The Africa Business and Human Rights Forum returns for its fifth anniversary in October 2026, bringing together governments, businesses, civil society, and affected communities to advance responsible business conduct across the continent.
This year's theme – Realizing the Right to a Clean, Healthy and Sustainable Environment through Responsible Business Conduct – reflects a defining moment for Africa. Over 45 African nations recognize the right to a healthy environment in law. The question is no longer whether this right exists, but how it is put into practice – especially when it comes to holding businesses accountable for their environmental and human rights impacts.
Aligned with the African Union's 2026 theme on water and sanitation, the Forum will explore four interconnected areas: integrated human rights and environmental due diligence; access to safe water, sanitation, and land rights; just transition and climate justice; and access to remedy for affected communities.
Over three days, the Forum will feature high-level plenaries, panel discussions, training sessions, and partner-led side events — held in a hybrid format with simultaneous interpretation in English and French.