Meeting the objectives of Business Action for Africa requires action not words.  That is why participants have identified six priority themes in which to drive forward progress: setting out a clear African and international business position on what needs to be done, profiling and learning from what business is already doing, and facilitating new cross-sector partnerships to do more.

These six themes reflect the business priorities within the Commission for Africa report and the 2005 G8 Africa Communiqué.

Good governance is the foundation of economic growth and poverty reduction.  Members of this theme are working to support the Africa Peer Review Mechanism, the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, and other important initiatives.  On corruption, business must take a stance of zero tolerance to bribe giving.  Members of the theme are working to strengthen the capacity of the public and private sectors to tackle corruption.

The world trade system is deeply imbalanced, failing to respond to the needs and aspirations of sub-Saharan Africa, a region which has seen its share of world exports shrink to 1 per cent. Recognising the responsibility of businesses to act, this group seeks to speak-out about unfair trade.  Members of this theme are campaigning for a more favourable trade regime for Africa.  A number of members are supporting Africa’s capacity to trade.

Africa has been an unattractive continent for investment both by Africans themselves and outsiders. There are many risks and costs of doing business such as poor customs administration, corruption and inadequate infrastructure. Members of this theme are working to generate an environment with the right conditions to attract sustainable investment, including through support for the Investment Climate Facility.

Economic growth that will lift millions out of poverty has to create jobs, support a strong and vibrant indigenous small enterprise sector and develop supply chains. Africa has enormous resources in its people and its land which business can help to develop. Members of this theme are exploring the possibilities.

A healthy and skilled workforce is essential for effective business and sustained economic growth in Africa. Business investment in health, education and skills capacity makes good business sense as well as being critical for achieving the Millennium Development Goals.  Members of this theme are taking forward specific actions to complement existing initiatives, including in the area of HIV and AIDS and capacity building in the health sector.

Negative stereotypes of Africa can have very damaging consequences for the continent’s development, particularly through dissuading future investors. Members of this theme are exploring how the complex challenges, risks, opportunities and diversity of Africa can be communicated through more balanced reporting.