UN, Sterling Foundation Target $500m Deals At 2026 ASIS Summit

The Africa Social Impact Summit (ASIS) is targeting the signing of at least $500 million worth of deals at its 2026 edition as organisers seek to deepen investment in Africa’s social and economic development.

Organisers disclosed this on Wednesday in Abuja during a joint press conference hosted by the United Nations and the Africa Social Impact Summit ahead of the event scheduled to hold in Lagos by July.

Chief Executive Officer of the Sterling One Foundation, Olapeju Ibekwe, said the summit was established to catalyse partnerships, attract impact investments and advocate policies that support sustainable development across the continent.

According to her, the platform has exceeded expectations since its inception, unlocking more than $1 billion in investments while fostering strategic partnerships across sectors.

She said the 2026 edition would focus strongly on deal-making and investment mobilisation. “When this platform started, it was designed to achieve three major objectives,” Ibekwe said.

“Number one was to catalyse multilevel multisectoral partnerships. Number two was to attract impact investment to scalable solutions. And the third priority was to advocate for the right policies.”

She added that organisers were targeting a minimum of $500 million in deals during the summit.

“We’re looking to sign deals. At least a minimum of $500 million in deals will be signed come July 22 to 24,” she said.

Ibekwe noted that the summit would feature a dedicated deal room where innovators and entrepreneurs could engage directly with investors. Other highlights include philanthropic discussions and a ministerial roundtable aimed at advancing development-focused policy conversations.

She said the summit had become a proven platform for mobilising investments into the social sector and strengthening partnerships among key stakeholders.

Also speaking, the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Nigeria, Mohamed Malick Fall, stressed the importance of partnerships in addressing Africa’s development challenges and accelerating progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

He described the summit as a unique platform that brings together governments, businesses, development partners and civil society organisations to drive collective action. “Africa’s greatest opportunity lies in the strength of its partnerships,” Fall said.

“The Africa Social Impact Summit continues to provide a unique platform where governments, the private sector, development partners and civil society come together to mobilise the investments, innovation and collaboration needed to accelerate progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals.”

According to him, stronger collaboration among stakeholders remains critical to building resilient economies and ensuring inclusive growth across the continent.

Managing Director of Sterling Bank, Suleiman Abubakar, said Africa’s future would depend largely on the willingness of governments, investors, development institutions and businesses to work together in addressing common challenges.

He noted that despite the continent’s vast potential, millions of young people still lack access to opportunities, while climate change, healthcare and education gaps continue to affect communities. Abubakar said many businesses also struggle to secure growth capital, underscoring the need for stronger partnerships and innovative financing mechanisms.

He described the summit as a platform where ideas are matched with investment opportunities and where policy discussions translate into tangible development outcomes.

According to him, the summit has evolved beyond an annual gathering into a vehicle for creating measurable social and economic impact across Africa.

“This year’s theme, ‘Financing for Development, Building Resilience and Transforming Emerging Economies,’ could not be more timely,” he said. “Africa stands at a defining moment. We have one of the world’s youngest populations, abundant natural resources, a growing innovation ecosystem, and immense entrepreneurial energy.”

He said the continent’s challenge was no longer a lack of potential but the need for bold investments capable of unlocking opportunities for growth and development.

Abubakar added that collaboration between governments, development institutions, businesses, philanthropies and young innovators would be essential in achieving sustainable development goals across Africa.

He said the partnership between Sterling One Foundation, the United Nations and other stakeholders was helping to create a platform that aligns diverse interests around a common development agenda.

The summit is expected to attract more than 2,000 participants from over 50 countries, including heads of government, investors, multilateral institutions, business leaders, innovators, philanthropists and civil society organisations.

Organisers said the gathering would focus on mobilising capital, strengthening resilience and promoting practical solutions capable of transforming emerging economies across the continent.