The African CEO Council (African Council of Chief Executives) is founded on the principles of ethical leadership, integrity, sustainability, accountability, transparency, and responsible corporate citizenship. Membership of the Council is both a privilege and a responsibility, reflecting a commitment to advancing business excellence and contributing to Africa's sustainable economic transformation.

Every member of the Council is expected to demonstrate the highest standards of professional conduct and to serve as an ambassador of responsible enterprise throughout Africa and beyond.

This Code of Conduct establishes the ethical principles and professional standards that guide the conduct of all members. It promotes a culture of integrity, sustainability, environmental stewardship, respect for human rights, sound corporate governance, and responsible business practices that enhance public trust and strengthen Africa's private sector.

Membership in the African CEO Council signifies a voluntary commitment to uphold these principles in both personal and organizational conduct.

As a Member of the African CEO Council, we voluntarily commit ourselves to uphold the Vision, Mission, Core Values, Constitution, Governance Charter, and Strategic Objectives of the Council.

We further pledge to conduct our affairs in a manner that reflects the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, responsible leadership, and sustainability.

Accordingly, we commit to the following principles:

1. Integrity and Ethical Leadership

We shall conduct all business activities honestly, fairly, professionally, and with integrity.

We shall avoid any conduct that could compromise the reputation of the African CEO Council, our organizations, or the broader business community.

We shall demonstrate ethical leadership in every decision, recognizing that trust is the foundation of sustainable enterprise.

2. Sustainability and Responsible Business

We recognize sustainability as a strategic business imperative rather than merely a compliance obligation.

We commit to integrating environmental, social, economic, and governance considerations into our corporate strategies, business operations, investment decisions, and stakeholder relationships.

We shall promote sustainable production, responsible consumption, resource efficiency, climate resilience, biodiversity conservation, and long-term value creation.

3. Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG)

We shall actively promote internationally recognized Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) principles within our organizations.

We will strive to improve environmental performance, strengthen governance systems, promote social inclusion, respect labour rights, enhance transparency, and encourage responsible investment.

4. Corporate Governance

We commit to maintaining the highest standards of corporate governance based on accountability, transparency, fairness, responsibility, and ethical leadership.

We shall encourage effective Boards of Directors, sound risk management, internal controls, compliance, responsible decision-making, and appropriate disclosure.

5. Compliance with Laws

We shall comply with all applicable national laws, regulations, industry standards, and international conventions governing our business activities.

We will also support reforms that improve Africa's business environment while promoting lawful and responsible business conduct.

6. Professional Competence

We shall undertake professional responsibilities only where we possess the appropriate qualifications, knowledge, expertise, and experience.

Where necessary, we shall collaborate with qualified professionals to ensure the highest standards of service delivery.

We commit ourselves to continuous learning, executive development, innovation, and professional improvement.

7. Transparency and Accountability

We shall communicate truthfully and accurately in all business dealings, reports, financial disclosures, sustainability reporting, and stakeholder communications.

We shall not deliberately misrepresent information, conceal material facts, or provide misleading statements.

8. Human Rights and Inclusive Leadership

We shall respect internationally recognized human rights and promote safe, inclusive, equitable, and respectful workplaces.

We reject discrimination, forced labour, child labour, harassment, exploitation, and all forms of abuse.

We support diversity, gender equality, youth empowerment, disability inclusion, and equal opportunity.

9. Anti-Corruption and Business Integrity

We adopt a zero-tolerance approach to corruption, bribery, fraud, money laundering, extortion, unethical procurement, and abuse of office.

We shall implement effective compliance systems that promote ethical business conduct and safeguard institutional integrity.

10. Conflict of Interest

We shall avoid situations where personal, financial, political, or business interests conflict with our responsibilities as members of the African CEO Council.

Any actual, perceived, or potential conflict of interest shall be disclosed promptly to the appropriate governance body.

Members shall not use their position within the Council for personal advantage or to obtain improper commercial or political benefits.

11. Confidentiality

We shall respect the confidentiality of information entrusted to us through our membership, committee work, Board service, or participation in Council activities.

Confidential information shall not be disclosed or used for personal or commercial advantage without appropriate authorization.

12. Respect for Intellectual Property

We shall acknowledge and respect the intellectual property rights of others.

All research, publications, reports, presentations, and other materials shall appropriately recognize original authors and sources.

Plagiarism, copyright infringement, and unauthorized use of proprietary information are inconsistent with this Code.

13. Collaboration and Mutual Respect 

We shall treat fellow members, employees, partners, governments, investors, stakeholders, and the public with courtesy, dignity, fairness, and professionalism.

We encourage collaboration, constructive dialogue, knowledge sharing, and mutual support in advancing the Council's objectives.

14. Responsible Advocacy

Members shall support evidence-based advocacy that promotes sustainable economic growth, responsible investment, private sector development, environmental stewardship, and inclusive prosperity.

We shall engage governments and policymakers respectfully, constructively, and transparently.

15. Excellence and Continuous Improvement

We commit ourselves to maintaining the highest standards of professional excellence.

We will continually improve our knowledge of corporate governance, sustainability, ESG, climate action, digital transformation, innovation, responsible investment, and emerging business trends to better serve our organizations and Africa's business community.

By becoming a member of the African CEO Council, we voluntarily affirm that we:

• Support the Vision, Mission, and Strategic Objectives of the Council.
• Will uphold this Code of Conduct at all times.
• Will promote responsible corporate leadership and sustainable business practices.
• Will conduct our affairs with integrity, professionalism, transparency, and accountability.
• Will contribute positively to the advancement of Africa's private sector and sustainable economic development.
• Will encourage our organizations to adopt internationally recognized standards of corporate governance, ESG, and responsible business conduct.

The African CEO Council expects every member to comply fully with this Code of Conduct.

Alleged breaches may be reviewed by the Council's Ethics and Governance Committee or another committee designated by the Board of Governors. Members will be afforded a fair opportunity to respond before any determination is made.

Where a breach is established, the Board of Governors may take appropriate action in accordance with the Council's Constitution and Membership Regulations. Such actions may include:

• Issuing a written advisory or warning.
• Requiring corrective measures or remedial action.
• Suspending membership privileges.
• Removing the individual or organization from committees or leadership positions.
• Suspending or terminating membership in the Council.

The Council's decisions shall be guided by the principles of fairness, due process, proportionality, and natural justice.

The African CEO Council believes that ethical leadership and sustainability are fundamental to Africa's future prosperity.

By subscribing to this Code of Conduct, every member joins a distinguished community of business leaders committed to building enterprises that are profitable, responsible, transparent, innovative, environmentally sustainable, socially inclusive, and governed with integrity.

Together, we will champion a business culture that strengthens investor confidence, promotes responsible enterprise, advances sustainable development, and positions Africa as a globally competitive destination for investment, innovation, and long-term economic growth.