As main partner, the Swiss-African Business Circle (SABC) is pleased to announce that the Swiss-African Business Day 2026 (SABD), of which GEM is an institutional partner, will take place on Friday, June 19, 2026, at the Geneva Marriott Hotel (Chemin du Ruisseau 1, 1216 Geneva).

Held under the patronage of the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO), Africa Collective Geneva, including the Swiss-African Business Day, is the largest annual gathering in Switzerland dedicated to business and collaboration with the African continent.

This year’s edition is themed “Africa in a New Global Economy: Trade, Capital, Impact” and will bring together business leaders, investors, institutional representatives, and industry experts from across Switzerland, Africa, and beyond.

The program includes:

SABD 2026 will offer a valuable opportunity to exchange views, identify partnerships and make contacts with decision-makers active in the fields of trade, investment and economic transformation.

The Swiss-African Business Day will be conducted entirely in English.

Registration via this link.
Africa Collective Geneva warmly welcomes registrations from GEM members at a specially discounted partner rate. Please select “Member of Partner Organisation”: GEM members CHF 490.00 / non-members CHF 650.00. 

Practical information:

Africa Collective
+41 (0)22 788 42 77
mail@africacollective.com

The Groupement des Entreprises Multinationales (GEM) has expressed its opposition to the initiative, while supporting the principle of a Federal Council counter-proposal that is compatible with European law, without exceeding its requirements, and with international standards, taking into account the economic realities of businesses.

The GEM therefore welcomes the publication of a counter-proposal, which it is currently examining in detail. Its complexity and implications warrant a thorough analysis. Particular attention will be paid to key elements such as the civil liability regime, the scope of supply chain oversight, the resulting administrative burdens, and the provisions regarding the supervisory authority.

The GEM’s position will be the subject of a subsequent communication and will then be detailed as part of the consultation process.

👉 Federal Council press release and counter-proposal (only available in the national languages): link

The GEM fully supported the package during the consultation process. The bilateral approach has proven its effectiveness by guaranteeing secure and predictable access to the European single market, which is essential for our economy. The free movement of persons remains a crucial pillar for addressing the talent shortage and maintaining the innovation that is the strength of multinational companies established in Switzerland. In an unstable geopolitical and economic context, stabilizing and developing relations with the EU remains strategically central for Switzerland. The GEM will carefully analyze the message and contribute pragmatically to the debate before taking a position on the final draft.

For more information: 🔎

Newland Chase, provider for immigration services at preferential rates reserved exclusively for GEM member companies, inform that  voters in Geneva approved a revision of the Law on Labor Inspection and Relations (LIRT), introducing a specific minimum wage regime for student holiday jobs. Under the new provision, students enrolled in a recognised Swiss educational institution who carry out occasional work during school or university holidays for up to 60 days per calendar year may be paid 75% of the Geneva mandatory minimum wage. Please read the full article on the following link : https://newlandchase.com/geneva-votes-to-revise-minimum-wage-rules-for-student-holiday-work/

Newland Chase, provider for immigration services at preferential rates reserved exclusively for GEM member companies, inform that Swiss Federal Court Expands Professional Mobility Rights for Third-Country Nationals. Please read the full article on the following link : https://newlandchase.com/swiss-federal-court-expands-professional-mobility-rights-for-third-country-nationals/

The Group of Multinational Companies (GEM) is proud to annonce it has signed the 2050Today Charter. The purpose of this Charter is to set a common framework with objectives and targets to be set individually by each institution in order to devise an individual action plan for the reduction of GHG emissions. 

2050Today is a partnership of the Swiss Confederation, the Republic and Canton of Geneva, the City of Geneva, the University of Geneva and Industrial Services of Geneva (SIG). This unique initiative by Swiss authorities of all levels supports the decarbonization of International Geneva.

Les partenaires FER Genève, le Geneva Graduate Institute (Formation Continue) et le Groupement des Entreprises Multinationales (GEM) ont le plaisir de vous inviter à cette discussion.

Dans un monde où les crises se multiplient et s’entremêlent — conflits, sanctions, ruptures d’approvisionnement, tensions commerciales — les entreprises ne peuvent plus ignorer la dimension géopolitique de leurs activités.

Cette discussion a pour objectif d’offrir aux dirigeants, cadres et décideurs économiques une lecture claire et pragmatique des grandes dynamiques géopolitiques actuelles afin de mieux comprendre leurs répercussions sur les activités économiques – locales et internationales – et d’adapter leurs stratégies face à un environnement mondial volatil et incertain.

À travers un décryptage croisé mené par nos experts, les échanges mettront en lumière comment les mutations géopolitiques influencent aujourd’hui la stratégie, la gestion des risques et la compétitivité des entreprises.

Information et inscription

The GEM replied to the consultation process on October 31, 2025.

Thus, starting October 23, 2025, employers will be able to report the start or end of gainful employment for an S permit holder via “EasyGov.swiss” or directly to the competent cantonal authority. Submitting the notification allows the gainful employment to begin immediately.

The GEM welcomes this decision, which reduces the administrative burden for companies and facilitates integration into the labor market.

Attached is the fact sheet from the State Secretariat for Migration containing the most important information and changes.

Confederation’s press release

Press review following the study conducted by M.I.S TRENDS for GEM on the image of multinational companies in the Lake Geneva region.

GEM regrets the decisions taken recently and has every confidence in the Federal Council’s efforts to ease tensions. Generally speaking, measures of any kind that run counter to free trade are detrimental to global growth and the competitiveness of the Swiss economy. These events must lead all political, economic and social players to accelerate and deepen their reflection on Switzerland’s competitiveness and attractiveness, which will require, in particular, greater support for innovation and training, an attractive tax policy, efficient infrastructures and a stronger European anchoring.

How can multinationals and SMEs together find opportunities in a calm approach to sustainability?

GEM, in partnership with FER Genève, is organising a sustainability awareness day aimed primarily at SMEs. Are you a subcontractor of a multinational? Are you part of a value chain that requires you to comply with certain standards? Do you want to know what regulations you are subject to and how to turn them into opportunities to transform your business model? Come and benefit from the experience of GEM member multinationals and the knowledge of renowned speakers.

Information and registration