For immediate release – July 31, 2014
Contact: Greg Hittelman, +1 310 717 0606, [email protected]
Minerals Trade in Africa’s Great Lakes Region:
New Report Offers 7 Keys to Responsible, Successful Investment
July 31, 2014 (Washington, DC) – Recent political developments and increased industry regulation in the mining sector of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) present a unique opportunity for responsible and profitable investment, according to a report published today by the Enough Project. The new report is released in advance of the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit next week in Washington, DC.
“Doing Good, while Doing Well: Is There a Win-Win Formula for Investing Responsibly in Congo’s Minerals Sector?”, authored by the Enough Project’s Holly Dranginis, and based on six months of research and interviews, offers guidelines and resources for successfully implementing mandates for responsible business practices in the unique environment of the Great Lakes region of Africa.
Holly Dranginis, report author and Enough Project Policy Associate, said: "As leaders convene next week for the US-Africa Summit to discuss new business opportunities on the African continent, companies can and must embrace win-win models of success. That means comprehensive approaches that are sustainable for international investors and local communities alike.”
Enough Project Founding Director John Prendergast said: "After decades of abusive economic exploitation in Congo, it is time for a new model. Investors and corporations must follow responsible investment guidelines and help the region grow in a way that is sustainable."
“Many NGOs are pro investment in Congo and the Great Lakes region, as long as companies can act responsibly by being conflict-free and meeting human rights, transparency and environmental standards. If done right, responsible investment can be a major opportunity to local communities, miners, and companies,” said Enough Project Senior Policy Analyst Sasha Lezhnev. “This report presents clear guidelines and useful resources for companies serious about sustainable, responsible investment in the mining sector of the Great Lakes region. ‘Doing Good, while Doing Well’ is not just recommended reading for the policy world, it’s an essential manual for the C-level business decision maker.”
Link to download the new report “Doing Good While Doing Well”: http://eno.ug/1txDpez
For media inquiries or to schedule an interview with the report author, please contact Greg Hittelman at +1 310 717 0606 or [email protected]
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The Enough Project is a project of the Center for American Progress to end genocide and crimes against humanity. Founded in 2007, Enough focuses on the crises in Sudan, South Sudan, eastern Congo, and areas affected by the Lord’s Resistance Army. Enough conducts intensive field research, develops practical policies to address these crises, and shares sensible tools to empower citizens and groups working for change. To learn more: www.enoughproject.org