Prof. Damilola Olawuyi, a United Nations independent expert and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, has called for bold and innovative reforms to promote trade and investment in Africa without undermining human rights. He made this call during his high-level plenary address at the 5th Africa Forum on Business and Human Rights in Dakar, Senegal. The forum marked the 15th anniversary of the adoption of the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.
Olawuyi emphasized that foreign investment and trade are critical to unlocking economic growth, employment, and sustainable development across Africa. However, he warned that economic progress should not come at the expense of human rights and the environment. He stressed that a win for human rights is a win for businesses, especially in terms of mitigating reputational and regulatory risks, cementing host community support, and having a motivated and dedicated workforce.
The UN expert drew attention to the emerging opportunities and risks associated with rapid technological advancement, particularly the expansion of data centres and the digital economy. He noted that these developments are creating new pressures on water, energy, and environmental resources across the continent. Olawuyi stressed the need for a rights-based approach to investment and economic development.
Olawuyi called on governments, investors, and businesses to make human rights due diligence a key part of investment decision-making and planning. He also emphasized the importance of developing local capacity and encouraging homegrown solutions to Africa's development challenges. According to him, projects and infrastructure that could adversely affect communities and the environment should not be approved simply because of their economic value.
The UN expert urged governments and businesses to provide increased financial and technical support for clean-energy innovators, national human rights institutions, higher education institutions, the media, civil society organizations, Indigenous groups, and human rights defenders. He added that such support would strengthen public awareness of mechanisms for accessing remedies and expressing concerns while promoting peace and sustainable development.
Olawuyi emphasized the need for a "whole government approach" to business and human rights, urging stakeholders to match their commitments with concrete action towards implementing the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. He also stressed that greater investment in human rights education and public reorientation could help unlock youth-led entrepreneurship and innovation capable of driving sustainable economic growth.
The 5th Africa Forum on Business and Human Rights was held under the theme, "Realising the Right to a Clean, Healthy and Sustainable Environment through Responsible Business Conduct." The forum brought together stakeholders to discuss the challenges and opportunities in promoting responsible business conduct and human rights in Africa. Olawuyi's call for bold reforms and innovative solutions resonated with the forum's objectives.
Key points
- UN expert Prof. Damilola Olawuyi calls for bold reforms to promote trade and investment in Africa without undermining human rights.
- Olawuyi emphasizes the need for a rights-based approach to investment and economic development.
- The UN expert urges governments and businesses to provide increased financial and technical support for clean-energy innovators and human rights defenders.
