

AIM-Progress is a is a global initiative of fast-moving consumer goods manufacturers and their common suppliers, joining forces to drive positive change in their supply chains. AIM-Progress works in a pre-competitive environment with 45+ members from a diverse set of international brands and suppliers linked through the commonality of their supply chains. Their mission is to positively impact people’s lives and ensure respect for human rights while delivering value to their members and their supply chains. They have different regional hubs and subject specific hubs.
Partner Africa facilitates the AIM-Progress Africa Hub that brings together AIM-Progress Members operating in Africa (AB Foods, ABInbev, Coca-Cola, Danone, Diageo, Reckitt, SIG, Unilever and Hershey and also Heineken up until last year). As part of this Partner Africa develops regular newsletters, sharing best practice examples and resources to support members and their suppliers to grow sustainably and improve the lives of their workers. In addition, Partner Africa organises quarterly meetings for the AIM-Progress Africa Hub members to share developments within the hub and discuss updates and recent developments in the business and human rights field in Africa. During most meetings, a guest speaker (e.g. specific subject-matter expert) is invited to provide insights into key topics of the hubs concerns (e.g. on sexual harassment; or how to do business in conflict-affected states). Partner Africa also organises collaborative projects (e.g. on Living Wage) for members and their suppliers.
Over the past couple of years, Partner Africa has organised four virtual supplier events for African-based suppliers and key operating staff of AIM-Progress Africa Hub Members. This case study looks at the virtual supplier event organised in 2022, explaining the highlights and benefits of organising and having a supplier event.
Attending suppliers learnt best practices, gained insights, shared experiences, and took home next steps applicable to their needs and realities concerning key emerging and problem areas in African supply chains. The event was organised for African-based suppliers supplying companies that are members of the AIM-Progress African hub. The overarching theme focused on building resilient and sustainable African businesses, considering people, planet, and profit. The sessions included:
In total:
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