This is a Category B project according to IFC’s Policy on Environmental and Social Sustainability. Based on information reviewed by IFC, the proposed project is expected to have limited adverse environmental and social (E&S) impacts that are few, site specific, largely reversible and readily addressed through existing mitigation measures and good international industry practices (GIIP). Key Environmental and Social (E&S) risks and impacts are expected to include the company systems for E&S management of its operations in compliance with legal requirements as well as IFC PSs; assurance of fair, safe and healthy working conditions including life and fire safety (L&FS) in the workplace and oversight on their sellers supply chain to ensure compliance in material sourcing per (i) IFC’s exclusion list and (ii) in compliance with PS requirements.

Environmental and Social Risk Assessment and Management System: The company had identified and was managing E&S risks and impacts associated with its operations through compliance with applicable national standards and E&S regulatory permits and requirements. However, the company does not have any documented E&S Policy, E&S risk and impact management plans, programs or Environmental and Social Management System (ESMS) Manuals as required under PS 1. The company will undertake a review of the E&S risks related to its operations as required under IFC PS 1. The risk assessment coverage will include third party operations, after which Anka will need to (i) develop an ESMS commensurate with its activities to include manuals, plans and procedures covering Occupational Health and Safety (OHS), and L&FS in the workplace, emergency preparedness and response, stakeholder engagement protocols and external communication mechanisms, and (ii) define roles, responsibilities and authority to develop and implement the ESMS (ESAP #1).

Supply chain: The supply chain risk management approaches are discussed under PS 2 review.

Organizational Capacity and Competency: Anka does not have a defined E&S Risk management structure across the organization, and specific risks are managed by multiple departments. Human resources and labour related issues are managed by the head of People and Cultures, while communication and relationships with sellers is managed by the Customer Success team. The company will appoint an Environmental, Health and Safety (EHS) Manager who will have the responsibility of developing and implementing the ESMS, conduct monitoring of E&S performance and reporting to Anka’s management team on E&S performance and challenges (ESAP #2).

Emergency Preparedness and Response: As part of ESAP #1 the company will develop and implement an emergency preparedness and response plan (EPRP) for adoption at the various facilities covering possible emergency scenarios including fire and security issues in the workplace and relevant responses in line with IFC PS requirements.

Monitoring and Review: Anka will develop procedures for internal monitoring, performance review, corrective action and related follow-up for management plans and programs as part of ESAP#1. The monitoring program will be overseen by the EHS manager who will also ensure that adequate records are kept for ESMS elements that are monitored by government or other third-party agencies and authorities. Focus areas will include management of labour issues, health and safety including L&FS, supply chain risks identified under the risk assessment as well as resource use and waste management programs as envisaged in ESAP #1. As part of the ESMS, a legal register will be established and maintained with relevant records regarding compliance with national laws and permits.

The company has 41 staff mainly in IT, sales and customer service who are mostly based in Abidjan. 44% of the staff are women with about 7% women in management. None of the company workers are unionized.

Human Resources Policies, Procedures and Terms of Employment: The company operations in Abidjan have HR policies and procedures structured to country specific labour laws. The policies cover working terms and conditions from recruitment to termination stages including onboarding, probation period, goal setting, performance review, internal communications (non-confidential) and termination of workers. Communication on worker’s rights per local law is provided during induction and documentation outlined within the employee’s contracts.

The company will document its human resource (HR) policy commitments on non-discrimination and equal opportunity, freedom of association, child labour and forced labour and communicate these commitments to its workers, sellers and service providers (ESAP #3). ANKA will also develop procedures to facilitate implementation, monitoring and evaluation of these policy commitments.

Grievance Mechanism: The existing workers grievance redress mechanism is through one-on-one communication with the HR team or the direct manager. The company will develop a written grievance procedure formalizing grievance management practices already in place including, a clear articulation of how complaints are filed and received, timelines for responses, routes for escalation, options for anonymous complaints, and commitments to non-retribution. The grievance procedure will be communicated to workers and supported by grievance logging or recording mechanisms. This mechanism will not impede access to other judicial or administrative remedies that might be available under the law (ESAP#4).

There are no specific policy statements and procedures for GBV risk in the workplace. As part of ESAP #4, the company will review its HR policies and country level manuals to ensure alignment with IFC requirements and guidelines on management of general harassment, sexual harassment and GBV risk in the workplace.

Retrenchment: While no retrenchment is envisaged, the company will document policy commitments on retrenchment as part of ESAP #3. The policy will be developed in accordance with PS 2 requirements including need for consideration of alternatives to retrenchment, workers engagement and commensurate commitments to a retrenchment plan as applicable.

Supply Chain: The company will develop systems to communicate its policy expectations on the material sourcing and labour conditions relating to the goods sold by sellers on the platform. The sellers on the Anka platform and partners in logistics, delivery and payment systems will also be required to sign a Code of Conduct to meet Anka’s policy requirements. The company will also develop mechanisms for due-diligence screening on E&S risks especially on labour and working conditions among its sellers’ base prior to engagement. The company will also develop strategies and procedures for monitoring of potential reputational risks and mitigating / remediation of actual risk events related to the goods sold on the Anka platform (ESAP #5).

The company’s power and water consumption is minimal as it caters for routine office administration and sanitation purposes. Anka currently utilize municipal water for majority of their operations while the office is connected to the national grid and there are no other major air emissions / pollution from the company’s operations. Wastewater from the premises is only restricted to sanitation facilities from the office environment, which is discharged into municipal sewers. All solid waste is collected for disposal by an authorized public agency.

As part of ESAP #1, Anka will document policies and establish targets and KPIs for resource use and consumption management. Though current electronic equipment volumes are low, the company will integrate procedures for disposal and/or re-use of old electronic equipment into their procurement policies.

The company has developed an online communication process through email addresses for their sellers and buyers and a satisfaction survey for sellers. Anka also relies on its web-based platforms for external communication with the general public.

All sellers can submit grievance ticket that is routed to the Customer Success team that respond to customer inquiries or, where necessary, apply the escalation protocol for complex issues to management. The management team receives a weekly report on customer success rating and in the two years of operations, have rarely dealt with an escalated issue.

The company will integrate these external communication procedures into the ESMS as part of ESAP #1.

Contact Person: Moulaye Taboure

Company Name: ANKA

Address: Résidence Santa Benedicta, Appartement 4B3, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire

Email: m@anka.africa