Shared Value Africa Initiative launches Africa Council of 8

The Shared Value Africa Initiative recently launched the Africa Council of 8 during its strategy meeting in Johannesburg, South Africa. The initiative aims to bring together private sector leaders who are committed to doing business with a purpose and for the greater good of society. CNBC Africa had the opportunity to speak with Vivian Onano, Water Aid Global Youth Ambassador and a council member for the Africa Council of 8. Onano expressed her excitement and honor to be part of the initiative, highlighting the importance of including young voices in discussions about key issues facing the continent. She emphasized the need to address challenges such as lack of access to education and employment, as well as gender violence, with a focus on the youth. The Leadership Council of the Shared Value Africa Initiative is comprised of diverse individuals with a wealth of experience and a shared passion for the continent. Onano believes that the future looks promising with plenty of opportunities for growth and collaboration. One critical challenge identified by Onano is the issue of electrification in Africa. With 500 million Africans currently not connected to the grid out of a total population of 1.2 billion, the lack of access to electricity presents a significant obstacle to development. She stressed the necessity of implementing policies that prioritize electrification, as power is essential for creating jobs, ensuring food security, and improving healthcare and education systems. Onano called for intentional leadership and increased investment in electrifying the continent to address this pressing issue that intersects with multiple Sustainable Development Goals. Looking ahead to future meetings, Onano expressed her eagerness to work with the Leadership Council to set tangible goals and establish accountability measures. She emphasized the importance of defining and quantifying the impact of their initiatives to ensure meaningful progress over the next one, two, or three years. Onano's ultimate goal is to see concrete strategies put in place to hold members of the Council accountable and drive positive change for the continent.