CSR and Sustainable Development: Multinationals are they Socially Responsible in Sub-Saharan Africa? The case of Areva in Niger

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to contribute in understanding issues related to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in Sub-Saharan Africa. The paper demonstrates that even though multinationals strategies participate with economic and social development, there still is much to do given environmental, social and economic expectations. The case of Areva discussed here illustrates the discrepancy that exists between such companies’ CSR strategies and the local conditions in which they evolve (armed conflicts, poverty, social inequalities, air pollution, environmental degradation, water contamination, etc.). Therefore, two challenges are essentials. On one hand, MNCs should take into account external costs of their activities and participate in projects that improve social and economic welfare. On the other hand, in case of accentuated opposition between MNCs and stakeholders (civil society, social partners, NGOs, etc.) public regulations could orientate corporate actions in a more responsible social development process.