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National Business Initiative

The National Business Initiative (NBI) is a South African voluntary coalition of leading companies working to promote sustainable economic growth, social development and environmental stewardship. Established in 1995 during South Africa's transition to democracy, the organisation brings together chief executives and senior leaders from major corporations across sectors to address systemic challenges facing the country's development trajectory. The NBI operates as a non-profit trust and focuses on collaborative action in areas including climate change, water security, energy transition, education, health and inclusive economic participation. Member companies commit to implementing best practices, sharing knowledge and engaging with government, civil society and labour to advance policy reforms and practical interventions. The initiative has played a significant role in shaping corporate responses to national priorities such as the National Development Plan, the District Development Model and municipal service delivery challenges. Through working groups, research programmes and multi-stakeholder platforms, the NBI facilitates business contributions to infrastructure delivery, disaster risk management and local government capacity building. The organisation also supports companies in aligning their strategies with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and South Africa's climate commitments. Headquartered in Johannesburg, the NBI is governed by a board of member company representatives and works closely with institutions including the Development Bank of Southern Africa, the Auditor-General and various government departments. It represents a model of organised business leadership aimed at leveraging private-sector expertise and resources for public benefit and long-term economic resilience.

National Business Initiative Updates


Africa urged to shape its own voluntary carbon market framework as demand grows
Africa urged to shape its own voluntary carbon market framework as demand grows
12th June 2026 By: Shannon de Ryhove

As global demand for carbon credits continues to expand, African countries have a significant opportunity to position themselves as major participants in voluntary carbon markets, provided they can... 


NBI CEO Shameela Soobramoney
Opinion: Thirty years later, South Africa still needs collective leadership
21st May 2026

As the National Business Initiative (NBI) marks 30 years, CEO Shameela Soobramoney has found herself reflecting on how closely the organisation’s journey mirrors that of South Africa itself. She... 


Northern Cape highlights compelling investment opportunities
8th April 2026

The Northern Cape province is ideally positioned to serve as the next economic and industrial growth node for South Africa, with compelling investment opportunities for global investors. This is... 


NBI joins Operation Vulindlela implementation drive to reform local government
25th February 2026 By: Sabrina Jardim

As South Africa enters the implementation phase of its most ambitious economic reform programme, the National Business Initiative (NBI) confirms that its Technical Assistance and Mentorship... 


Chris Yelland
Opinion: Risks, rewards and realities of South Africa’s wholesale electricity market reform
24th February 2026 By: Creamer Media Reporter

n this article, EE Business Intelligence MD Chris Yelland writes that South Africa's electricity market is moving towards a competitive, rules-based, multi-market structure with transparent price... 


After SONA 2026: Turning Reform into Delivery Will Define South Africa’s Next Decade
16th February 2026

By: Shameela Soobramoney - CEO, National Business Initiative (NBI)  The global economy has moved into a far more demanding phase of competition. Countries are no longer judged primarily on... 


UK's CFA calls for sustainability project proposals in South Africa
11th December 2025 By: Schalk Burger

The UK-funded technical climate assistance programme Climate Finance Accelerator (CFA) South Africa has launched a fourth call for proposals for low-carbon businesses seeking investment for... 


Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa
Municipal empowerment and public-private partnerships emerge as key drivers of climate adaptations
25th November 2025 By: Marleny Arnoldi

As South Africa transitions to a low-carbon economy, independent business movement the National Business Initiative (NBI) says multiple opportunities exist for strengthening localisation, public... 


Africa’s Biggest Sustainability Event Sparks a Movement — Not Just a Conversation
Africa’s Biggest Sustainability Event Sparks a Movement — Not Just a Conversation
29th October 2025

As the curtains closed on the 2025 Sustainability & ESG Africa Conference (SEACon) at the Sandton Convention Centre, one message rang loud and clear: Africa is not slowing down on sustainability —... 


An image depicting an eco-friendly lightbulb
Awards celebrate South Africa’s eco-champions
29th October 2025 By: Sabrina Jardim

The 2025 Eco-Logic Awards celebrated South Africa's ecologically intelligent champions for their contributions to protecting and preserving the planet at the yearly awards ceremony held at the Two... 


Despite some immediate CBAM reprieve, South African industry warns of serious potential fallout
Despite some immediate CBAM reprieve, South African industry warns of serious potential fallout
24th October 2025 By: Terence Creamer

A postponement from incorporating indirect carbon emissions into the European Union’s (EU’s) calculation of a product’s embedded emissions under its Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) will... 


Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Minister Dr Dion George
Climate finance for developing countries among key outcomes expected from COP30
21st October 2025 By: Marleny Arnoldi

With fewer than 30 days before the COP30 climate conference in Belém, Brazil, South Africa has been strengthening its collective resolve to place people, planet and prosperity at the centre of... 


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