SABII to bridge global ambition with local action in South Africa

The launch of SABII was a moment that reflected more than the unveiling of a new initiative. It marked a shared resolve to move from aspiration to action at a pivotal point for South Africa and the African continent.

As South Africa assumed the G20 Presidency, the convergence of global attention and regional leadership signalled a rare opportunity, one that now demands sustained collaboration and delivery. At a time when global cooperation has been under strain, Africa stepped forward with a renewed commitment to solidarity, equality and sustainability, laying the foundation for inclusive growth, job creation and long-term resilience in the years ahead.

Africa’s potential is not new. What is changing is how that potential is being asserted and realised. The challenge now is not whether opportunities exist, but how Africa positions itself at global decision-making tables and translates visibility into measurable impact for its people.

Four years ago, the UN Global Compact launched the Global Africa Business Initiative (GABI) on behalf of the UN system and the African Union to amplify Africa’s business, trade and investment opportunities and to reshape the continent’s narrative. At its core was a simple but powerful idea: Africa’s private sector must be central to global solutions, not peripheral to them.

The launch of the South Africa Business Initiative for Impact (SABII) brings that vision home. While GABI convenes at the global level, SABII is firmly rooted at the national level where policy meets practice, and where impact is felt most directly. It provides a platform for coordinated action, aligning business innovation, government policy and UN expertise around shared development priorities.

“SABII represents a shift from fragmented efforts to collective action — grounded locally, connected globally, and focused on delivering real impact. When African businesses unite around common purpose, they can mobilise capital, innovation and influence at a scale that truly changes lives,” said Sanda Ojiambo, Assistant Secretary-General and CEO of the UN Global Compact. 

Experience has shown that collaboration works. Across the continent, African businesses have demonstrated that even competitors can align around shared goals mobilising billions for climate action, advancing gender equality, and strengthening responsible business practices. These efforts prove that inclusive growth is not only possible, but scalable.

Equally critical is deeper regional integration. The African Continental Free Trade Area offers immense potential to unlock trade and investment, but only if governments and the private sector work together to address persistent barriers such as infrastructure gaps, digital connectivity and industrial capacity.

Above all, this moment must extend beyond a single presidency or summit. The work ahead requires sustained cooperation across sectors and borders, ensuring that Africa’s voice remains strong and influential on the global stage.

A Call to Action

SABII now offers a framework for action, not another forum for discussion. It calls on business leaders to commit capital, expertise and innovation; on governments to enable inclusive policies and partnerships; and on all stakeholders to work together towards measurable, time-bound outcomes.

This is a moment to move decisively from promise to practice. By investing collectively in people, systems and sustainable solutions, South Africa and Africa can turn global visibility into lasting impact.

The platform is in place. The responsibility to act is shared.

Summary of remarks by United Nations Assistant Secretary-General and Chief Executive Officer for UN Global Compact, Sanda Ajiambo