On Africa Day, May 25, 2018, we proudly launched the Shared Value Africa Initiative. From the outset, we felt a divine presence guiding our efforts, affirming our mission to forge paths toward prosperity for all across the continent. Over these past six years, our steadfast commitment to our vision has fuelled our endeavours to influence, advocate, and inspire leadership to consciously and intentionally pursue value creation through their business activities.
The framework for Creating Shared Value, articulated by esteemed economists Professors Michael Porter and Mark Kramer, remains as pertinent today as it was in 2011 when they first introduced their groundbreaking concept in a seminal article. They defined Shared Value as “policies and practices that enhance a company’s competitiveness while simultaneously advancing the economic and social conditions in the communities in which it operates.” This approach is not merely a temporary solution but a long-term commitment. It challenges leaders to recognise that the social and environmental impacts of their operations are inextricably linked to their profitability.
From our inception, we have been fortunate to count Safaricom PLC among our founding members and strongest supporters. Safaricom has set a global standard for African enterprises by embodying its purpose of “Transforming Lives” and creating the continent’s most successful mobile money service, M-Pesa. This initiative is more than a success story; it is a legacy that will endure in Africa’s history.
Throughout these years, we have built valuable assets for our community and stakeholders. We have developed forums, training sessions, and advocacy events, and have significantly contributed to and created numerous platforms for engagement. These initiatives have been instrumental in advocating for the adoption and implementation of the Shared Value Business Management Concept, helping to shift paradigms and encourage sustainable business practices across Africa. Some of our assets include :
Looking ahead to the next six years, our vision is to deepen and expand our work. We aim to enhance understanding and increase the adoption of the Shared Value model, urging the private sector to profitably address societal and environmental challenges through the core business operations. . Our goal is clear: to catalyse change that benefits not just individual companies but society at large, paving the way for a prosperous future for all on the African continent.
As we celebrate this milestone, we are reminded of our journey and the strides we have made. We are motivated by the potential that lies ahead and are dedicated to continuing our pursuit of a more equitable and sustainable future through the power of shared value. Here’s to the next six years of making an even greater impact, together.
Leave a Reply