The Compliance Podcast Network (CPN) and the Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE) bring you Business Integrity Innovations. This podcast is inspired by Ethics 1st, a multi-stakeholder initiative led by CIPE that creates pathways for accountable and sustainable investment in Africa. Companies can use Ethics 1st to standardize their business practices, develop sound corporate governance systems, and demonstrate their commitment to compliance and business ethics.
In this episode of the Ethics First podcast, hosts Tom Fox and Lola Adekanye welcome Em Ekong, who discusses her extensive experience in entrepreneurship with a focus on supporting minority communities and women’s entrepreneurship in the UK and Africa. Em shares insights from her work with the Aspen Network of Development Entrepreneurs (ANDE), emphasizing the importance of collaboration and partnerships to nurture entrepreneurial ecosystems. She highlights the crucial role of ANDE in helping small businesses in the Global South, who often face significant challenges, access finance, markets, and development support, particularly through overcoming systemic challenges like corruption.
Em shares her vision of a future where African businesses maintain standards that attract global investment, advocating for consistent messaging, collaboration, and championing ethics. Key highlights include her work on ethics initiatives with the Center of International Private Enterprise (CIPE) and successful convenings that provide platforms for honest dialogues about challenges. Lastly, the episode underscores the long-term effort required to change entrenched systems and the importance of maintaining momentum in pursuit of transparency and ethical practices.
Key Highlights:
- Aspen Network of Development Entrepreneurs (ANDE) Overview
- Challenges and Success Stories in African Entrepreneurship
- Addressing Corruption and Standards in African Business
Resources:
Em Ekong on Linkedin
