Africa’s regulatory landscape is rapidly evolving. Regional and national frameworks continue to expand with guidance from instruments such as the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs), the African Union (AU) Agenda 2063, the AU Draft Policy Framework on Business and Human Rights, and the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights (ACHPR) resolutions.

Businesses are being increasingly called upon to adopt responsible, rights-respecting, and sustainable practices, reflecting a growing commitment to stronger governance, greater transparency, and alignment with international human rights and environmental standards.

The 04th Africa Business and Human Rights Forum, held from 07th – 09th October 2025 in Lusaka, Zambia, advanced this momentum by shifting the continental conversation from intention to implementation. Under the theme: “From commitment to action: Advancing remedy, reparations and responsible business conduct in Africa,” the forum emphasised turning policy commitments into concrete measures, particularly around access to remedy, reparations, and corporate accountability.

The event brought together over 600 participants from more than 75 countries, including 39 African states. Government representatives, National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs), civil society organisations, private sector actors, labour groups, rights holders, and international organisations.

Delivered as a hybrid event, the forum broadened participation and offered a vital platform for accelerating implementation, sharing regional experiences, and identifying practical pathways to embed human rights in Africa’s business ecosystems.

Speaking on behalf of His Excellency Ambassador, Bankole Adeoye, the African Union’s Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, Mr. Issaka Garba Abdou, reaffirmed the African Union Commission’s commitment to working with Member States, NHRIs, civil society, the private sector, and development partners to: 

• Strengthen legislative and policy frameworks to guarantee access to remedy and reparations 

• Institutionalise human rights due diligence within national and regional business environments 

• Embed responsible business conduct within the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) trade and investment frameworks 

• Enhance State and non-State grievance mechanisms, including NHRIs and corporate operational-level systems 

During the Forum, Enabel Business and Human Rights Expert, Lucy Peace Nantume, moderated a session on the role of multi-stakeholder engagement in developing and implementing National Action Plans on Business and Human Rights (NAPs). The session spotlighted experiences from Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania, demonstrating collective progress and the value of cross-country learning. 

As Uganda advances the implementation of its National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights and continues efforts under the Advancing Respect for Human Rights by Businesses in Uganda project, the lessons from the 04th African Union Business and Human Rights Forum reinforce national priorities.

Strengthening access to remedy, institutionalising human rights due diligence, and promoting responsible business conduct are not only continental aspirations, but also central to Uganda’s commitment to building an inclusive, fair, and sustainable economy where businesses respect and uphold human rights. 

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