The Faculty of Law at the North-West University (NWU) recently hosted a public lecture addressing the role of corporate social responsibility (CSR) in the development of Africa and the investment relationship of the continent with China.
The lecture, titled “Corporate social responsibility in the new Africa and China investment relations”, was presented by Dr Etienne Mutabazi, a scholar of international law who has extensive experience in government, human rights and international justice. It reinforced the role of higher education institutions as drivers of knowledge, accountability and sustainable development across Africa.
In his address, Dr Etienne urged CSR to move beyond theoretical discussion and become a framework that ensures economic growth and foreign investment contribute to sustainable development across Africa.
Dr Etienne stressed the need for stronger accountability mechanisms in both the public and private sectors. Drawing from his academic and professional experience, he stated that universities have a critical role to play in producing research that can guide policymakers, businesses and communities in addressing development challenges, while promoting responsible investment practices.
“Universities should be at the forefront to give guidelines, the theory, and fill the gap,” he stated, highlighting the importance of academic institutions in shaping Africa’s development.
Dr Etienne also showcased the work of the African Institute of International Law in Arusha, Tanzania, and analysed how scholars can contribute to policy debates surrounding international law, sustainable development and corporate governance on the continent.
At the centre of the discussion was the growing relationship between Africa and China, specifically touching on infrastructure development and investment. Dr Etienne encouraged researchers to assess the social, economic and environmental impact of major development projects to ensure that initiatives benefit local communities while supporting long-term sustainability.
Dr Etienne also highlighted large-scale infrastructure projects across countries such as Kenya, Ethiopia, Djibouti, Tanzania, Zambia and Nigeria as important case studies for future research. The Standard Gauge Railway that links Nairobi and Mombasa was cited as an example of a project that should be evaluated for its economic impact and environmental and social consequences.
As the lecture progressed, Dr Etienne stated that development partnerships must deliver mutual benefits. He further stressed the need for African countries to strengthen their position in international engagements to assure that investment agreements contribute meaningfully to local economic growth, social development and economic protection.
The lecture also emphasised the significance of evidence-based policymaking and interdisciplinary research. Students and emerging scholars attending the lecture were inspired to explore research opportunities in international law, development studies, corporate accountability and sustainable governance.
A segment of the lecture included a question-and-answer session that examined current challenges and opportunities that arise from foreign investment and development partnerships in Africa.
In the end, Dr Etienne called for stronger collaboration between universities, governments and the private sector to ensure that research informs policy and that development initiatives are implemented responsibly.
More about Dr Etienne
Dr Etienne, a former legal assistant and investigator at the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda, has taught at the University of Iringa in Tanzania and Cavendish University in Zambia and is affiliated with the University of South Africa College of Law. His academic background includes master's and doctoral degrees in international law obtained cum laude from the University of South Africa.
With over 20 years of legal experience, he shares his wealth of knowledge with the NWU through his guest lectures hosted by the Faculty of Law.
Dr Etienne Mutabazi teaches and supervises postgraduate research in African Union Law, constitutional law, and transitional justice at the University of South Africa (Unisa).
