"Investment in Africa: Thinking Beyond Stereotypes" 3 August 2014

...[T]his historic Summit should be a moment for the US administration to underscore a particular brand of investment in Africa – not just any investment but responsible foreign direct investment. The US government and US business leaders should use this opportunity to reaffirm their commitment to the kind of investment that would demonstrate adherence to internationally accepted standards of state and corporate behaviour, like the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and related Principles for Responsible Contracts, as well as multi-stakeholder standards like the Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights, among others. The growing number of African civil society organizations that are increasingly advocating for more transparency, accountability and respect for human rights, especially within the extractive sector, expect no less of such investments. Many have worked in partnerships with their governments to sign and commit to major initiatives and frameworks such as the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI)...To build stronger economic ties to Africa, there is no need to apologize for emphasizing the importance of respecting human rights and promoting good governance at home and abroad. Responsible investment should be a goal for each and every nation that promotes foreign direct investment, bound for Africa or elsewhere.