The African Business and Human Rights Forum

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.

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.

• 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.

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.

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.

• Hybrid Format: In-person and virtual participation to maximize access across the continent.

• Languages: English with simultaneous interpretation in French.