Africa and Sustainable Global Value Chains

This book explores the interactions between businesses in Africa and Global Value Chains (GVCs) in terms of social, environmental, and economic sustainability, highlighting the need for sustainable business research in Africa. It emphasizes the importance of sustainability in GVCs, as it is a competitive advantage for firms looking to join, and it discusses the benefits of joining sustainable GVCs for firms in Africa.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 325 pages
Publication date: 08 February 2023
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

This book is a valuable resource for scholars, policymakers, and business executives interested in understanding the complex dynamics of business interactions in Africa and Global Value Chains (GVCs) in terms of social, environmental, and economic sustainability. Given the unequal power dynamics between global buyers and African suppliers, the governance structures, and the constant pressures to reduce costs and increase flexibility to meet GVC demands, the relevance of this topic is paramount. Instead of solely focusing on the sustainability of individual organizations, GVCs take a broader perspective, addressing the sustainability of inter-firm value chains and global industries as a whole. The interconnectedness between value chain creation and social/environmental degradation, extending to the extraction of people and raw materials (upstream) and the disposal or recycling (downstream), underscores the urgency of addressing sustainability issues in African business research. In today's landscape, sustainability has become a crucial competitive advantage for firms seeking to join GVCs. Whether from the perspective of an exporting firm eager to join a GVC in its respective industry or a firm maintaining a long-term contractual or collaborative relationship with a buyer, compliance with sustainability standards is essential. Both approaches emphasize the potential benefits that African firms can reap by participating in sustainable GVCs.

The book offers a comprehensive examination of various aspects of business interactions within Africa and GVCs. It explores the social implications of these interactions, including the impact on communities, labor practices, and human rights. It also examines the environmental consequences, such as resource depletion, pollution, and climate change, and the strategies employed by businesses to mitigate these impacts. Additionally, the book delves into the economic sustainability of GVCs, including the benefits and challenges associated with participation in these networks.

One of the key findings of the book is the importance of governance structures in promoting social, environmental, and economic sustainability in GVCs. The authors argue that effective governance mechanisms can help to balance the power dynamics between global buyers and African suppliers, ensure fair labor practices, and protect the environment. They also highlight the role of local communities and stakeholders in shaping the sustainability outcomes of GVCs.

Another important aspect of the book is the role of technology and innovation in driving sustainability in GVCs. The authors discuss the use of digital technologies, renewable energy sources, and sustainable supply chain management practices to reduce environmental footprints
impacts and improve social and economic outcomes. They also emphasize the need for policymakers and business executives to embrace innovation and invest in research and development to create new sustainable business models and technologies.

The book also provides valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities that African businesses face in participating in GVCs. It highlights the need for African firms to develop competitive advantages, improve their productivity, and enhance their capacity to adapt to changing market conditions. It also emphasizes the importance of building strong partnerships and networks with global stakeholders to access new markets and resources.

In conclusion, this book is a valuable resource for scholars, policymakers, and business executives interested in understanding the complex dynamics of business interactions in Africa and Global Value Chains in terms of social, environmental, and economic sustainability. It offers a comprehensive examination of the issues and challenges facing these industries and provides practical insights and recommendations for promoting sustainable development. By addressing the sustainability of inter-firm value chains and global industries as a whole, GVCs can contribute to the growth and development of African economies while also addressing the pressing social and environmental challenges of our time.

Weight: 534g
Dimension: 235 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030787936
Edition number: 1st ed. 2022