The Joint Committee on Justice and Human Rights and Cooperation, International Relations, and Conflict Resolution of the Pan-African Parliament held a special sitting today to deliberate on the urgent need for a continental framework on corporate accountability and human rights.
Presenting, Dr. Spasiba Nyemi of the Centre for Human Rights and Manager of the African Coalition for Corporate Accountability (ACCA), delivered a compelling presentation on Africa’s paradox of immense natural wealth amid persistent poverty. She warned that the continent loses over $88.6 billion annually through illicit financial flows, driven by corporate tax evasion, corruption, and trade misinvoicing in sectors such as mining, oil, agriculture, and textiles. “Africa holds more than 30% of the world’s mineral reserves, yet the absence of strong accountability laws allows multinational corporations to profit while African citizens bear the costs,,”, she stressed, highlighting the systemic economic exploitation across the continent.
Dr. Nyemi further highlighted the grave social and environmental consequences of unchecked corporate activity, citing oil spills in Nigeria’s Niger Delta, toxic contamination in the Democratic Republic of Congo’s cobalt and copper belt, deforestation linked to cocoa production in West Africa, and persistent labour abuses, including child labour and underpayment in Ethiopia’s garment industry. She emphasised, “Africa is lagging behind other regions, including the European Union, France, Germany, and even China, which have already adopted binding supply chain due diligence and corporate accountability laws.” She called on the Pan-African Parliament to lead the creation of a continental legal framework that goes beyond voluntary corporate social responsibility: “We need enforceable laws that guarantee transparency, remedy for affected communities, and protection of human dignity in line with Agenda 2063”.
In response, members of the Joint Committee commended the presentation and reflected on the urgency of addressing business and human rights issues across Africa. They emphasised the need for stronger African solidarity, citing progress in countries like Algeria, Morocco, and Kenya in developing strategies to protect resources and citizens. Concerns were raised about fiscal evasion, money laundering, and the exploitation of natural resources, which undermine the continent’s development. Members highlighted the importance of balancing economic growth with human rights protections, noting that overly rigid frameworks could discourage investment, while weak enforcement leaves corporations unaccountable. The plight of Africa’s youth was also discussed, linking brain drain, irregular migration, and the loss of industrialisation and value addition opportunities to inadequate policies. Several members expressed frustration with the slow pace of progress and urged the Pan-African Parliament to act decisively and leave a legacy of enforceable laws safeguarding Africa’s people and resources.
Dr. Nyemi concluded by reiterating the critical need for enforceable, continent-wide laws that balance economic development with human rights protection. “African countries have the capacity to retain and add value to their resources, create jobs, and uphold the dignity of citizens”, she said. “By standing in solidarity and adopting binding legislation, Africa can strengthen its sovereignty, empower its people, and ensure that its wealth benefits its own citizens”. She also offered the Centre for Human Rights as a partner for technical assistance, knowledge sharing, and support in effectively implementing these frameworks across the continent.
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