Socially responsible initiatives provide mutual benefits to both businesses and their operating communities. However, to effect change externally, companies need to first look internally and prioritise social responsibility in business operations.
- Solving the world’s major problems through socially responsible initiatives demands time and effort.
- When businesses adopt a purpose-driven approach, a more just and sustainable future can be attainable.
Outstanding socially responsible businesses in Cameroon
In this article, we will consider some of the firms that have contributed to improving socially responsible initiatives in Cameroon.
1. Nestle Cameroon
Nestlé Cameroon is renowned for its socially responsible activities in the country. The firm recently received an award for the Best Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Company in Cameroon from FabAfrique Magazine. Also,it has contributed to creating shared value for both shareholders and society.
In 2021, Nestlé Cameroon launched a “Live Strong with Iron” campaign to raise awareness about the importance of an iron-rich diet. Essentially, the campaign was put together to address the prevalence of anaemia among children under 5 years of age and women. Other initiatives by the firm include collaborations with institutions to strengthen scientific research and empowerment programs for entrepreneurs.
2. Razel Water Solutions
Razel Water Solutions prioritises ecological and energy transition while contributing to improving the environment. Hence, the firm in 2018 signed the United Nations Global Compact initiative. The goal was to solidify the company’s commitment to achieving the 17 United Nations sustainable development goals.
Also, Razel Water Solutions is committed to implementing Goal 6 “clean water and sanitation” actions. In Cameroon alone, the firm has commissioned 5 new wells to provide the local population with access to drinking water.
In addition, Razel Water Solutions is known for its support to other African nations as well as the Caribbean. Over the years, the firm has donated professional equipment, hospital beds, wheelchairs, medicines and clothing. Other donated resources include books and school equipment, which are distributed to the relevant local authorities.
3. MTN Cameroon
MTN Cameroon through its foundation works to empower disadvantaged and rural communities. Primarily, the firm seeks to empower communities to become self-sufficient by leveraging innovative technology to uplift society.
The Yello Digital Talent initiative is a computer programming challenge that works to empower public and private universities as well as higher institutions of learning. By and large, the initiative has contributed to creating more awareness in the area of computers and technology by fostering a competitive spirit.
Also, in 2022, MTN launched the #MTNBack2Skoul Caravan which provided school kits to children in foster homes. The initiative was driven by the staff of MTN Cameroon to support underprivileged children.
4. Orange Cameroon
Orange Cameroon emphasises socially responsible initiatives in three main areas: health, education and solidarity. In addition, the firm works to promote equal opportunities for the disadvantaged through digital technology initiatives.
Hence, through its foundation, Orange Cameroon implemented the Orange Villages program to emphasise community development. The initiative works to promote access to education and healthcare in remote villages. Orange Cameroon seeks to achieve this by building a school, a water point and a health centre in the same locality to improve the daily lives of Cameroonian citizens.
5. Hysacam
Hysacam reported that over 15 million people in Cameroon have benefited from its service. The company’s Hygiène et Salubrité du Cameroun (HYSACAM) was set up in 1969 and stands out as the country’s main player in private waste management. In addition, the firm leverages public service delegation to operate the household waste collection and treatment service in 17 cities.
HYSACAM is known to collect over 1.5 million tons of waste a year which adds up to 4,000 tons a day. The company has over 4000 employees as well as a fleet of several hundred trucks.
6. Cimencam
Cimencam’s socially responsible initiatives are inspired by the desire to create value for its stakeholders. As a result, the firm has leveraged its employees to deliver more than 2,000 hours of volunteering to benefit local populations in the past three years. Essentially, the focus has been on raising awareness among young pupils and schoolchildren. This awareness seeks to enlighten young people of the dangers and prevention of HIV / AIDS, malaria, insalubrity, cholera and domestic accidents.
Cimencam also provided support to the Cameroonian government during the fight against COVID-19. The firm embraces unique fundamental values which inform its strategy. They include: health & safety, customer satisfaction, excellence, responsibility, eand thics.
7. UBA Cameroon
UBA Cameroon upholds CSR initiatives that prioritise the health of its community. To achieve this, the bank established a partnership with the Presbyterian Eye Health Service for free eye screening and consultation. Also, UBA Cameron donated 150 million to the government of Cameroon for COVID-19.
In addition, the bank seeks to improve reading amongst students on the African continent. Hence, UBA Cameroon is known for its book donation and other didactic material to colleges.
8. Standard Chartered Bank
Standard Chartered established the Futuremakers to empower young people around the world to learn, earn and grow. This global initiative addresses inequality through greater economic inclusion. Accordingly, Futuremakers supports disadvantaged young people aged 35 or below. In particular, the initiative prioritises girls and people with visual impairments by teaching them new skills to improve their chances of getting a job or starting their own business.
Standard Chartered committed a USD25 million to Futuremakers for COVID-19 economic recovery.
9. OLA Energy
OLA Energy Group developed a SH&E Policy to help manage its operations. By and large, the goal is to ensure that adequate controls & mitigation measures are in place to prevent the occurrence of potential Safety, Health & Environmental incidents.
Also, the firm provides direct support to local communities of operation. This includes allocating funds to assist disadvantaged people, student sponsorship and sporting events, community engagement, and volunteering initiatives.
10. Gaz Du Cameroon
Gaz Du Cameroon stands out for its unwavering commitment to personal development. Over the years, the firm has provided support to hospitals, communities and charity organisations.
Gaz Du Cameroon established a borehole supplying potable water to the local population of Ndogpassi. Other socially responsible initiatives include charitable donations to orphanages and disabled communities, blood donations, pipeline construction and support for accident victims among others.
Conclusion
Large-scale change requires steady progress. Likewise, solving the world’s major problems through socially responsible initiatives demands time and effort. However, when businesses choose to adopt a purpose-driven approach, a more just and sustainable future can be attainable.
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