Leaders from around the world gathered at the Africa Social Impact Summit 2024 (ASIS 2024) in Lagos, advocating for collaborative approaches to tackle Africa’s urgent issues.
Co-hosted by The Sterling One Foundation and the United Nations at the Eko Convention Center, the summit highlighted the important role of partnerships across sectors in fostering sustainable development across the continent.
ASIS 2024, recognized as the largest hybrid gathering in Africa’s development landscape, focused on critical challenges such as healthcare, climate resilience, and economic growth.
Leaders emphasized the importance of integrating private sector innovations with governmental and non-governmental efforts to achieve meaningful progress.
In her keynote address, United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed stressed the need for sustainable growth strategies that incorporate climate resilience and technological advancements.
Mohammed called on stakeholders to recommit to the 2030 agenda, emphasizing inclusivity and inspiration in their actions.
Olapeju Ibekwe, CEO of Sterling One Foundation, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the complexity of Africa’s challenges and the necessity of collaboration.
“Through partnerships,” Ibekwe noted, “we can leverage diverse expertise and resources to tackle issues ranging from healthcare to environmental sustainability.”
A significant outcome of ASIS 2024 was the commitment to develop a comprehensive resource allocation framework aimed at strengthening healthcare systems across Africa.
The summit also highlighted initiatives like Lagos State Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat’s ‘THEMES PLUS’ program, designed to drive development across key sectors through innovative public-private partnerships.
Jumoke Oduwole, Special Adviser to the President on PEBEC & Investment, underscored the urgency of actionable economic policies. “Africa,” she asserted, “must lead by example in developing a new economic model that promotes prosperity, environmental sustainability, and equity.”
