Companies in Ivory Coast gathered this week in Abidjan to discuss ways to strengthen corporate sustainability practices and expand the reach of the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC) across the country.
The meeting, hosted by Orange Côte d’Ivoire at its headquarters in the economic capital Abidjan, brought together businesses, sustainability experts and partner organisations to promote responsible corporate practices and encourage wider participation in the global initiative.
Held under the theme “Together, All Committed to Building the UNGC Network in Côte d’Ivoire,” the event aimed to strengthen dialogue among private sector actors, share best practices and explore opportunities for collaboration on environmental, social and governance (ESG) standards.
Participants included representatives from major companies operating in the country such as Ernst & Young, Petro Ivoire, Afrasia Bank, Ecobank, BICICI and CIMAX.
Organisers said the gathering was designed to encourage companies to formalise sustainability commitments and align their operations with international standards promoted by the Global Compact.
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Speaking via video conference, Hervé Lado said the initiative provides companies with practical tools and platforms to translate sustainability goals into measurable actions.
He noted that businesses were increasingly expected to address issues such as gender equality, decent work and environmental responsibility while maintaining strong economic performance.
A panel discussion during the event brought together corporate leaders and sustainability specialists, including Kevin Yapi, Eric N’Guessan, Koné Djeneba, Catherine Assanvo and Letitia Lath-Ohouo.
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Speakers stressed that corporate social responsibility can strengthen business competitiveness and brand reputation rather than hinder growth.
They also highlighted the growing importance of international sustainability reporting standards and investments in renewable energy, social inclusion initiatives and gender equality programmes.
The discussions reflected a broader shift in expectations toward companies operating in emerging markets, where investors and regulators are increasingly paying attention to environmental and social performance alongside financial results.
Since the launch of the UN Global Compact local network in Ivory Coast in 2023, membership has expanded significantly.
Organisers said the network initially brought together around ten companies but has since grown to nearly 40 members, reflecting rising private sector interest in sustainability initiatives.
The expansion illustrates what observers describe as a gradual transformation in the role of companies across Africa, where businesses are increasingly encouraged to contribute to solving social and environmental challenges.
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For Orange Côte d’Ivoire, hosting the meeting is part of its broader corporate social responsibility strategy, which focuses on digital inclusion, connectivity and economic empowerment.
The telecom operator says it aligns its sustainability initiatives with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, which aim to address global challenges including poverty, inequality and climate change.
According to Assanvo, the company has significantly expanded its network coverage in recent years as part of efforts to reduce the digital divide.
“Over the past three years, we have extended coverage to around 250 areas, connecting more than three million additional people,” she said.
“Beyond connectivity, we are also providing digital services and solutions designed to support everyday needs.”
Organisers said continued collaboration among businesses will be key to strengthening the sustainability agenda in Ivory Coast and ensuring that economic development goes hand in hand with social and environmental responsibility.
The United Nations Global Compact (UNGC) is a voluntary initiative launched in 2000 to encourage companies worldwide to adopt sustainable and socially responsible policies. It promotes ten principles covering human rights, labour standards, environmental protection and anti-corruption. Companies that join commit to aligning their strategies and operations with these principles and reporting on progress annually.
In Africa, the UNGC has sought to expand its footprint by establishing national networks that allow companies to share best practices, access tools for sustainability reporting, and collaborate on local initiatives. These networks aim to strengthen corporate governance, promote ethical business practices, and foster partnerships that address social and environmental challenges.
In Ivory Coast, the UNGC local network was launched in 2023 with around ten member companies. Since then, the network has grown to nearly 40 members, reflecting increasing interest from the private sector in sustainable business practices. Companies joining the network benefit from technical guidance, capacity-building workshops, and opportunities to engage with international investors and development partners.
Corporate social responsibility (CSR) in Ivory Coast is increasingly linked to broader development goals. Businesses are encouraged to adopt strategies that combine profitability with social impact, such as improving working conditions, investing in renewable energy, promoting gender equality, and supporting community development projects. Observers say this trend mirrors a wider shift in Africa, where private sector actors are expected to contribute to sustainable development and align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Telecommunications firms, banks, industrial companies, and multinationals have become key drivers of sustainability initiatives in the country. For example, Orange Côte d’Ivoire has integrated CSR into its business model, focusing on connectivity, digital inclusion, and empowerment, while other companies are exploring renewable energy, waste management, and employee welfare programs.
Experts note that UNGC membership provides a framework for measuring progress and reporting transparently, which is increasingly important for investors, regulators, and consumers. By participating in the network, companies can demonstrate their commitment to ethical business practices, strengthen reputations, and contribute to the country’s sustainable economic growth.
The development of local UNGC networks also complements regional initiatives in West Africa aimed at enhancing corporate responsibility, environmental sustainability, and social inclusion. These networks help build a culture of accountability and cooperation, encouraging private sector involvement in solving societal challenges while fostering economic resilience.
In summary, the UN Global Compact local network in Ivory Coast provides a platform for companies to collaborate on sustainability, expand CSR initiatives, and align business practices with global standards, reflecting a growing recognition that economic growth and social responsibility can advance together.
