Over 300 stakeholders from 12 countries representing the private sector, government, training institutions, academia, philanthropy, and youth attended the Impact Sourcing (IS) Conference held on November 13th and 14th at the Polo Club in Johannesburg, South Africa.
The event was hosted by Rockefeller Foundation Africa regional office Managing Director Mamadou Biteye and the Digital Jobs Africa team, and was officially opened by Dr. Edmund Katiti, director of the Africa Program for the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD).
Day One focused on The Rockefeller Foundation’s role in catalyzing the sector, Digital Jobs Africa initiative goals and spurring inclusive business practices by promoting impact sourcing as a sustainable business model for inclusive hiring.
Day Two had illustrations of impact sourcing in practice, kicking off by a keynote from Ghana’s Deputy Minister of Communications Edward Ato Sarpong who spoke on opportunities Africa as a continent offers as a business process outsourcing (BPO) destination, followed by session on the role of government in promoting impact sourcing, global buyers’ perspectives, and showcasing innovative platforms and tools that connect youth to jobs. Participants also went on site visits to the Impact Sourcing Academy (ISA), an institution seeded by The Rockefeller Foundation, and the Harambee Youth Accelerator, to allow the conference attendees better understand the impact sourcing practice.