The Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, Amina Mohammed, has said that financing for development is not simply about mobilising re, and ensuring that no one is left behind as Africa charts its own development pathway
Mohammed made this observation at the fifth edition of the Africa Social Impact Summit in Lagos, which brought together over 2,000 leaders, policymakers, investors, philanthropists, and young changemakers from across the continent and beyond to unlock the financing needed to build resilient and inclusive economies.
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 three-day summit was held under the theme, ‘Financing for Development: Building Resilience and Transforming Emerging Economies.’
The gathering translated dialogue into actionable outcomes, securing renewed commitments from major partners, including the United Nations Population Fund, Seplat Energy, IHS Towers, and The Coca-Cola Company, to scale people-centred solutions toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
Speaking on behalf of the Federal Government, the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Bagudu, emphasised the crucial role of policy and governance in driving sustainable economic growth and building investor confidence.
“Nigeria remains committed to implementing policies that strengthen investor confidence, promote inclusive growth, and accelerate sustainable development. Achieving Africa’s development aspirations requires innovative financing, sound governance, and sustained collaboration between governments, the private sector, development partners, and civil society. Together, we can unlock the capital and opportunities needed to transform our economies,” Bagudu said.
Representing the host state, the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr Kadri Hamzat, reaffirmed the state’s positioning as an innovation and investment hub, calling for targeted cross-sector investments in key development drivers.
“Africa’s future will be shaped by our ability to invest in people, infrastructure, innovation, and sustainable enterprises. Lagos is proud to host conversations that inspire action and partnerships capable of driving meaningful impact. We must continue to build resilient institutions and economies that create opportunities for every African,” Hamzat noted.
Summit convener, Sterling One Foundation, stressed that ASIS 2026 catalyses continuous regional action rather than a standalone event, urging partners to maintain momentum across key development indicators.
The Chief Executive Officer, Sterling One Foundation, Olapeju Ibekwe, said, “ASIS 2026 has reaffirmed a simple truth: Africa already has the ideas, talent, and determination to shape its future. What we need now is bold collaboration, innovative financing, and the resolve to move from dialogue to delivery. Every partnership forged and every commitment made here brings us closer to building resilient economies and creating lasting impact for millions across the continent.”
To institutionalise year-round cross-sector collaboration across the continent, the summit marked the official launch of the Africa Social Impact Network.
The Chair, ASIN Advisory Board, Prof. Banji Oyelaran-Oyeyinka, said, “The outcomes of ASIS 2026 demonstrate that Africa’s greatest opportunity lies in sustained collaboration that extends beyond annual convenings. The launch of the Africa Social Impact Network marks an important step towards institutionalising that collaboration by connecting governments, development institutions, businesses, academia, philanthropies, and investors continuously.”
Jide, a seasoned journalist with over 12-year experience, reports business-related stories
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