By Emma Ujah, Abuja Bureau Chief

The Africa Social Impact Summit (ASIS) has facilitated the mobilisation of over $1 billion for sustainable development initiatives across the continent and is targeting an additional $500 million in commitments at its next summit.

Chief Executive Officer of Sterling One Foundation, Olapeju Ibekwe, disclosed this at a press conference in Abuja yesterday, where she announced plans for the 2026 edition of the summit.

She said Africa’s development progress requires greater scale and stronger partnerships, stressing that the continent’s future would be shaped by the quality of collaborations forged to drive sustainable growth.

“The Africa Social Impact Summit is a platform that brings together African leaders, local and international investors, innovative ideas and catalytic capital to address some of the continent’s most pressing challenges while unlocking opportunities for inclusive and sustainable growth.

“We are excited to unveil an edition that is bigger, more collaborative and more action-oriented than ever before. We expect deals worth over $500 million to be signed this year,” she said.

Ibekwe noted that since its inception, ASIS has evolved into one of Africa’s leading platforms for advancing market-driven solutions and cross-sector collaboration in support of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Agenda 2063.

According to her, by bringing together governments, development finance institutions, investors, philanthropists, businesses, innovators and civil society organisations, the summit has continued to foster partnerships aimed at delivering measurable impact.

She said the 2026 edition would focus on mobilising investments and strategic partnerships across key sectors, including education, healthcare, climate resilience, food systems, gender equality, women’s empowerment, youth development, the creative economy and sustainable finance.

Ibekwe added that through high-level dialogues, investor roundtables and solution-oriented engagements, the summit seeks to accelerate initiatives that strengthen economies and improve livelihoods across Africa.

Speaking at the event, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Nigeria, Mohamed Malick Fall, underscored the importance of partnerships in advancing Africa’s development priorities.

“Africa’s greatest opportunity lies in the strength of its partnerships.

“The Africa Social Impact Summit continues to provide a unique platform where governments, the private sector, development partners and civil society come together to mobilise the investments, innovation and collaboration needed to accelerate progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals.

“Together, we can build resilient economies that leave no one behind,” he said.

Also speaking, Board Member of Sterling One Foundation, Abubakar Suleiman, stressed the need for sustained action beyond discussions.

“What we are building through ASIS is not just a convening, but a long-term platform for action. The conversations we are having today must translate into real commitments, measurable outcomes and partnerships that outlive the summit itself. That is how we move from intention to impact across the continent,” he said.

The summit’s theme is “Financing for Development: Building Resilience and Transforming Emerging Economies.”

Organisers said ASIS 2026 would focus on practical discussions aimed at generating investments, partnerships and scalable solutions to support sustainable development across Africa amid changing global capital flows, climate challenges, food insecurity and rapid population growth.

The briefing brought together media representatives, government officials, development institutions, private sector leaders and strategic partners for announcements on the summit’s agenda, confirmed speakers, partnership opportunities and key initiatives.

Expected to attract more than 2,000 delegates from over 50 countries, ASIS 2026 will convene heads of government, multilateral organisations, development finance institutions, global investors, corporate executives, entrepreneurs, philanthropists and social innovators.

The Africa Social Impact Summit, co-convened by the Sterling One Foundation and the United Nations, is a platform focused on advancing the Sustainable Development Goals through innovation, financing and partnerships.

Since 2022, the summit has brought together leaders from different sectors to develop and promote solutions aimed at supporting sustainable development across Africa.