By Ebunoluwa Sessou
More than 2,000 policymakers, investors, business leaders, development partners, philanthropists, innovators and youth leaders from across Africa and beyond converged in Lagos for the fifth edition of the Africa Social Impact Summit, ASIS 2026, where stakeholders renewed calls for stronger partnerships and innovative financing to accelerate sustainable development across the continent.

The three-day summit, co-convened by Sterling One Foundation, the United Nations in Nigeria, the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, and the Lagos State Government, was held under the theme, “Financing for Development: Building Resilience and Transforming Emerging Economies.”

Participants agreed that Africa’s development goals can only be achieved through collective action, strategic investments and financing models that strengthen resilience while promoting inclusive economic growth.

The summit also secured renewed commitments from key partners, including the United Nations Population Fund, UNFPA, Seplat Energy, IHS Towers and The Coca-Cola Company, to deepen collaboration, mobilise capital and scale people-centred initiatives aimed at advancing the Sustainable Development Goals, SDGs.

Delivering the keynote address, United Nations Deputy Secretary-General, Amina Mohammed, stressed the need to move beyond commitments to measurable action, noting that Africa possesses the talent, innovation and entrepreneurial capacity needed to shape its future.

She said what the continent requires is bold leadership, strategic investment and stronger partnerships that place people at the centre of development.

According to her, financing for development goes beyond mobilising resources and must focus on creating opportunities, strengthening resilience and ensuring that no one is left behind.

Nigeria’s Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Bagudu, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to policies that attract investment and drive sustainable economic transformation.

He said achieving Africa’s development aspirations would require innovative financing, sound governance and sustained collaboration among governments, the private sector, development partners and civil society.

Representing Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Deputy Governor Dr. Kadri Hamzat described Lagos as a hub for investment and innovation, while calling for stronger partnerships to address Africa’s development priorities.

He said Africa’s future depends on sustained investments in people, infrastructure, innovation and sustainable enterprises, adding that resilient institutions remain critical to creating opportunities across the continent.

Chief Executive Officer of Sterling One Foundation, Olapeju Ibekwe, described the summit as a catalyst for action rather than merely a conference.

She said ASIS 2026 had demonstrated that Africa already possesses the ideas, talent and determination required to shape its future, but emphasised that stronger collaboration, innovative financing and sustained commitment were necessary to translate dialogue into meaningful results.

Also speaking, Chair of the Africa Social Impact Network,ASIN, Advisory Board, Prof. Banji Oyelaran-Oyeyinka, said the newly launched Africa Social Impact Network would help sustain momentum beyond the annual summit by connecting governments, businesses, development institutions, academia, philanthropies and investors on a continuous basis.

According to him, institutionalising collaboration through ASIN will strengthen partnerships, mobilise financing and knowledge, and support implementation capable of transforming bold ideas into measurable outcomes for Africa’s long-term economic growth.

As the summit concluded, organisers said the discussions, partnerships and commitments reached during ASIS 2026 reaffirmed the platform’s role in advancing sustainable development across Africa.
They noted that the summit continues to serve as a vehicle for mobilising investments, fostering collaboration and driving practical solutions aimed at building resilient economies and creating a more prosperous future for the continent.