New UN Global Compact Network signals a growing role for the private sector in driving sustainable growth, jobs, innovation
EUGENE UWIMANA
For decades, sustainable development was largely viewed as the responsibility of governments, development agencies and international institutions.
Today, that equation is changing.
Across Africa, businesses are increasingly being called upon not only to generate profits but also to create jobs, drive innovation, strengthen communities and contribute to solutions for some of the continent’s most pressing challenges.
That shift was on full display in Kigali on 15 May, when Rwanda officially launched the United Nations Global Compact Rwanda Network, joining a global movement that seeks to place responsible business at the centre of sustainable development.
Held at the Kigali Serena Hotel on the sidelines of the Africa CEO Forum 2026, the launch brought together senior government officials, United Nations leaders, business executives, development partners and sustainability advocates to mark what many described as a significant milestone in Rwanda’s economic transformation journey.
For Rwanda, the launch represented more than the creation of a new institution. It signalled a growing recognition that achieving the country’s ambitious development goals will require stronger partnerships between government, business and society.
Speaking as guest of honour, Minister of Trade and Industry Prudence Sebahizi said the initiative reflected a new approach to economic development in which growth and sustainability are viewed as complementary rather than competing priorities.
“Tonight is not simply the launch of a network. It is the beginning of a stronger movement for responsible business leadership in Rwanda — a movement that demonstrates that economic growth and sustainability can go hand in hand,” he said.
“Growth alone is not enough. Growth must be sustainable, responsible and inclusive. This is where the UN Global Compact becomes highly relevant.”
Established in 2000, the UN Global Compact is the world’s largest corporate sustainability initiative, bringing together more than 23,000 companies in over 160 countries. Participants commit to aligning their operations with ten universal principles covering human rights, labour standards, environmental stewardship and anti-corruption while contributing to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The Rwanda Network now joins more than 65 country networks worldwide and becomes part of a growing African movement that includes networks in countries such as Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, Egypt and Angola.
A critical moment for Rwanda’s economy
The launch comes at a pivotal time for Rwanda’s development agenda.
Under the country’s Second National Strategy for Transformation (NST2), Rwanda is pursuing ambitious targets aimed at accelerating industrialisation, boosting exports, creating jobs and strengthening private sector leadership.
According to the Acting United Nations Resident Coordinator in Rwanda, Fatmata Lovetta Sesay, Rwanda aims to sustain average economic growth of 9.3 per cent by 2029 while doubling exports from approximately US$3.5 billion to US$7.3 billion.
The country also seeks to mobilise private investment equivalent to more than 21.5 per cent of GDP and create 1.25 million decent jobs over the next five years.
Those ambitions are underpinned by strong recent economic performance. Rwanda recorded GDP growth of 9.4 per cent in 2025, reinforcing its reputation as one of Africa’s fastest-growing economies.
“This is not growth by chance,” Sesay said.
“It is driven by a deliberate shift from a factor-driven economy toward a productivity and investment-driven model centred on industrialisation, quality services, export diversification and innovation.”
For policymakers, the message is clear: government alone cannot deliver the scale of transformation required. The private sector must play a far greater role in generating investment, innovation and sustainable economic growth.
Sustainability as a business strategy
The launch also reflected a broader shift in how businesses are approaching sustainability.
What was once regarded primarily as a corporate social responsibility agenda is increasingly being viewed as a strategic business imperative.
United Nations Global Compact Chief Executive Officer and Assistant Secretary-General Sanda Ojiambo described Rwanda as one of Africa’s most promising centres for sustainable investment and innovation.
“As one of Africa’s fastest-growing economies and a regional hub for innovation, technology and finance, Rwanda is poised to drive resilient growth across the region,” she said.
Ojiambo praised Rwanda’s investments in digitalisation, infrastructure and home-grown solutions, describing them as examples of how long-term investments can strengthen both communities and businesses.
She also highlighted changing attitudes within the global business community.
“According to our recent CEO Study, 88 per cent of CEOs say that the business case for sustainability is stronger today than five years ago, while 99 per cent are planning to maintain or expand their sustainability commitments despite global headwinds.”
Those findings suggest that sustainability is increasingly being viewed not as a cost but as a pathway to resilience, competitiveness and long-term value creation.
The UN Global Compact’s new 2026–2030 strategy seeks to reinforce that approach by equipping companies with practical sustainability tools, promoting collective action and strengthening the business case for sustainable growth.
Participating companies in Rwanda will gain access to programmes covering climate action, gender equality, sustainable supply chains, innovation and leadership development through the UN Global Compact Academy.
Building a platform for collective action
For Rwanda’s business community, the Network offers an opportunity to collaborate around common development priorities while strengthening responsible business practices.
Nearly 40 companies have already joined the initiative.
Speaking on behalf of the Network’s inaugural Board, Chairperson Ramesh Moochikal said businesses are increasingly expected to contribute beyond traditional economic performance.
“Businesses are increasingly expected not only to generate economic value but also to make meaningful contributions to social progress, environmental stewardship, ethical governance and resilience.”
The Network has outlined an ambitious two-year roadmap focused on expanding membership, strengthening institutional capacity and promoting collective action around the SDGs.
Its goal is to grow participation to more than 100 companies across sectors, including large corporations, small and medium-sized enterprises, youth-led businesses and women-led enterprises.
“Our objective is clear,” Moochikal said.
“To build a Network that is practical, action-oriented, inclusive and impactful — a Network that creates value for companies while contributing to Rwanda’s national development priorities and the Sustainable Development Goals.”
Among the priority areas identified are youth employment, entrepreneurship, climate action, gender equality, digital transformation, responsible supply chains and inclusive economic growth.
A wider African story
Beyond Rwanda, the launch reflects a wider trend unfolding across Africa.
As governments face mounting pressure to create jobs, accelerate industrialisation and meet the Sustainable Development Goals, businesses are increasingly being viewed not merely as beneficiaries of development but as partners in delivering it.
That approach aligns with growing calls across the continent for development models that are driven not only by public investment and international assistance but also by innovation, entrepreneurship and responsible private sector leadership.
Throughout the launch event, speakers repeatedly stressed that partnerships would determine the success of the new Network.
Government institutions, businesses, academia, civil society organisations, development partners and international platforms all have a role to play in building a more sustainable and inclusive economy.
As Sesay observed:
“In a world marked by uncertainty and complex challenges, governments alone cannot achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. The private sector must play a central role in driving solutions.”
