ABSTRACT

Corporate responsibility (CR) in Africa is a subject of growing interest, debate and investment. This chapter proposes that the African private sector should take ownership of the issues, and demonstrate leadership in this arena, by moving environment up the African corporate responsibility agenda. The natural environment is widely considered to be a critical CR issue for companies in Europe and America, promoted by environmental non-governmental organisations, corporate responsibility bodies, and partnerships between these groups. The African Institute for Corporate Citizenship is an international multi-stakeholder platform providing an opportunity for business, government and broader civil society to discuss and act on corporate sustainability policy and practice in Africa. The finance sector is a critically important determinant of social and environmental performance through its lending policies. The New Partnership for African Development BusinessGroup comprises leading business organisations both inside and outside Africa that are committed to helping the continent realise its full economic potential.