Closing the Corporate Accountability Gap in Africa
The 4th ABHRF: Why Collective Legal Action Matters More Than Ever
In an era where global business activity continues to expand across borders, ensuring accountability for human rights abuses remains one of the most pressing challenges facing legal systems today. At the 4th Africa Business and Human Rights Forum in Lusaka, A4ID – alongside Global Rights Compliance and UNDP Africa – brought together leading experts to tackle this challenge head-on.
The joint session, “Enhancing Judicial Approach to Business and Human Rights Cases in Africa,” offered a powerful platform to explore how legal systems can better deliver effective remedies for affected communities – and what it will take to bridge the persistent gap between rights and justice.
Why This Matters Now
Across Africa and globally, individuals and communities impacted by business-related human rights abuses continue to face significant obstacles in accessing justice. While frameworks and standards have evolved, implementation and enforcement remain inconsistent.
The Lusaka panel highlighted that closing this gap requires more than policy commitments – it demands sustained investment in legal systems, stronger institutions, and coordinated global partnerships.
For donors and partners, this represents a critical opportunity: supporting legal empowerment and institutional capacity-building can produce long-term, systemic change that directly improves access to justice.
Expert Perspectives from the Frontlines of Justice
Moderated by Oliver Holland, Partner at Leigh Day Solicitors, the session convened a distinguished panel of experts with deep experience across litigation, judicial systems, and international human rights:
- Hon. Lady Justice (Rtd) Hannah Okwengu, Retired Judge, Court of Appeal of Kenya
- Agnes Nzisa Rogo, Regional Director – East Africa, Women’s Link Worldwide
- Livio Sarandrea, Global Advisor – UNDP
- Emmanuela Sakala, Southern Africa Litigation Centre (SALC)
- Mehluli Malisa Batakathi, Malisa & Partners Legal Practitioners
Together, they provided candid insights into the real-world barriers faced by claimants, including:
- Complex jurisdictional issues in cross-border cases
- High litigation costs limiting access to courts
- Difficulties in obtaining reliable and compelling evidence
- Resistance from corporate actors
- Weak or inconsistent enforcement of legal decisions
These barriers underscore the urgent need for stronger judicial approaches and targeted legal support.
From Insight to Action: What Drives Change
A key takeaway from the discussion was clear: closing the corporate accountability gap requires coordinated, strategic action.
Panellists emphasised four essential pillars for progress:
- Awareness-raising to ensure affected communities understand their rights
- Capacity-building for judges, lawyers, and institutions handling complex cases
- Strategic litigation to establish precedents and drive systemic reform
- Cross-sector collaboration between legal actors, civil society, and policymakers
For funders and development partners, these pillars highlight where investment can have the greatest catalytic impact – helping transform legal frameworks into tangible justice outcomes.
The Power of Partnership
The session also demonstrated the critical role of partnerships in advancing corporate accountability.
A4ID extends sincere thanks to the Danish Institute for Human Rights (DIHR) for supporting the participation of key contributors, including:
- Hon. Lady Justice (Rtd) Hannah Okwengu
- Agnes Nzisa Rogo
We also recognise the contributions of A4ID’s legal experts:
- Mafrick Munene, Chief Legal Officer, Braeburn Schools
- Wangari Kagai, Director of Public Interest Litigation and Advocacy, Law Society of Kenya
Such collaborations are essential to mobilising expertise, strengthening networks, and scaling impact across jurisdictions.
A4ID’s Commitment: Turning Law into Impact
At A4ID, we believe in the power of law and lawyers to drive sustainable development. Through our work, we support legal actors and institutions to:
- Strengthen judicial capacity
- Advance corporate accountability
- Promote the rule of law
- Enable access to justice for vulnerable communities
The Lusaka forum reinforced a vital message: lasting change happens when knowledge, partnerships, and resources come together.
Partner with Us
For donors and partners seeking to create meaningful, system-level change, investing in legal empowerment is both high-impact and sustainable.
Learn more about our work and opportunities to partner by contacting Pro Bono Legal Service or visit the Rule of Law section.
