The Role of the Business Sector in Peacebuilding in Africa

Nov 27, 2018 | Wilson Center
Washington, DC
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Many traditional approaches to peacebuilding in Africa have emphasized the roles of government, civil society organizations, and multilateral international organizations over that of the private sector, specifically business. While the economic power of the business sector can help to reduce unemployment and increase economic opportunity—both key factors in conflict prevention—big business has also been a key factor contributing to conflict and fragility in parts of the continent. However, there is an increasing awareness that businesses can play an important role in peacebuilding efforts, but the question of what this role is, and what it should be, needs further exploration. This event will examine the landscape of business sector efforts in conflict management and peacebuilding in Africa, including the key challenges and opportunities.

To this end, the discussion will explore the role that the private sector might play, including how to better and more effectively integrate the sector into peacebuilding frameworks and post-conflict reconstruction efforts. In addition to assessing the role of international corporations, the event will also discuss the role of the African private sector, including small and medium-sized enterprises and the informal sector, in peacebuilding, address the possibility of re-imagining corporate social responsibility initiatives to more effectively contribute to peace, and discuss the potential for effective private-public partnerships in this realm. The event will also provide policy-oriented options to the private sector, as well as policymakers and practitioners, to make the private sector a more effective partner for peacebuilding in Africa.

For more information and to register, please visit https://engage.wilsoncenter.org/onlineactions/k3uCbPVr1kWtFHb2BH5SEQ2

When: 27 November 2018

Where: Wilson Center, Washington, DC

Organizers: The Wilson Center