CSO-Led Solutions for Responsible Business in Africa: CSOs and Faith-based actors’ perspective

Session partners:

• ACT Alliance

• Malawi Permanent Mission to the United Nations in Geneva

Background 

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Despite growing policy momentum around the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs), many African communities continue to face harm from business activity, with limited access to remedy or voice in decision-making. Yet across the continent, civil society organizations, especially faith-based and community-rooted groups, are innovating ways to bring these global norms to life.

 

This informal session offers a space of solidarity, practice, and cross-regional learning. Through case stories, facilitated exchanges, and open reflection, CSOs will explore how the UNGPs are (or could be) applied in local struggles for justice and dignity. We focus not on sharing concrete cases, experiences and reflections on opportunities and gaps in integrating and implementing the UNGPs with the perspective of faith-based actors.

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Key Objectives

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• Showcasing ability to integrate and engage on BHR principles in practice through engaging with CSO and grassroots organizations

• Stocktaking progress into action in integrating UNGPs in practice

• Connecting faith-based actors in BHR in Africa with actors from other sectors to strengthen transfer of information/knowledge in due diligence practices and risk management.

• Linking action to the Nairobi Declaration strengthening efforts towards inclusive participation and shared learning as a key tool for cross sector alignment to policies and standards on responsible business conduct

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Expected Outcomes

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1. Knowledge Sharing & Learning: Participants gain practical insights into CSO- and faith-based approaches for applying the UNGPs in Africa, including advocacy, multistakeholder collaboration, and state–CSO partnerships.

2. Actionable Recommendations: Key gaps and challenges are identified, and speakers/participants put forward concrete actions to strengthen access to remedy and responsible business practices.

3. Networking & Alignment: The session fosters stronger connections among CSOs, faith actors, governments, and private sector, contributing to the Africa BHR Forum agenda and the Nairobi Declaration.