Great Lakes Private Sector Responsible Investment Roundtable was held in Ethiopia on Wednesday. The Forum was intended to explore on methods of responsible investment that can contribute to inclusive business and sustainable development. Success stories in Africa were also shared during the Forum.

On the occasion Ethiopia’s Premier, Haile Mariam Dessalegn called speakers to share their perspective on the current context and investment climate in the Great Lakes Region.

Haile Mariam also noted a responsible private sector and its investment activities will highly contribute to peace, stability and economic development of the Great Lakes
Region. He also explained on how nations can benefit from investing on sectors he referred as productive (agriculture, manufacturing, ICT, energy and infrastructure).

Mary Robinson, Special Envoy of the UN Secretary-General for the Great Lakes Region, on her part said the aim of the forum is to exchange ideas on how to boost investment and economic opportunities in the Great Lakes Region in sustainable manner.

Robinson also reminded the participants, supporting regional economic development and integration in the Great Lakes in a manner that respects and promotes human rights goes to the very heart of what has been signed in Addis Ababa by the thirteen governments of the region.

Robinson raised the need to involve and retain women and the youth in order to get responsible investment in the region. She added female participation in economic life is a tool for empowerment and an essential component of building strong economies and stable and just societies, increasing sustainable development, and improving human rights and quality of life for women and girls.

Source: Ethiopian News Agency