Tanzania Daily News (Dar es Salaam)
Joyce Kabigi
29 November 2011
TANZANIA Responsible Business Network (TRBN) was launched in Dar es Salaam on Tuesday, with eleven companies resolving to operate and champion the anti-corruption crusade in the country’s private sector.
The companies that joined forces under the network were Airtel, Twiga Cement, Bank M, Serengeti Breweries, Export Trading, KPMG, Deloitte, Coastal Travels, FINCA, East Africa Speaking Bureau and Standard Chartered.
However, over 40 other companies are expected to join the network by virtue of being Global Compact signatories.
They include Mohammed Enterprises, Textile Mills, Barrick Gold and BP Tanzania.
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Chairman of InfoTech Ali Mufuruki insisted on the clear link between ethical leadership and growth of the economy.
“Different studies around the world have identified corruption and business malpractices as impediments of economic development.”
He challenged the private sector to participate in the fight against corruption, which he decried as serious problem in public and private offices.
“We can condemn corrupt officials in the private and public sectors if we ourselves take part in the fight corruption is a big problem with potential of worsening if we don’t act against it, now,” said Mr Mufuruki.
The network envisages addressing a broad spectrum of environmental, social and governance challenges faced by companies. According to the network Chairman, Mr James Edmunds, TRBN was established with the vision of creating a business operation in Tanzania that encourages integrity and sustainability.
“Tanzania has great potential of taking up leadership role in the region with its strategic location, demographics and formidable natural resources, which can easily be accomplished with conducive business environment that is supportive of investment, transparency and free of corruption,” he said.
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