By Lucy Muigai, CEO of B Lab Africa
As we navigate a world shaped by deep inequalities, from our boardrooms to our factory floors, the call to embed justice, equity, diversity and inclusion into the DNA of our businesses has never been more urgent, or more powerful.
At B Lab, we are proud to introduce the Justice, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (JEDI) Impact Topic as part of our evolved B Corp standards. These are not just buzzwords. They are principles that, when meaningfully implemented, dismantle systemic barriers and make way for more inclusive, just and thriving companies.
Why JEDI? Why Now?
Across the African continent, and indeed, globally, we see how historic and ongoing systems of exclusion disproportionately affect women, youth, people living with disabilities, Indigenous communities, and other underrepresented groups. It is not enough to be aware of these inequalities. We must act intentionally to reverse them.
The JEDI Impact Topic is rooted in the belief that every business has the power (and the responsibility) to be a force for equity. Through data-driven actions, stakeholder engagement, and public accountability, JEDI ensures that B Corps go beyond pledges and policy statements. It demands measurable progress and meaningful change.
What Does the JEDI Standard Require?
The new B Corp standards under JEDI encourage companies to:
1. Listen and Learn: Collect disaggregated data and facilitate honest discussions or anonymous surveys that uncover how different identities experience the workplace.
2. Act Intentionally: Use those insights to implement specific, context-relevant actions, from revising hiring practices and improving accessibility to promoting leaders from marginalised groups and adopting inclusive language.
3. Be Accountable: Record these actions in a JEDI plan that includes deadlines, resources, responsibilities, and regular updates shared with all workers.
This isn’t a one-off initiative. It’s an ongoing journey of listening, adapting and improving. At its core, the JEDI approach fosters a culture where all individuals can truly belong, thrive and be heard.
Why It Matters for Africa
In the African context, where youth unemployment, gender disparity, and informal labour markets are pressing issues, B Corps embracing JEDI can be catalytic. It’s an opportunity to:
* Prioritise inclusion in value chains
* Strengthen local communities
* Unlock economic participation for groups historically left behind
When African businesses lead with JEDI, we set a precedent for purpose-driven capitalism tailored to our realities, one that resonates with our continent’s immense potential.
Leading the Way
At B Lab Africa, we support businesses on their journey to B Corp Certification and JEDI integration. We know that transformation doesn’t happen in a vacuum; it happens when leaders, employees, suppliers, and communities come together to co-create a better business.
If you’re a founder, HR leader, sustainability champion, or just someone passionate about social impact, now is the time to act.
Let’s build businesses that truly belong.
Curious about how your company can meet the new JEDI standards and join a global movement of better businesses?
Visit https://b-labafrica.net/ or send me a DM to start your journey to certification.
Explore B Lab’s New Standards here: https://b-labafrica.net/our-standards/
