AfriSAFE Calls for Stronger Workplace Safety Culture Across African Businesses
AfriSAFE says African companies should strengthen workplace safety while expanding practical emergency-response skills across communities.
African businesses have been encouraged to give workplace safety greater priority as organisations confront risks that can affect employees, operations and business continuity across the continent.
AfriSAFE founder and Chief Executive Officer Femi Da-Silva made the call in a statement ahead of the organisation's 2026 programme in Ghana. He argued that safety initiatives should go beyond discussions within corporate settings and produce practical knowledge that people can apply during emergencies at work and in their communities.
As part of that approach, AfriSAFE plans to provide free first-aid and emergency-response instruction to at least 1,000 people in Ghana during its 2026 activities. Da-Silva said the programme forms part of a wider goal to equip more than 10,000 people in selected African countries with skills that could be useful in life-threatening situations.
The AfriSAFE 2026 event is scheduled for November 5 and 6 at the Labadi Beach Hotel in Accra, Ghana. This year's programme will run under the theme "Safeguarding Lives. Securing the Future." The initiative combines workplace safety advocacy with practical training and recognition of organisations operating across different parts of Africa.
Several Nigerian and West African organisations are listed among those shortlisted for recognition. They include Dangote Packaging Limited, Ardova Plc, UBA Group, Lagos Free Zone Company, Olam Agric, Akwa Ibom State Government, Sunbeth Global Concepts, Promasidor, GB Foods Ghana, Ibom Air, Matrix Energy, ARISE IIP, Zoomlion, Craneburg Construction and Segilola Resources Operating Limited.
The wider Pan-African and international shortlist includes organisations such as Nestlé ESAR Region, Fujita Corporation, Hormuud Telecom Somalia, Shelter Group Africa, Vulcan Mozambique, KEC International, TATA Chemicals Magadi Kenya, Kagem Mining, Bakhresa Group, Zambeef Products Plc, Puma Energy, Trade Kings Group, Equity Group Holdings, FG Gold, AngloGold Ashanti and MODEC.
Da-Silva also identified a number of corporate institutions supporting the initiative, including Zambia Sugar, Seplat Energy, Tropical Cable, Golden Africa Djibouti, GODEF West Africa, Unique Open University, Brit Holdings, OSHEMS Group, Hybrid Group, iSafety Group, and Safety Consultants and Solutions Providers.
His central message is that safety culture should be measured by practical outcomes rather than awareness alone. The planned Ghana training programme reflects that emphasis by extending the conversation beyond company policies to first-aid and emergency-response skills that participants can use in real situations.