3. Resource Efficiency: Reducing waste and optimising resource use to improve profitability and environmental outcomes. 4. Trust and Transparency: Building stronger relationships with communities and stakeholders to ensure long-term success. The initiative also highlighted the potential for cross-sector collaboration, urging businesses to work with governments and other stakeholders to overcome inefficiencies caused by operating in silos. For example, partnerships across sectors could address shared challenges such as climate change, infrastructure gaps, and skills development, creating a multiplier effect that benefits both businesses and society. Today, the principles and strategies of Re-imagine Africa are more critical than ever. The global context has shifted dramatically, with political and economic uncertainty, supply chain disruptions, geopolitical tensions, and climate crises intensifying the challenges faced by African businesses. These developments have heightened the urgency for innovation and collaboration, reinforcing the need for resilient and sustainable business models. NBI continues to drive this initiative forward, bringing it to life through ongoing efforts to foster partnerships, promote resource efficiency, and build trust within communities. By contextualising Re-imagine Africa within the current landscape, NBI is not only addressing today’s challenges but also positioning the continent as a leader in sustainable development. This proactive approach ensures that African businesses can thrive while contributing to the well-being of future generations, creating a legacy of shared value and long-term resilience. In a world where uncertainty is the new normal, Re-imagine Africa stands as a testament to the power of strategic foresight and collaborative action, demonstrating how businesses can turn challenges into opportunities for sustainable growth. FOSTERING COLLABORATION BETWEEN BUSINESS, GOVERNMENT, AND CIVIL SOCIETY The NBI has built a legacy of impact, rooted in collective action, to advance a sustainable and resilient South Africa. Our work is deeply embedded in fostering collaboration between business, government, and civil society, and our current initiatives continue to strengthen our role as a trusted, people-centred organisation. Some of our recent key achievements include: Transformation Blueprint: We developed a comprehensive toolset to help companies embed transformation
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The global context has shifted dramatically, with political and economic uncertainty, supplychain disruptions, geopolitical tensions, and climate crises intensifying the challenges faced by African businesses imperatives, including Gender Pay Gap (GPG) assessments, Gender-Based Violence (GBV) action plans, and Gender Equity and Social Inclusion (GESI) programmes. This work has directly influenced over 50 companies to adopt more inclusive and equitable practices. Ethical Leadership and Anti-Corruption Programme: This initiative focuses on developing practical insights into ethics and corruption while addressing the organisational and behavioural drivers of transparency and accountability in the private sector. A key outcome is the upcoming launch of an online training platform to support businesses in ethical conduct and anti-corruption practices. Just Transition Pathways: We published stakeholder-driven research and recommendations for decarbonising key sectors of the economy, contributing to South Africa’s climate action goals under SDG 13 (Climate Action). This work has been instrumental in shaping policies and practices for a just and inclusive transition to a low-carbon economy. Powering Our Futures Report: This report identified job opportunities in the renewables sector at a municipal level, supporting SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth). It has informed skills development programmes targeting over 10,000 individuals, equipping them with the skills needed for the green economy. South African Pavilion at COP: In partnership with the Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment (DFFE), we host the South African Pavilion at COP, facilitating collaboration between business, government, and civil society. This platform has enabled over 100 progressive actions and partnerships, driving collective climate action. Climate Finance Accelerator (CFA): As national delivery partners for the CFA South Africa, in collaboration with GreenCape, we support climate projects to improve their bankability and appeal to financiers. This programme brings together project developers, finance providers, and policymakers to accelerate climate finance flows. The CFA builds on over a decade of UK International Climate Finance support to South Africa, totalling more than £250 million.