CRITIQUE CSR ACTIVITIES IN AFRICA

CSR definition
1
Corporate social responsibility is a way in which companies/institutions try to achieve
economic, social and environment balance. In practice it is a way in which organizations can
achieve environmental impact through a sustainable way. It is the relationship between an
organization with the society at large. CSR is important since it increases brand value, greater
access to finance, stronger risk management and corporate governance, customer loyalty,
enhanced confidence and trust of stakeholders and an enhanced public image. It is the most
legitimate framework for determining social dimensions of business responsibility and issues of
corporate governance. CSR is largely misunderstood because of its broad formulation with
unclear boundaries and debatable legitimacy. It is therefore perceived differently by people from
all walks of professions. The meaning and depending on the contexts, environment, culture and
the legal framework. The extent of its application in practice has not been appropriately used Its
value will value in different contexts What is therefore perceived to CSR in Africa might not and
has increasingly led to its abuse.
CSR in Africa is commonly associated with health, education, sports, development, environment
and community services. This is mostly classified as philanthropic work, work not based on
long-term social viewpoint. Activities such as development of infrastructure and development of
health facilities usually contribute to the social development of the society at large and this
would be classified as the work of government in the developed countries whereas it is deemed
as the most effective way in Africa in which businesses and organizations can make an economic
and social impact. CSR is therefore viewed as an inadequate response to these government gaps.
There are serious questions about the protectorates, this governance gap approach to CSR
creates, especially where communities become reliant on companies whose primary
accountability is to their shareholders. Most of the CSR activities are also a response to a call for
assistance due to emergencies. These activities therefore do not add to CSR since they are
reactionary, short-term and does not achieve long-term sustainability.
CSR in Africa is less formalized in terms of the standards, reporting and management system.
There are instances where formal CSR is practiced but it is common with big multinationals and
nationals with big profiles, aspiring to be on the global status. Embracing more transparent,
ethical governance practices should form the foundation of CSR practice in developing
countries, which in turn will provide the enabling environment for more widespread responsible
business.
CSR in Africa is concentrated on development since most of the countries lack direct foreign
investments, there is a high rate of unemployment and an extensive poverty. Therefore, economic
development by companies is highly regarded by the community and the government.
Ethical and legal responsibilities are given less priority in the CSR activities since there are poor
administration of the legal structures, it lacks independence and there is a limitation in the
resourcing.
1
Kwasi Dartey,/ ‘Exploring the limits of Western Corporate Social Responsibility Theories in Africa’/ (2011)
CSR activities in Africa have also been used in developing new markets through partnerships
approaches for example the AED/Mark Partnership with Exxon Mobil was created on the basis
of developing a viable market for insecticide-treated mosquito nets in Africa, while improving
pregnant women‟s access to these nets, through the delivery of targeted subsidies.
In Africa, CSR is highly campaigned by these stakeholders; development agencies, trade unions,
international NGOs, and business associations. In Ghana, there is a fifth group which is the Civil
Society Organizations (CSO). These groups provide a platform of support for local NGOs, which
are not always well developed or adequately resourced to provide strong advocacy for CSR. The
media is also emerging as a key stakeholder for promoting CSR in developing countries.
2
According to a research done assessing the CSR activities in the construction industry by the
Chinese international companies, the findings were; the Chinese companies invested in the
African continent have not invested much of their resources in the CSR sector since there is a
difference in cultures and language, lack of a distinguishing CSR policy recognizable by locals
is also an issue of concern for the locals therefore there is no idiom cross-fertilization between
the cultures and language hence rendering the CSR activities unworkable. Chinese international
construction companies therefore need to engage the local community in the implementation of
the CSR activities. The biggest issue in Africa’s economies is the lack of policies to run and
evaluate the CSR initiatives by both the local government, businesses and international
organizations investing in Africa. CSR issues are rarely discussed in Africa with the gravity it
warrants as compared to the developed economies. CSR is a measurement tool for predicting
long term sustainability of Chinese construction companies in Africa.
3
Many businesses organizations in Africa are largely multinationals and small enterprises which
are mostly repressed from engaging in CSR for various reasons. Multinationals and consumer
organizations engage in CSR activities due to the pressure from their parent
organizations/shareholders. On the contrary, small businesses fail to engage in CSR activities
because they have a weak resource base to deploy these activities and are always striving for
their survival as compared to their counterparts. This is augmented by the lack of inherent and
conscious action to mainstream CSR in African countries and institutions. Coherently, there is no
reason for holding the small medium enterprises less responsible to their environment and social
impacts. Conversely, CSR should be treated seriously so to intensify impact in and outside
Africa. The rise of international NGO movement and civil society focusing on the ethical
practices by companies operating in Africa, the increase in environmental and social impacts by
leading organizations such as World Bank and International Finance Corporation have been
influential in modeling CSR agenda in Africa.
CSR in Africa face the challenges of leadership crisis in both political and corporate governance.
It is often misused by political leaders to gain social and political. This is very wrong since CSR
2
Seriki, Oluwasegun Oluwaseyi,/ ‘Looking through the African lenses: a critical exploration of the CSR activities of
Chinese International Construction Companies (CICCs) in Africa’/
(2020)<https://jcsr.springeropen.com/articles/10.1186/s40991-020-00055-1>

3
Thomas K.C, Patrick Onsando,/ ‘corporate social responsibility in africa’/ (2016) <
file:///C:/Users/user/Downloads/07_Cheruiyot2.pdf>
should be authentic, persistent and beneficial to the whole wider society. Another challenge with
CSR in Africa is the government’s expectations on the business community. The latter often
engage in CSR activities involving provision of basic services such as food, supporting the
health sector while primarily that should be the obligation of the government to its citizens. The
business organizations are expected to deliver on the CSR and pay tax to the government also.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, CSR should be pursued religiously by the government, multinationals and the
business community. A good regulatory framework on CSR should also be implemented for
greater success. Notably, African business environment is weakly regulated. Most national legal
systems and frameworks are weak or nonexistent, and where the law is in place it is poorly
enforced. Individual and communal rights are therefore not guaranteed. The civil society and
other interest groups should call for community social responsibility in Africa that not only
includes the philanthropic work but that also concerns itself with enhancing acquisition of skills
and quality youth employment and capacity building. CSR in Africa should be aligned with
african values, customs and culture.