First and foremost, it is important to benchmark and set precedents in CSR on the continent. Best practices need to be shared, and programmes that move from social responsibility to social impact need to become the norm.

By showcasing successful CSR initiatives through The SERAS, businesses can contribute towards improving the standards of other similar projects through knowledge sharing and the benchmarking of systems and measurables.

Another important reason for major brands and corporations to enter the Awards and showcase their projects is to ensure that CSR projects remain top of mind for members of the media, business leaders, governments, and decision makers.

Every year, The SERAS publishes the CSR Reports, a comprehensive survey of all entered projects. These case studies are shared across Africa with media, governments, civil society organisations, and corporates. The CSR Reports is a powerful tool for sharing the best and most effective CSR projects in Africa, sharing knowledge, and inspiring others.

The SERAS also provide a credible platform for businesses who also would like to share their CSR projects with wider audiences; for marketing or brand recognition purposes. Effective and community driven CSR that results in real change can be a powerful tool for driving brand loyalty and engagement.

The SERAS seeks to uncover and reward the brands that have walked their talks in the real sense, as it unravels the links between investments/interventions and the actual impacts of these in communities where they do business, as well as general society at large.

Entries have been coming in from across Africa, ensuring that the awards are truly pan-African. Entries include, from West Africa; Lafarge, ExxonMobil, Unilever, Chevron, Nigerian Breweries Plc, Airtel, Dangote & Proctor and Gamble, along with South African companies Netcare and Anglo American.

There are various awards categories open for businesses to enter and the competition is open to large, medium, and small scale, non-profit organisations, as well as public sector organisations.

Twenty honours will be awarded in line with the sustainable development goals as set by the United Nations.

The entry portal has been extended to Monday, 31 July.

For more information, visit www.theseras.com. Alternatively, connect with them on Facebook or on Twitter.