IMANI Africa Vice President, Bright Simons, has recently taken to social media to criticize the prevailing attitude among many business leaders in Africa regarding advocacy and activism.
His comments follow a statement by Aliko Dangote, Africa’s richest man, who has vowed to expose malfeasance in government if necessary.
Mr Simons reacted to Dangote‘s claim that some oil traders are supplying substandard products. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Simons highlighted a widespread reluctance among African business elites to engage in advocacy for good governance, even when such actions are crucial for societal progress.
“Africa’s richest man says he won’t keep quiet any longer & will expose malfeasance in govt if necessary. Most business folks in Africa think that supporting advocacy & activism for good governance is unwise. Okay. When things go off the rails, just step into the fray yourself,” Mr Simons wrote.
His remarks highlight a broader issue in African business circles, where a significant number of business leaders prefer to avoid involvement in political and social advocacy, fearing potential backlash or harm to their interests.
By contrast, Simons advocates for active participation in governance and transparency efforts, arguing that silence or detachment can lead to unchecked corruption and inefficiency.