ASIS 2026: Over 2,000 Delegates Commit to Financing Africa’s Sustainable Development
By Aboki Forex —
The fifth Africa Social Impact Summit (ASIS 2026) ended with renewed pledges from major partners and a firm call to move from dialogue to delivery on sustainable development. Over 2,000 policymakers, investors, philanthropists, business leaders, and young changemakers from across Africa and beyond gathered in Lagos for the three-day event.
Co-convened by Sterling One Foundation, the United Nations in Nigeria, the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, and the Lagos State Government, the summit was held under the theme “Financing for Development: Building Resilience and Transforming Emerging Economies.” The event took place from July 22 to 24, 2026, at the Eko Convention Centre, with delegates from more than 50 countries.
Summit Focuses on Measurable Outcomes
Delivering the keynote address, United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Amina J. Mohammed stressed that Africa must move beyond commitments and focus on measurable outcomes. She said the continent already has the talent, innovation, and entrepreneurial drive needed to build a more prosperous future. But she added that bold leadership, strategic investments, and stronger partnerships are required to unlock those opportunities. According to Mohammed, financing for development should go beyond raising funds. It should expand opportunities, strengthen resilience, and ensure that no one is excluded from Africa’s development journey.
Nigeria’s Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to creating an environment that supports investment, inclusive growth, and sustainable economic transformation. He noted that achieving Africa’s development goals would require innovative financing, sound governance, and sustained collaboration among governments, businesses, development institutions, and civil society.
Lagos, Sterling One Foundation Push for Action
Speaking on behalf of Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Deputy Governor Dr Kadri Obafemi Hamzat highlighted the importance of investing in people, infrastructure, innovation, and sustainable enterprises. He said Lagos remained committed to supporting partnerships capable of creating opportunities and strengthening institutions and economies across Africa.
Sterling One Foundation Chief Executive Officer Olapeju Ibekwe described ASIS as more than an annual conference. She said the platform continues to drive action and build partnerships across the continent. Africa already has the ideas, talent, and determination needed to shape its future, she said, but requires deeper collaboration and innovative financing to move from dialogue to delivery.
New Commitments and Year-Round Network
The summit secured renewed commitments from major partners, including the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), Seplat Energy, IHS Towers, and The Coca-Cola Company. These partnerships are expected to deepen collaboration, mobilise capital, and scale people-centred solutions that support sustainable development while unlocking Africa’s economic and social potential.
Prof. Banji Oyelaran-Oyeyinka, Chair of the Africa Social Impact Network (ASIN) Advisory Board, announced the launch of ASIN. He said the network would help sustain the summit’s momentum through year-round collaboration. As ASIS 2026 concluded, participants reaffirmed the need to turn commitments into measurable outcomes, mobilise long-term investments, and build resilient economies capable of delivering lasting prosperity across Africa.
For Nigerian businesses and consumers, the summit’s emphasis on innovative financing and strategic partnerships signals a push for more private capital flowing into sustainable projects. If commitments translate into concrete investments in infrastructure, clean energy, and enterprise development, it could ease pressure on the naira by attracting foreign capital and boosting local productivity. But the real test remains delivery.