The Vice Chairperson of the United Nations Working Group on Business and Human Rights, Professor Damilola Sunday Olawuyi, SAN, has called on African governments, businesses, and development sectors to intensify their efforts in implementing the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs) as a catalyst for inclusive and sustainable growth across the continent.
He warned that failure to align with such standards, particularly in light of evolving global legal frameworks like the European Union’s Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CS3D), risks leaving businesses marginalized in the modern rights-based global economy. Highlighting Africa’s rising status as a hub for investments in mining, infrastructure, agribusiness, and green technology, Prof. Olawuyi stressed that local communities, indigenous populations, and marginalized groups increasingly demand that prosperity be achieved through responsible business practices. “Profit maximization is unattainable in an atmosphere of public distrust, protests, and reputational harm,” he stated.
Speaking at the 4th Annual African Forum on Business and Human Rights held in Zambia, which was convened by the African Union in partnership with the United Nations and hosted by the Zambian government, Prof. Olawuyi emphasized the critical importance of transitioning from commitment to effective action—themed “From Commitment to Action: Advancing Remedy, Reparations, and Responsible Business Conduct in Africa,” the forum gathered leaders from governments, business enterprises, civil society, and academia to explore strategies for promoting responsible investments in key economic sectors.
Prof. Olawuyi, also serving as the global vice chair of the International Law Association, underscored the necessity for African businesses, investors, and entrepreneurs to proactively integrate human rights, environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards throughout their operations, including corporate policies, procurement practices, and grievance mechanisms.
He urged all African states and businesses to enhance their commitment to human rights due diligence, meaningful stakeholder engagement, and sustainable development in making business, investment, and licensing decisions.Commending pioneering efforts by Nigeria, Uganda, Kenya, Liberia, and Ghana, which have adopted National Action Plans on Business and Human Rights, Prof. Olawuyi called for a swift transformation of these commitments into concrete outcomes.
He advocated a ‘whole society approach’ to mainstream responsible investment across all economic sectors, urging governments and businesses to increase financial and technical support to national human rights institutions, academic bodies, civil society organizations, indigenous caucuses, and human rights defenders. This support is vital for raising awareness and education on ethical, rights-based investment practices that address workplace inequalities and contribute to sustainable development.
The forum highlighted the ongoing challenges and progress in mitigating negative human rights impacts linked to business activities, reinforcing the shared commitment to build an African economy grounded in ethical business conduct and social responsibility.Prof. Olawuyi’s call to action reflects a growing global consensus that sustainable development and human rights are inseparable, and that the future of Africa’s economic growth depends on responsible, transparent, and inclusive business practices.
