Africa continues to face challenges related to infrastructure,
financial access and global competition
all of which lead to economic inequality.
In working with the Africa Business Leaders Coalition
of the UN Global Compact
I hope to bring together leading businesses in Africa
to ensure the continent's future
is not only sustainable but also green.
I'm Kenyan.
And I recall many years ago in my home village
where my grandparents live
farming was something that was done on a schedule.
Over time, climate change weather patterns
have changed a lot.
So farmers are no longer guaranteed
when the best time to plant is,
when the best time to harvest is.
It disrupts not only their household incomes
but their domestic subsistence
and their living and their food supplies.
Large multinationals are realizing the fragility
of the sustainability of their supply chains.
For them to continue to be successful in the long term
you cannot leave people behind.
You can't leave behind your supply chain.
You certainly can't leave behind
your consumers and your customers.
The African continent is brimming with opportunity
and ready to accelerate forward
into middle income economies.
We have a group of really forward-looking businesses
and business leaders
looking at what are the issues
that the private sector can do together?
What are the problems they can solve?
How do you bring a uniquely African
private sector voice to the table?
What I think we're trying to do best
here at the Global Compact is really address the fact that
coordinated action really drives change in the best way.
I thought it was very important
to be able to create platforms
not just for climate but for other areas
where African business leaders
can seize opportunities
make their voice heard
and demonstrate that the private sector really needs support
to accelerate or can accelerate, driving these solutions forwards.
It's part of addressing the global strategy.
But I just believe that when Africa wins
the world wins.