Rwanda launches UN Global Compact Network to strengthen sustainable business leadership

By Elias HAKIZIMANA. 

Rwanda has officially launched the United Nations Global Compact Rwanda Network, a major initiative expected to strengthen private sector participation in sustainable development and position businesses at the centre of the country’s economic transformation agenda.

The launch, held on May 15 at Kigali Serena Hotel on the sidelines of the Africa CEO Forum 2026, brought together senior government officials, United Nations leaders, executives, development partners, and sustainability advocates.

Speaking as guest of honor, Honorable Prudence Sebahizi, Minister of Trade and Industry, said the initiative marks the beginning of a stronger movement for responsible business leadership in Rwanda.

“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.

He emphasized that growth must be sustainable, inclusive, and responsible, adding that the UN Global Compact aligns with Rwanda’s development ambitions.

The Rwanda Network joins the world’s largest corporate sustainability initiative, which includes more than 23,000 companies across over 160 countries and more than 65 country networks worldwide. Established in 2000, the UN Global Compact encourages businesses to align with principles on human rights, labour, environment, and anti-corruption while advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Officials said the launch reflects growing recognition that the private sector must play a central role in addressing development challenges, driving innovation, and building a resilient economy.

Opening the ceremony, acting UN Resident Coordinator in Rwanda, Ms. Fatmata Lovetta Sesay, said the launch represents Rwanda’s commitment to sustainable and principled business practices.

“Tonight marks a significant milestone for Rwanda’s private sector and for our collective efforts to advance sustainable development through responsible business leadership,” she said.

She noted that since 2023, the United Nations in Rwanda has worked with businesses and partners to establish the network and mobilize companies around sustainability and responsible corporate governance. Nearly 40 companies have already joined the initiative.

The launch comes as Rwanda pursues ambitious targets under the second National Strategy for Transformation (NST2), aimed at accelerating industrialization, export growth, innovation, and job creation through stronger private sector leadership.

According to Sesay, Rwanda aims to sustain average economic growth of 9.3 percent by 2029. The country already recorded 9.4 percent GDP growth in 2025, reinforcing its position among Africa’s fastest-growing economies.

She added that Rwanda plans to double exports from about $3.5 billion to $7.3 billion by 2029, mobilize private investment equivalent to more than 21.5 percent of GDP, and create 1.25 million decent jobs within five years.

Assistant Secretary-General and CEO of the UN Global Compact, Sanda Ojiambo, described Rwanda as one of Africa’s 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 digitalization, infrastructure, and homegrown solutions, saying they demonstrate how long-term investments can strengthen communities and businesses.

She linked Rwanda’s economic direction to broader continental ambitions discussed during the Africa CEO Forum, especially the push for stronger intra-African trade and shared economic ownership.

“This concept of multi-stakeholder cooperation across sectors and industries is at the heart of our work at the UN Global Compact,” she said.

Ojiambo noted that the Rwanda Network joins a growing African movement of UN Global Compact country networks, including Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, Egypt, and Angola.

She emphasized that sustainability is increasingly becoming a strategic business priority rather than simply a corporate social responsibility agenda.

Participating companies in Rwanda will access global sustainability programmes, including climate and gender equality accelerators, sustainable supply chain initiatives, SDG innovation programmes, and training through the UN Global Compact Academy.

Speaking on behalf of the Network’s inaugural Board, Mr. Ramesh Moochikal, CEO of Africa Improved Foods, said businesses are increasingly expected not only to generate economic value but also contribute to social progress, environmental stewardship, and ethical governance.

The Network aims to grow to more than 100 participating companies across sectors, including large corporations, SMEs, youth-led enterprises, and women-led businesses.

“Our objective is clear: to build a Network that is practical, action-oriented, inclusive, and impactful,” he said.

Among the key focus areas identified are youth employment, entrepreneurship, climate action, gender equality, digitalization, responsible supply chains, and inclusive economic growth.

Officials stressed that partnerships between businesses, government institutions, academia, development partners, civil society, and international platforms will be critical to the Network’s success.

Throughout the evening, speakers emphasized that governments alone cannot achieve the Sustainable Development Goals and that the private sector must help drive long-term solutions.

“Business has a responsibility and an enormous opportunity to drive positive change in Rwanda and worldwide,” Ojiambo said. “I invite you all to join us on this journey.”