Stakeholders at the fourth edition of the Africa Social Impact Summit (ASIS 4.0) have pledged deeper collaboration and investment to unlock the continent’s potential through inclusive, people-centered development co-convened by Sterling One Foundation and the United Nations in Nigeria, brought together over 2,500 delegates from across the globe in Lagos to inspire action, strengthen collaboration, and support Africa’s growth.
From policymakers and impact investors to civil society and youth advocates, the summit served as a catalytic platform for co-creating scalable, African-led solutions to the continent’s most pressing challenges, all anchored in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Under the theme, ‘Scaling Action: Bold Solutions for Climate Resilience and Policy Innovation’, ASIS 4.0 made its mark by focusing on practical, results-driven conversations.
Key players including the African Union Commission, GIZ, Afreximbank, British Council, and Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Budget and Planning pledged deeper collaboration and investment to unlock the continent’s potential through inclusive, people-centered development.
CEO of Sterling One Foundation, Olapeju Ibekwe said, “this summit began with just eight institutions. Today, there are over 60 partners in the room,” said, in her welcome remarks.
“That kind of growth is not just about numbers, it’s about shared ownership. We get bold solutions when we scale action with the right execution and the right alliances.”
She went on to outline the summit’s three-point agenda: galvanising multilevel partnerships, scaling investments in social impact, and driving better policy engagement.
Deputy secretary-general of UN, Amina Mohammed expressed deep concern over Africa’s development outlook amidst rising debt, declining foreign investment, and intensifying climate shocks.
She highlighted that over three billion people now live in countries that spend more on debt servicing than on health and education combined.
Calling for urgent global financial reforms and equity in climate financing, she unveiled the Mission 300 initiative, aimed at connecting 300 million Africans to clean, affordable energy solutions.
MD/CEO of Sterling Bank and strategic partner of the summit, Abubakar Suleiman stated that “when we say bold, we mean deliberate, practical steps backed by partnerships and purpose. ASIS has proven that African solutions are best built through African collaboration.”
Director at GIZ–African Union, Dr. Tobias Thiel urged all partners to intensify efforts in integrating women and youth into climate policy at all levels.
He highlighted GIZ’s ongoing collaboration with the AU on climate initiatives and reaffirmed their commitment to partnering with governments, businesses, and civil society.
Adding to the call for collaborative reform, director, Women, Gender and Youth Directorate, African Union Commission, Prudence Ngwenya noted that the summit is happening at a crucial time and stressed that systemic challenges cannot be solved in isolation.
She urged for stronger collaboration between the public and private sectors to drive inclusive growth, prosperity, and financial inclusion across Africa.
Representing the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mohamed Fall, Resident Representative of UNDP Nigeria, Elsie Attafuah underscored the importance of political will and long-term financing.
“It is not enough to acknowledge the gaps. What matters is our ability to meet those gaps with capital, policy, and scale,” she said.
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