to advance sustainable development. Marie-Claire Dushimumukiza, UNGC Rwanda Country Manager, commended participants’ practical insights on sustainability reporting. After guiding them through the CoP template and resources, she stressed the importance of accuracy and deadlines while reaffirming her ongoing support. Participants highlighted gaining practical tools and peer insights, recognizing transparent reporting’s role in building trust, measuring impact, and aligning strategies with the Ten Principles for long-term value creation.

From Commitment to Action: Advancing Remedy, Reparations, and Responsible Business Conduct in Africa 7 – 9 October 2025 | Lusaka, Zambia The United Nations Global Compact invites African businesses to participate in the 4th African Business and Human Rights Forum, a pivotal regional gathering to catalyze corporate respect for human rights and sustainability across Africa. This year’s edition will focus on the concrete implementation of remedy and reparations frameworks and promoting responsible business conduct amid the continent’s evolving economic and regulatory landscape. About the Forum The Africa BHR Forum is an annual, multi-stakeholder platform that convenes business leaders, government representatives, civil society, Indigenous Peoples, national human rights institutions, and international partners to advance the implementation of the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs). The 2025 Forum is aligned with the African Union’s theme: "Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations." Building on past editions in Accra (2022), Addis Ababa (2023), and Nairobi (2024), which together gathered over 1,400 participants, the Forum continues to drive collaborative action, foster dialogue, and share innovative approaches that elevate corporate accountability and responsible business practices across Africa. Key Objectives • Strengthen Access to Remedy for victims of business-related human rights and environmental harm through policy frameworks, judicial capacity, and grievance mechanisms. • Advance Reparations by promoting state and private sector responsibility in addressing historical and ongoing injustices. • Promote Responsible Business Conduct through integration of human rights due diligence and alignment with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and AU BHR frameworks. • Enhance Transparency and Accountability through technology, reporting mechanisms, and collective monitoring of commitments. Why Attend By participating in the 2025 Forum, you will: 1. Engage in high-level regional discourse connected to the UN Forum on BHR in Geneva. 2. Network with leaders across sectors – business, government, academia, civil society, and the UN system. 3. Exchange best practices on implementing effective due diligence and remedy strategies. 4. Gain insights into Africa’s growing legal and policy momentum around business and human rights. 5. Demonstrate leadership by showcasing your organization’s commitment to human rights. 6. Join free of charge and benefit from broad access to official and side sessions. Opportunities to Participate Companies, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders are welcome to: • Take part in official sessions, panels, and side events (speaking roles by invitation). • Attend thematic trainings, clinics, and breakout dialogues on practical applications of BHR frameworks. • Engage with peers and experts at the UN Global Compact Networking Event on the final day. • Exhibit initiatives and innovations at the Forum showcase pavilion. Event Format and Interpretation • Hybrid Format: In-person and virtual participation to maximize access across the continent. • Languages: English with simultaneous interpretation in French.