“Framework conditions for economic cooperation on equal footing“
Under the title “Africa & You. Climate, Development and Migration Using the Example of Sub-Saharan Africa. NEW Perspectives, Images, Relationships, Hopes!”, the SOL Symposium 2025 was held on May 23 and 24, 2025.
On the first day of the symposium, I was invited to take part in Working Group 4 “Eurika & Afropa: Framework Conditions for Economic Cooperation on Equal Footing” in the late afternoon. The following questions were discussed:
- What responsibilities do European companies have regarding supply chains in African countries?
- How do EU supply chain laws (e.g., the Supply Chain Due Diligence Act) affect economic relationships?
- How can genuine partnerships be fostered instead of mere dependence on raw materials?
- What standards and documentation are appropriate to ensure fair production conditions without overburdening African producers?
- How can we prevent verification requirements from becoming a barrier for African and European businesses?
Expertise shared: Supply chain regulations in Europe and Africa
In this context, I explained current supply chain regulations at the EU and national levels—from the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) to the German Supply Chain Due Diligence Act (LkSG)—and made connections to labor and environmental legislation in South African countries, such as the Basic Conditions of Employment Act (BCEA) and the Labour Relations Act (LRA).
Brainstorming on supply chain traceability
I found it particularly exciting to see how constructively important topics were discussed and how concrete solution proposals were developed in a relatively short time.
Approaches for more transparent value chains included, among others, the regionalization of production processes, the creation of tax incentives for responsible corporate practices, and the democratization of economic structures. The use of new technologies was also discussed – for example, to enable traceability along the supply chain.
However, it was emphasized that technological solutions alone are not enough and must be combined with clear quality and reliability standards. As one participant put it: “How do I know that the information on the chip is actually correct?”
Supply chain module of the ESG-Cockpit for transparent value chains
Our sustainability management software ESG-Cockpit does offer trust-building supply chain reporting, with a dedicated supply chain module and various options for involving stakeholders along the value chain. Complementary educational programs and awareness campaigns help ensure that users not only know what they are doing, but also why they are doing it.