- India: leading the way in business-NGO partnership
- The Partnering Initiative launches Case Study Toolbook
- more IBLF news
- Business and Youth in the Arab World
- Partnership Matters: Current Issues in Cross-Sector Collaboration, Issue 3: 2005
- more IBLF publications
- Canadian Youth Business Foundation enables entrepreneurs to establish software vendor
- Thabo Mathibedi raises funds to open a hairdressers in South Africa
- more IBLF case studies
AFRICA
IBLF’s work in Africa focuses on capitalising on the leading role that business can play as a primary driver of development.
IBLF believes that Africa is a place where not only can business thrive but where business can contribute to economic development and make real difference to societies.
IBLF has worked for many years on a range of initiatives to tackle corruption, improve local businesses, promote partnerships and facilitate access to technology.
We have been working in the continent since 1993 and our main countries of operation are South Africa, Kenya, Nigeria and Ethiopia.
Responsible Business in Sudan
IBLF is working with the United Nations and multinational companies to develop a dialogue between civil society, business, local and national government bodies on how companies can operate in zones of conflict.
Responsible Business in the Democratic Republic of Congo
According to the UN, "a peaceful sub-Saharan Africa is inconceivable without a peaceful DRC." Following the signing of a peace agreement 2005 and elections in 2006, many international companies are returning to the DRC. But they are entering a highly challenging operating environment.
In July 2007 IBLF and Business Action for Africa brought together companies to discuss the challenges for businesses operating in the DRC. Download the summary from the report
Business Action for Africa
Business Action for Africa is an international coalition of businesses committed to ending poverty in Africa. IBLF is a strategic partner and provides administrative support for the Business Action for Africa initiative.
Business Action for Africa was launched in July 2005 following the UK government's Commission for Africa, and has three objectives:
Digital Partnership
IBLF's Digital Partnership is an international partnership facilitating affordable access to technology, training and the Internet for learning and enterprise in developing and emerging market economies.
IBLF launched the initiative in South Africa in May 2001 with support from leading global IT companies and their major corporate IT users and the World Bank.
Digital Partnership has since been replicated in a number of developing countries.
Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights
IBLF co-manages (with Business for Social Responsibility) the Secretariat for the Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights, which guide extractive and energy companies in balancing the need for safety with respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms. With the support of IBLF, participants involved in the Voluntary Principles process engage in National Task Forces - including in Nigeria - focused on raising in-country awareness about the Principles, and at identifying in-country champions to lead implementation efforts.
Youth Business International
Youth Business International is a programme of IBLF that supports young entrepreneurs in over 30 countries across the world. In Africa, it operates accredited programmes in Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa and pilot programmes in Ghana, Uganda and Zambia.
Youth Career Initiative
Youth Career Initiative is a programme of IBLF that uses the human, financial and technical resources of the hotel industry to provide young people in developing countries with valuable life and vocational skills, which they have limited opportunities to acquire elsewhere. It was launched in Thailand in 1995
In Africa YCI operates in Ethiopia and there are plans to launch a pilot programme in Kenya.
IBLF believes that Africa is a place where not only can business thrive but where business can contribute to economic development and make real difference to societies.
IBLF has worked for many years on a range of initiatives to tackle corruption, improve local businesses, promote partnerships and facilitate access to technology.
We have been working in the continent since 1993 and our main countries of operation are South Africa, Kenya, Nigeria and Ethiopia.
Responsible Business in Sudan
IBLF is working with the United Nations and multinational companies to develop a dialogue between civil society, business, local and national government bodies on how companies can operate in zones of conflict.
Responsible Business in the Democratic Republic of Congo
According to the UN, "a peaceful sub-Saharan Africa is inconceivable without a peaceful DRC." Following the signing of a peace agreement 2005 and elections in 2006, many international companies are returning to the DRC. But they are entering a highly challenging operating environment.
In July 2007 IBLF and Business Action for Africa brought together companies to discuss the challenges for businesses operating in the DRC. Download the summary from the report
Business Action for Africa
Business Action for Africa is an international coalition of businesses committed to ending poverty in Africa. IBLF is a strategic partner and provides administrative support for the Business Action for Africa initiative.
Business Action for Africa was launched in July 2005 following the UK government's Commission for Africa, and has three objectives:
- To positively influence policies needed for growth and poverty reduction
- To promote a more balanced view of Africa
- To develop and showcase good business practice
Digital Partnership
IBLF's Digital Partnership is an international partnership facilitating affordable access to technology, training and the Internet for learning and enterprise in developing and emerging market economies.
IBLF launched the initiative in South Africa in May 2001 with support from leading global IT companies and their major corporate IT users and the World Bank.
Digital Partnership has since been replicated in a number of developing countries.
Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights
IBLF co-manages (with Business for Social Responsibility) the Secretariat for the Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights, which guide extractive and energy companies in balancing the need for safety with respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms. With the support of IBLF, participants involved in the Voluntary Principles process engage in National Task Forces - including in Nigeria - focused on raising in-country awareness about the Principles, and at identifying in-country champions to lead implementation efforts.
Youth Business International
Youth Business International is a programme of IBLF that supports young entrepreneurs in over 30 countries across the world. In Africa, it operates accredited programmes in Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa and pilot programmes in Ghana, Uganda and Zambia.
Youth Career Initiative
Youth Career Initiative is a programme of IBLF that uses the human, financial and technical resources of the hotel industry to provide young people in developing countries with valuable life and vocational skills, which they have limited opportunities to acquire elsewhere. It was launched in Thailand in 1995
In Africa YCI operates in Ethiopia and there are plans to launch a pilot programme in Kenya.