Africa Social Impact Summit 2023: Pioneering Strategies With Stakeholders for Sustainable Development

At a pivotal event in Lagos, a convergence of diverse stakeholders recently took place, signaling the promise of propelling Africa towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) fulfillment. Jointly convened by the Sterling One Foundation and the United Nations in Nigeria, the Africa Social Impact Summit (ASIS) 2023 aimed to catalyze investments and foster partnerships that align with global aspirations for sustainable development.

Reflecting on Progress and Pioneering Strategies

“Repositioning the African Development Ecosystem for Sustainable Outcomes” was the overarching theme of ASIS 2023. This second edition of the summit coincided strategically with the halfway point of the 15-year SDG timeline. Beyond being a mere gathering, the event presented an opportunity to evaluate progress, share successful strategies, and identify areas requiring intensified action for the ambitious goals' achievement.

Diverse voices resonated at the summit, representing crucial facets of Africa's development landscape. Notable attendees included former Malawian President Joyce Banda, Consul Generals from various countries, Permanent Secretaries of Nigerian Ministries, non-profit leaders, business executives, and experts spanning education, health, climate action, and agriculture. This dynamic gathering transformed the summit into a platform for sharing insights, experiences, and strategies with the potential to reshape the trajectory of sustainable development.

Global Solidarity: Nurturing Partnerships for African Growth

In her opening remarks, Mrs. Olapeju Ibekwe, CEO of the Sterling One Foundation, expressed optimism about the summit's possibilities. Her vision extended to magnifying social impact initiatives using resources across levels, particularly in underserved rural communities. Abubakar Suleiman, the Managing Director and CEO of Sterling Bank Limited, emphasized the summit's objective of addressing the root causes of poverty through collaboration. The importance of inclusive approaches involving the private sector was underscored by Matthias Schmale, the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, while also urging CEOs and investors to factor social impact into investment decisions.

With the aim of channeling global efforts into localized impact, ASIS 2023 symbolized multi-sectoral collaboration. This gathering of diverse voices aimed to accelerate Africa's progress towards achieving the SDGs, offering hope for a sustainable, equitable, and prosperous future on the continent.

The summit's themes spanned from innovation to equitable development, with discussions on education, healthcare, climate change solutions, civil society operational efficiency, and more. Prominent figures from esteemed organizations like The Coca-Cola Company and Microsoft, along with over 1,500 participants and 60 industry experts, illuminated strategies for impact investment in Africa.