As SVAI, we continue to create platforms and forums to engage the private sector on core issues that not only affect business across Africa, but society as well. We take pride in our convening power and the opportunities for solution-driven discussion and collaboration.

And so the decision to launch an SVAI Research unit was an easy one. And it was clear that the first research project would need to be one that speaks to the core of our advocacy – Shared Value. For this, we partnered with Strathmore University Business School, to delve into certain private sector organisations’ understanding and implementation of Shared Value – and what they perceive to be key elements to its success.

This report was launched at our recent Shared Value Leadership eSummit, and is now available for downloading from our website.

Society across the world continues to bear witness to the ongoing scourge of Gender Based Violence (GBV) – and while discussion continues around this, we never seem to find solutions. We are pleased to have partnered with the National Business Initiative (NBI) to look at GBV and what business is doing to support employees, particularly during this time of the COVID-19 pandemic, but also on an ongoing basis as a core part of its function.

We hosted three webinars as well as an online survey in May, as part of a baseline study. Look out for updates as we progress with this project!

As a pan-African organisation, working with businesses across borders, the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is an important conversation that affects just about all business on the continent. When it comes to potential growth and impact, and how it will affect financial and nonfinancial barriers for SMEs trying to access broader markets.

Our next research project will be in the area of AfCFTA, and we look forward to announcing that soon.