Africa Needs Stronger Partnerships, Investment To Achieve SDGs – Stakeholders

Stakeholders have stressed the need for stronger partnerships and increased investment to accelerate Africa’s progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), urging governments, development partners and the private sector to translate commitments into measurable action.

The call was made at the fifth Africa Social Impact Summit (ASIS 2026), 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.

Held over three days under the theme, ‘Financing for Development: Building Resilience and Transforming Emerging Economies,’ the summit attracted more than 2,000 leaders from across Africa, who pledged to move “from dialogue to delivery” in mobilising finance for the continent’s sustainable and resilient development.

The summit also secured 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 progress towards the SDGs.

The Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, Amina Mohammed, underscored the importance of moving beyond declarations to tangible 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. Financing for development is not simply about mobilising resources, it is about creating opportunities, strengthening resilience and ensuring that no one is left behind as Africa charts its own development pathway,” she said.

Nigeria’s Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Bagudu, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to creating an enabling environment that attracts investment and drives sustainable economic transformation.

“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,” Bagudu stated.

Speaking on behalf of Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Deputy Governor, Dr Kadri Hamzat, said Africa’s long-term development would depend on sustained investment in critical sectors.

“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,” Hamzat said.

Reflecting on the outcome of the summit, Chief Executive Officer of Sterling One Foundation, Olapeju Ibekwe, described ASIS as a platform that continues to drive practical solutions for Africa’s development challenges.

“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,” Ibekwe said.

Also, the Chairman of the Africa Social Impact Network (ASIN) Advisory Board, Prof. Banji Oyelaran-Oyeyinka, announced the launch of the Africa Social Impact Network (ASIN), a platform designed to institutionalise collaboration among governments, development institutions, businesses, academia, philanthropies and investors beyond the annual summit.

“The outcomes of ASIS 2026 demonstrate that Africa’s greatest opportunity lies in sustained collaboration that extends beyond annual convenings. ASIN will help translate bold ideas into measurable outcomes that advance Africa’s long-term economic transformation,” he said.