Absa Group is once again supporting the Business Ethics Network Africa (BEN-Africa) Conference, emphasising the importance of ethical business practices in shaping a sustainable future for Africa. The two-day conference, held from 7-8 November at Ghana Communications Technology University in Accra, is focused on “Agenda 2063 and a Sustainable Africa: The Role of Ethical Businesses.”
The event brings together business leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders from across Africa to discuss the critical role of ethical business practices in driving economic growth and sustainability across the continent. Specifically, the conference aims to explore how businesses can align with the African Union’s Agenda 2063 – a blueprint for transforming Africa into a prosperous, integrated, and sustainable continent by 2063.
Absa Reaffirms Commitment to Ethical Business
Absa’s sponsorship of the conference highlights its continued commitment to promoting ethical business practices across Africa. Akash Singh, the Group’s Chief Compliance Officer, explained that the bank’s support aligns with its goal of encouraging businesses to uphold strong governance principles and integrity. “Ethical businesses are critical to combating corruption and building a strong, sustainable economy in Africa,” Singh said.
According to the African Union, corruption costs Africa more than $140 billion annually, undermining the continent’s potential. Singh highlighted the role of businesses that prioritise ethics and governance in addressing this challenge. “By fostering businesses that operate with integrity, we can work towards a more sustainable Africa,” he added.
Absa, a pan-African financial services group with a presence in 12 African countries, is deeply invested in helping create an environment where businesses with strong ethical foundations can thrive. The bank’s extensive network, which includes over 20,000 third-party partners, plays a key role in driving its commitment to building an economy rooted in trust and moral integrity.
Tackling Ethical Challenges in Africa’s Supply Chain
One of the key highlights of this year’s BEN-Africa Conference is the Absa Ethics Supplier Day, which took place on 6 November. The event offered small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) an opportunity to participate in Absa’s Ethically Aware Supplier Induction Programme. The training, developed by the Ethics Institute, helps SMEs understand the ethical challenges they face in areas such as anti-corruption, environmental sustainability, and human rights practices.
Vusi Fele, Absa’s Group Chief Procurement Officer, said the SME Supplier Day is part of Absa’s broader strategy to encourage ethical behaviour across its supply chain. “As pressure grows on large businesses to ensure their suppliers follow ethical practices, we believe it’s essential to equip SMEs with the tools they need to operate with integrity,” Fele explained.
The training programme aims to ensure that African SMEs are not only compliant with ethical standards but are also empowered to promote these values within their own organisations. Fele noted that this initiative is particularly important in advancing Agenda 2063, which seeks to build a sustainable and corruption-free economy.
Strengthening Africa’s Ethical Business Framework
Dr. Bryan Robinson, President of BEN-Africa, praised Absa’s ongoing partnership, noting that the bank’s support has been instrumental in advancing the conversation on business ethics across Africa. “This collaboration is essential as we continue to drive dialogue on reinforcing the moral fabric of African businesses and communities,” Robinson said.
The BEN-Africa Conference serves as a platform for dialogue and collaboration on issues related to ethical business practices, providing an opportunity for African leaders to share insights and work together to tackle common challenges. The event aims to strengthen the role of business ethics as a foundation for sustainable value creation, with a particular focus on how ethical practices can contribute to the realisation of Agenda 2063.
By bringing together stakeholders from across the public, private, and non-profit sectors, the conference seeks to foster greater collaboration in driving ethical decision-making in business. The discussions aim to provide practical solutions for integrating ethics into business models, contributing to long-term sustainability and the overall development of the continent.
Absa’s Role in Africa’s Economic Growth
Absa’s support for the BEN-Africa Conference is part of the Group’s broader commitment to driving sustainable economic growth across the continent. As one of Africa’s largest diversified financial services groups, Absa operates in 12 African markets and offers a wide range of services, including personal and business banking, corporate and investment banking, and wealth management. With its deep-rooted presence in Africa, the bank is well-positioned to help shape the future of ethical business practices on the continent.
Through initiatives like the BEN-Africa Conference and the Ethics Supplier Day, Absa is working to ensure that businesses in Africa operate with integrity, contribute to sustainable development, and help realise the vision of a prosperous, united, and self-reliant Africa by 2063.
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