African Business and Human Rights Forum

The Africa Business and Human Rights Forum returns for its fifth anniversary in October 2026, bringing together governments, businesses, civil society, and affected communities to advance responsible business conduct across the continent.

This year's theme – Realizing the Right to a Clean, Healthy and Sustainable Environment through Responsible Business Conduct – reflects a defining moment for Africa. Over 45 African nations recognize the right to a healthy environment in law. The question is no longer whether this right exists, but how it is put into practice – especially when it comes to holding businesses accountable for their environmental and human rights impacts.

Aligned with the African Union's 2026 theme on water and sanitation, the Forum will explore four interconnected areas: integrated human rights and environmental due diligence; access to safe water, sanitation, and land rights; just transition and climate justice; and access to remedy for affected communities.

Over three days, the Forum will feature high-level plenaries, panel discussions, training sessions, and partner-led side events — held in a hybrid format with simultaneous interpretation in English and French.

Read the Concept Note

COLLABORATE

Collaborating Partners and Programme Design

As a multi-stakeholder platform, the Forum brings together diverse perspectives and expertise from across Africa and beyond. Partner-led sessions are an integral part of the programme, providing space for governments, businesses, civil society, Indigenous Peoples, trade unions, academia, international organizations, and other stakeholders to share experiences, showcase innovations, and explore practical approaches to advancing responsible business conduct and business and human rights.

Following an open call for proposals, partners contributed a range of activities, including:

Panel discussions
Workshops and trainings
Documentary or film screenings
Clinics
Closed-door sessions

These sessions enrich the Forum by highlighting emerging practices, fostering dialogue, and strengthening collaboration on pathways to implementation across the continent.