ECONOMIC POLICY, CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY, AND UNEMPLOYMENT IN AFRICA: A CALL FOR A RENEWED DIALOGUE

Abstract

Unemployment is a complex and global societal challenge that has transcended the realm of economic policy and governments as sole solution providers. Given the rising challenges of unemployment in Africa and the emergence of corporate social responsibility (CSR) as a complementary public governance mechanism, this paper argues that CSR in Africa needs to prioritize unemployment as Africa’s social warming and can address it using indigenous frameworks and practices. Drawing on the example of the One Kindred One Business Initiative (OKOBI) program of the Imo State Government, Nigeria, which addresses unemployment, the paper argues that the OKOBI framework can inform and shape corporate community relations, as a form of CSR, on the continent. The paper calls for a renewed dialogue on economic policy, corporate social responsibility, and unemployment in Africa.