Foreign direct investment and sustainability in Africa: the role of european companies through corporate social responsibility
This paper analyses the role of European Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in Africa and its contribution to sustainable development through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). Using UNCTAD and World Bank data, results show a moderate positive correlation between FDI and GDP per capita, but no sign...
| Autores: | , , |
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| Formato: | informe técnico |
| Fecha de publicación: | 2026 |
| País: | España |
| Recursos: | Universidad Autónoma de Madrid |
| Repositorio: | Biblos-e Archivo. Repositorio Institucional de la UAM |
| Idioma: | inglés |
| OAI Identifier: | oai:repositorio.uam.es:10486/743800 |
| Acesso em linha: | https://hdl.handle.net/10486/743800 |
| Access Level: | acceso abierto |
| Palavra-chave: | Africa Foreign direct Investment Sustainability Corporate social responsability European companies Economía |
| Resumo: | This paper analyses the role of European Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in Africa and its contribution to sustainable development through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). Using UNCTAD and World Bank data, results show a moderate positive correlation between FDI and GDP per capita, but no significant effect on inequality, and mixed outcomes regarding environmental sustainability. Greenfield investments are associated with stronger growth effects than mergers and acquisitions. A qualitative review of CSR initiatives by leading European multinationals highlights sector-specific patterns: energy and construction firms focus on infrastructure and environmental mitigation but face reputational controversies; consumer goods and food companies promote sustainable sourcing while criticised for labour and environmental shortcomings; telecommunications and finance integrate CSR into market expansion strategies with both positive impacts and ethical concerns. The study concludes that FDI can foster sustainable development only when coupled with robust institutions, productive investment, and credible CSR strategies. Policy recommendations stress the need for national CSR frameworks, accountability mechanisms, andmincentives to align corporate actions with the Sustainable Development Goals. |
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