The 4th African Business and Human Rights (BHR) Forum, held in Lusaka, Zambia, from October 7-9, 2025, served as a critical platform for advancing corporate accountability across Africa. Under the theme, “From Commitment to Action: Advancing Remedy, Reparations, and Responsible Business Conduct in Africa,” the event gathered more than 600 diverse stakeholders from more than 75 countries around the world, 39 of which were from Africa. Representatives from business, government/state, non-governmental organisations, and trade union representatives, including one from the Building and Wood Workers’ International (BWI), to ensure that the unique voices of labour find space in the discussions.

Through participation and attendance in panel discussions, BWI representatives used the forum to strongly articulate the important role of trade unions in the work around business and human rights, which is distinct from but complementary to civil society organisations (CSOs). A key takeaway from BWI’s participation was the need to firmly embed labour rights, including freedom of association and collective bargaining, at the core of all BHR discussions and mechanisms.

A central message from BWI was the urgent need for African nations to transition from policy discussions to concrete action. This specifically involves the development of National Action Plans (NAPs) on Business and Human Rights. The forum stressed that African countries must take ownership of the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs) by localising them through NAPs. The African Union’s (AU) guidance on this matter was also emphasised. African states expect and look forward to the AU’s publication of a comprehensive guiding document to catalyse the development of NAPs across the region, showing seriousness, commitment, and providing political and institutional momentum.

BWI's robust presence at the Lusaka Forum was a deliberate step in line with its regional strategy. Its regional plan, developed through the BWI AME Youth Leadership Training, Climate Conference, and the Regional Conference (all of which were held from the end of August to September 2025), identified BHR and due diligence as a crucial area for future work and a push toward decent work. The forum provided a vital opportunity for the global union federation to explore and deepen its understanding of BHR in the African context, especially for the high-risk sectors its member unions represent (construction, wood, and building materials). By engaging in this high-level dialogue, BWI is actively empowering its regional unions to effectively hold businesses accountable and advance decent and sustainable workers’ rights across the continent. The participation marked an important step in translating global trade union policy into regional impact.