July 29, 2026 by Damola Kola-Dare
ASIS 2026 mobilises financing for Africa’s sustainable development
The fifth edition of the Africa Social Impact Summit (ASIS 2026)concluded in Lagos with renewed commitments from governments, development partners, investors and the private sector to mobilise financing, strengthen partnerships and accelerate sustainable development across Africa.
The three-day summit with the theme: “Financing for Development: Building Resilience and Transforming Emerging Economies,” attracted more than 2,000 participants, including policymakers, business executives, philanthropists, investors, innovators and youth leaders from across the continent and beyond.
Co-convened by the Sterling One Foundation, the United Nations in Nigeria, the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning and the Lagos State Government, the summit focused on translating policy discussions into concrete actions capable of unlocking investments for resilient and inclusive economic growth.
Organisers said the event culminated in 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 solutions aimed at accelerating the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Delivering the keynote address, United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Amina J. Mohammed stressed the need to move beyond declarations to measurable outcomes.
“Africa possesses the talent, innovation and entrepreneurial spirit needed to shape a more prosperous future. What is required now is bold leadership, strategic investment and stronger partnerships that place people at the centre of development,” she said.
According to Mohammed, financing for development goes beyond mobilising reresilience and ensuring that no one is left behind as Africa pursues its development agenda
Nigeria’s Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to creating an investment-friendly environment capable of driving inclusive growth.
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 Obafemi Hamzat described Lagos as a hub for investment and innovation, urging stronger partnerships to address the continent’s development challenges.
He said Africa’s future would depend on sustained investments in people, infrastructure, innovation and sustainable enterprises, adding that resilient institutions and economies remain critical to expanding opportunities across the continent.
Chief Executive Officer of Sterling One Foundation, Olapeju Ibekwe, described the summit as more than an annual conference, saying it had evolved into a platform that catalyses action and delivers practical solutions.
She noted that Africa already possesses the ideas, talent and determination needed for transformation but requires stronger collaboration, innovative financing and a collective commitment to convert dialogue into measurable impact.
Chairman of the Africa Social Impact Network (ASIN) Advisory Board, Prof. Banji Oyelaran-Oyeyinka, highlighted the launch of the Africa Social Impact Network as one of the summit’s major outcomes.
According to him, the network will institutionalise collaboration by connecting governments, businesses, development institutions, academia, philanthropies and investors throughout the year, while mobilising knowledge, financing and implementation support to drive long-term economic transformation.
Organisers said the summit reinforced its position as one of Africa’s leading platforms for advancing sustainable development by fostering strategic partnerships, attracting investment and promoting practical solutions capable of building resilient economies and improving livelihoods across the continent.
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