Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has called on African businesses to take the lead in advancing social justice. He urged employers to create jobs, promote inclusivity, and uphold ethical governance.
Speaking at the Africa Employers’ Summit in Nairobi, Kindiki said businesses should go beyond profit-making to empower communities and tackle youth unemployment. Africa’s young population is projected to exceed one billion by 2063, presenting both challenges and opportunities.
“The youth unemployment challenge presents the greatest opportunity for the social justice agenda. We must unlock the transformative potential of business not just to profit, but to empower,” he said.
The summit, themed “Empowering Business to Advance Social Justice,” highlighted the need for inclusivity. Kindiki called on companies to offer leadership and employment opportunities to women, youth, and persons with disabilities. He also encouraged support for communities through environmental and climate resilience initiatives.
He emphasized that government programs, like Kenya’s Bottom-up Economic Transformation Agenda, can only succeed if the private sector actively participates. Kindiki suggested partnerships in sports, the creative economy, and other sectors to generate income for young people.
The Deputy President also urged companies to adopt a 30% procurement threshold for women, youth, and persons with disabilities, similar to the AGPO program. He encouraged internships, dual training, and mentorship programs to align academic training with market needs.
Finally, Kindiki highlighted ethical governance, urging businesses to recognize employees who demonstrate integrity, honesty, and transparency.
He concluded by calling for a united vision where businesses drive social transformation and shared prosperity. “This is the Africa that the world must look to,” he said.
