Networks The role of businesses and non-governmental organisations, both local and multinational, is changing in Africa. Very often, they have the know-how and skills to play a larger role in tackling social problems and development. “Trying to construct these societal systems is I think one of the new obligations of business,” says Sir Mark Moody-Stewart, chairman of resources giant Anglo American, Africa’s biggest company. “If we don’t do it, society in any country will be fractured. We have to play a part in it.” This is becoming apparent in the response of some of Africa’s biggest companies to epidemics such as HIV/Aids, and in new initiatives such as Business Action for Africa. But often, companies and NGOs work in isolation. The lessons of their experience can be lost or closed to independent scrutiny. Africa Research Institute does not undertake consultancy or public relations work for companies, charities or NGOs. But we do recognise that their potential role in Africa can have a far greater impact than in more developed economies. We will cooperate with these organisations to better understand this potential and find ways to maximise the benefits.