Business leaders have been urged to strengthen their commitment to ethical practices to foster sustainable growth on the continent.

This was underscored at the recent Absa BEN-Africa Conference held in Accra, where prominent leaders, academics, and industry experts convened to address pressing issues around business ethics, sustainability, and collective action in Africa.

Hosted by the Business Ethics Network of Africa (BEN-Africa) in partnership with Absa Bank and the Ghana Communication Technology University, the conference brought together hundreds of delegates from multiple sectors to explore the critical role of ethics in business development.

Under the theme "Agenda 2063 and a sustainable Africa: The role of ethical businesses,” the event provided a platform for discussions on the importance of integrity, transparency, and responsible practices in driving economic progress that benefits all.

Speaking at the conference, the Managing Director at Absa Bank Ghana, Edward Botchway, urged business leaders to create tangible change and inspire teams to adhere to the highest ethical standards.

"“We can start by integrating robust ethical guidelines and training programmes, ensuring that these principles are concrete actions we live by every day,” said Edward Botchway.

Mr Botchway, Addo challenged businesses to build an environment that promotes integrity and transparency—one where ethical behaviour is the norm, not the exception.

The conference kicked off with opening remarks from Dr. Bryan Robinson, President of the Business Ethics Network of Africa (BEN-Africa. Prof. Emmanuel Ohene Afoakwa, Vice Chancellor of GCTU, provided an official welcome, highlighting the role of academic institutions in promoting ethical leadership for Africa’s transformation.

The BEN-Africa Conference connects people through formal and informal networks, facilitates dialogue through the provision of forums to share ideas and build ethical capacity, and a platform to publish contemporary research on business ethics in Africa.

The conference also explores opportunities to leverage the commitment and competence of organizations and leaders in Africa to do business with moral integrity.