When I was first introduced to the term “shared value” back in 2021, and its compelling vision of reconnecting profit with purpose, the message immediately resonated. So, with LinkedIn as my ever-ready guide, I connected with Tiekie Barnard afterwards to continue the conversation. Our initial discussion sparked a journey that unfolded through virtual meetings and on-the-ground collaboration in Johannesburg. In hindsight, the path seems natural, yet would have been unimaginable during that first masterclass three years ago.

I now look forward to the next stage of this journey when we will officially announce a partnership between ZER Consulting Africa and the Shared Value Africa Initiative to launch Shared Value Nigeria. As the incoming partner, we are driven by a deep conviction that creating Shared Value is not just beneficial, it’s essential for a prosperous and sustainable future for Nigeria.

Why Shared Value? Why Now?

Nigeria, with its immense potential and pressing social needs, presents a fertile ground for Shared Value to bridge the gap and unlock sustainable growth. We see an opportunity for businesses to be a force for good, fostering economic growth alongside social progress. This is where Shared Value comes in.

Michael Porter and Mark Kramer’s Shared Value concept proposes integrating social and environmental concerns into core business strategies. It transcends philanthropy, focusing on identifying societal and environmental challenges that present profitable business opportunities within core activities. This win-win approach aligns perfectly with ZER Consulting Africa’s belief in collaboration as the key to unlocking Africa’s full potential.

Here’s why creating Shared Value matters to us:

• Sustainable Growth: Businesses that prioritize Shared Value are more resilient and future-proof. By addressing societal needs, they create a more stable environment for long-term growth.
• Empowering Communities: Shared Value initiatives can empower local communities, creating a skilled workforce and a strong consumer base, further benefiting businesses in the long run.
• Brand Reputation: Consumers today are increasingly conscious of a company’s social and environmental impact. Shared Value practices enhance brand reputation and attract a more loyal customer base.

ZER Consulting Africa’s Mission for Shared Value Nigeria

ZER Consulting Africa is committed to making Shared Value a driving force in Nigerian businesses. Our mission for Shared Value Nigeria is threefold:

• Building Awareness: We will work collaboratively with stakeholders to spearhead nationwide awareness campaigns, educating businesses, policymakers, and the public about the Shared Value concept and its potential benefits to influence change.
• Fostering Partnerships: We will bridge the gap between businesses, civil society, and government, fostering strategic partnerships to address key challenges holding back Nigeria’s economy.
• Implementing Best Practices: We will provide advice, expertise, and support to businesses as they develop and implement successful strategies focused on creating Shared Value.

Our approach is collaborative and action oriented. We will work closely with stakeholders across the Nigerian ecosystem to create a robust Shared Value infrastructure.

A Shared Future for Nigeria

Through collaborative efforts, Shared Value offers a transformative approach for Nigerian businesses to achieve success while contributing to a more prosperous and equitable society. ZER Consulting Africa, as the launch partner of Shared Value Nigeria, is committed to driving this positive change. We believe that by working together, we can unlock the immense potential of Nigeria, creating a thriving nation where businesses and communities flourish hand-in-hand.

This is just the beginning. We invite stakeholders across Nigeria to join us today to create a future where Shared Value fuels Nigeria’s success story!

www.zerconsulting.com