On 28–29th September 2023, IGCC’s sustainability team, IGCC SustainMarkets, was in Nairobi, Kenya to conduct a Supply Chain Due Diligence Workshops in cooperation with the Delegation of German Industry and Commerce for Eastern Africa (AHK Eastern Africa) to extend capacity-building support for companies in the East Africa region.
Eastern Africa's Emergence as a Key Trade Partner
Africa's prominence in the global trade landscape has been steadily rising, with Germany establishing itself as a significant partner in the Eastern Africa region. In 2021, Germany emerged as the largest European trading partner for Eastern Africa, reflecting the robust economic ties between the two regions. Germany's exports to East Africa reached €7.2 billion, with imports totalling €4.1 billion, resulting in a trade surplus of €3.1 billion. Key exports from Germany include machinery, equipment, chemicals, and vehicles, while imports primarily consist of coffee, tea, and spices. Notably, Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda have emerged as pivotal trading partners, with Germany's exports to Kenya alone amounting to €2.5 billion in 2021.
Growing Relevance of Business and Human Rights
Kenya has distinguished itself as a forward-thinking nation in the realm of business and human rights. The country's publication of its National Action Plan (NAP) on Business and Human Rights in July 2023 showcased its commitment to ensuring ethical business practices. This proactive approach has spurred dialogues between nations, positioning Kenya as a model for other countries in the region. The African Business and Human Rights Forum held in Addis Ababa in September 2023 further highlighted the growing discourse on Business and Human Rights Due Diligence (BHR/HRDD) in Africa, underscoring the increasing relevance of this topic.
The Power of Collaboration to Support Businesses in the Eastern Africa Region
The Indo-German Chamber of Commerce (IGCC, or AHK Indien) is part of the global network of German Chambers of Commerce Abroad (AHKs) present in 92 countries. It consists of bilateral Chambers of Commerce Abroad, delegations and representative offices of German businesses that advise, support and represent German companies worldwide that want to establish or expand their foreign business.
Businesses in Eastern Africa can get in touch with the Delegation of German Industry and Commerce for Eastern Africa (AHK Eastern Africa) to access capacity-building services capable of equipping them with the tools to navigate intricate supply chains responsibly. Through this initiative, AHK Eastern Africa seeks to support the growing business requirements in the region where ethical conduct and economic growth are intertwined, in line with frameworks prescribed in the German Supply Chain Due Diligence Act and the UNGP on Business and Human Rights.
Through the collaborative initiative between the Indo-German Chamber of Commerce and the Delegation of German Industry and Commerce for Eastern Africa, companies in the East Africa region can access reliable and world-class expertise designed to provide essential and practical knowledge to align businesses’ practices with growing compliance requirements of the German Supply Chain Due Diligence Act.
The significance of the collaborative actions between IGCC and the Delegation of German Industry and Commerce for Eastern Africa (AHK Eastern Africa) will bring collective efforts that underscore the urgency of responsible and sustainable trade practice requirements in the Eastern Africa region. Through mutual cooperation and shared knowledge, businesses in the region can emerge not just as active participants but as leaders in the realm of responsible trade.
Looking for Supply Chain Due Diligence Support in India?
IGCC SustainMarkets supports companies operating in India and Germany in strengthening their commitment to human rights and environmental protection through customised training programmes and workshops. To know more, contact us at sustainmarkets(at)indo-german.com or click here to know more.