In my last blog I laid out some of Africa’s challenges. Well, at the CIPE partner roundtable in Accra in July, we heard what great things African business organizations are doing to meet these challenges.
The Botswana Confederation of Commerce, Industry, and Manpower (BOCCIM) has two decades of experience in developing public-private dialogue. This dialogue has resulted in implementation of numerous BOCCIM recommendations, including formulation of the National Privatisation Policy, abolition of exchange controls, and establishment of the Botswana Export Development and Investment Agency.
Initiative Africa is building the capacity of Ethiopian business associations and improving association governance. So far, Initiative Africa has helped eight organizations record substantial improvements in membership development; eight increased their financial sustainability; and three created a new or improved strategic plan.
Senegal’s Council of National Employers (CNP) is raising awareness of the private sector through radio and television. Their coverage of the issues has led to seizure of contraband merchandise worth 18.5 million USD; produced 46 million USD in benefits to the private sector from fiscal reforms; and led 89 companies to sign the Company Charter to fight HIV/AIDS.
Kenya Gatsby Trust is strengthening the voice of micro and small enterprises by engaging them in stakeholder forums with the Ministries of Labour and Trade and Industry. Trade licenses have now been abolished; business registration now takes one week; and banks have established low or non-collateral lending policies.
The Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA), a Ghanaian think tank, has supplied credible information and policy solutions in a variety of formats, such as legislative alerts and advocacy roundtables. IEA’ s advocacy has promoted passage of the Whistleblowers Bill and the Freedom of Information Bill, among others, and led to the formation of the Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition. The Institute was also a wonderful host to CIPE and its partners.
Sorry I could not fit everyone’s achievements here, but this blog has at least outlined some of the key actions needed and shown the vitality of African private sector organizations in meeting the continent’s challenges.
Published Date: August 22, 2008