HIGH-LEVEL OPENING PLENARY
From Commitment to Action: Advancing Remedy, Reparations and Responsible Business Conduct in Africa

Background 

 

The High-Level Opening Plenary will set the tone for the 4th African Business and Human Rights Forum in Lusaka by underscoring Africa’s pivotal moment in the global business and human rights agenda. Under the theme “From Commitment to Action: Advancing Remedy, Reparations and Responsible Business Conduct in Africa”, the session will highlight how regional and global commitments—from the UN Guiding Principles and the draft AU BHR Policy to the African Commission’s Resolution on BHR—must now translate into tangible outcomes for communities, workers, and rights-holders.

 

The Plenary will emphasize the urgency of moving beyond policy frameworks to delivering justice through effective remedy and reparations, while also strengthening responsible business conduct, transparency, and accountability. By combining institutional commitments from AU and UN partners with Zambia’s leadership as host, the session will frame the Forum’s core objectives: accelerating implementation, deepening collaboration, and spotlighting practical pathways to ensure businesses in Africa uphold human rights and contribute to inclusive and sustainable development.​

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Speakers

 

Opening Statements

• Prof. Damilola Olawuyi, Member, UN Working Group on Business and Human Rights

• David Omozuafoh, Regional Governance and Rule of Law Advisor, UNDP RSCA (on behalf of Director, UNDP Regional Service Center)

• Nejmudin Kedir Bilal, Representative a.i. to Zambia (on behalf of Regional Director East Southern Africa), UNICEF

• Marcel C. Akpovo, Regional Director for Eastern and Southern Africa & Representative to the African Union, OHCHR

• Hervé Lado, Africa Regional Head, UN Global Compact

• Saliya Kanathigoda, Programme Manager, GIZ

• Issaka Garba Abdou, PAPS-AUC

 

Keynote Address

• Beatrice Mutali, UN Resident Coordinator, United Nations in Zambia

 

Moderator

• Mrs. Mwenya Kaela Bwalya, the Permanent Secretary-Legal, Ministry of Justice

 

Closing (Keynote by Host Government)

• Hon. Princess Kasune, MP, Minister of Justice, Government of Zambia​