Social and economic inequality remain deeply entrenched in Africa and have worsened since the Covid-19 pandemic.

The gap between rich and poor is widening, with 60% of the global population (almost five billion people) in financial decline, according to UK-based nonprofit Oxfam.  

Global wealth distribution remains starkly uneven: 

  • 69% of the world’s wealth is concentrated in developed nations, with so-called developing nations holding less than a third. 
  • The richest 1% own 43% of all global financial assets. 
  • Only 0.4% of the world’s largest companies pay their workers a living wage. 

African women and girls are disproportionately affected by poverty, often performing unpaid labour and having limited access to education and skills development.  

There is also typically a divide between urban and rural areas, with urban areas receiving better resources and services.  

The role of corruption and human rights abuses  

Widespread corruption and human rights violations further entrench inequality, creating a vicious cycle of poverty and exclusion. 

Deepening inequality is problematic as it threatens national and regional stability, economic progress, and opportunities for future generations. 

There are therefore many reasons to fund social justice and advocacy initiatives – not least of all because companies cannot thrive in unstable societies.   

Corporate social investment (CSI) in social justice and advocacy 

According to Trialogue’s research into CSI spend in 2024, social justice and advocacy was supported by just 20% of companies, and received 2% of average CSI spend.  

In 2024, average social justice spend on collaborative processes or networks increased to 27% from 18% in 2023, with spend on research declining from 45% in 2023 to 25% in 2024.  

Supporting media freedom received only 1% in 2024 – down from 4% in 2023.  

Why is social justice and advocacy important?  

In an unequal world, everyone deserves access to fundamental human rights, regardless of their age, gender, economic status, or social background. 

Beyond legal equality, achieving true social justice requires addressing systemic barriers that prevent marginalized groups from fully participating in society. 

Investing in social justice advocacy means supporting initiatives that: 

  • Expose power imbalances and hold corporations and governments to account. 
  • Address systemic inequality in wealth, resources and opportunities. 
  • Ensure fair access to education, employment, and legal protection.  
  • Empower under-represented communities to participate in decision-making.  

Solutions: how companies can support social justice and advocacy  

Although few companies engage with social justice advocacy, development practitioner Louise Jones argues that corporate involvement can play a meaningful role in tackling inequality and exclusion.  

Companies must be part of the solution, and supporting justice is not only an ethical responsibility but also a strategic business decision.  

A just society fosters economic stability, which benefits companies in the long run, and fair workplaces improve employee morale, retention, and brand reputation.  

Businesses can contribute to systemic change by making the following investments:  

  • Fund research and advocacy. Policy research can influence government decision, and nonprofits, think tanks and academic institutions are often best placed to tackle inequality issues.  
  • Strengthen legal and democratic institutions – for example, provide funding for legal aid services to support marginalised communities, or invest in pro-democracy initiatives that promote free and fair elections. 
  • Support media freedom and protect whistleblowers to ensure accountable and expose abuse and corruption. 
  • Make sure corporate accountability and ethical business practices are top of mind. This can be done by ensuring fair wages and ethical labour practices within supply chains, and committing to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives in the workplace.  
  • Fund educational campaigns on human rights, labour rights, and civic participation, and partner with nonprofits and advocacy groups to drive policy change.  

Building a more just and equal society benefits everyone—including businesses. By supporting human rights, democratic institutions, and economic fairness, companies can drive long-term social and economic progress.Â