Nigeria hosts the 2023 edition of the Africa Social Impact Summit to help induct new drivers for sustainable development

NIGERIA – The Africa Social Impact Summit (ASIS2023), has finalized its 2023 summit in Lagos, Nigeria, where development leaders across the continent discussed new goals to accelerate the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Africa.

The Summit was initiated against the backdrop of the negative effects of COVID-19 and the resulting setbacks toward sustainable development in Africa. 

The 2023 edition had discussions that revolved around Africa’s development landscape by fostering collaboration, innovative thinking, and impactful investment into critical areas such as climate solutions, circular economy, agriculture, renewable energy, education, health, and Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH).

Under the resonating theme “Global Vision, Local Action: Repositioning the African Development Ecosystem for Sustainable Outcomes”, the summit brought together prominent minds to deliberate on strategies for fostering lasting and meaningful change across the continent.

The event was co-convened by the Sterling One Foundation and the United Nations Nigeria and brought together all players in the African development space to share ideas, learnings, and plans. 

This year saw participation from Joyce Banda (former President of Malawi), Amina Mohammed (United Nations Deputy Secretary-General), Dr. Obafemi Hamzat (Deputy Governor of Lagos State), and Will Stevens (US Consul General).

It also saw contributions from Professor Oyelaran-Oyeyinka (Senior Special Adviser to President on Industrialization, AfDB), Abubakar Suleiman (MD/CEO of Sterling Bank), Jette Bjerrum (Consul General & Head of Trade, Denmark in Lagos, Nigeria), Lucy Pearson (Country Director, British Council), and Weert Boomer (German Consul General). 

Several impactful initiatives showcased how they utilize technology to advance sustainable development i.e. Plan Nigeria, Health Volunteers Nigeria Initiative, Ideation Hub Africa, Afrilabs, and Oando Foundation, among others. 

A catalyst for innovation and collaboration 

The summit not only provided a platform for robust discussions and valuable networking among key players, but it also served as a catalyst for innovation and collaboration.

“The only thing that matters is the relationship you form today and how that relationship transmits to a much better outcome than before you came here,” said Abubakar Suleiman, Sterling Bank MD and Board member of Sterling One Foundation.

Suleiman added that ASIS believed that by continuing to host such summits in the future, they can build a powerful network that will be difficult for any challenge to withstand.

“Together, we can make a significant and lasting difference in Africa’s social impact landscape,” he said. 

The success of this year’s summit underscored the potency of collective action in reshaping Africa’s developmental trajectory, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals, and nurturing a sustainable future for the continent.

ASIS2023 represented a unique convergence of influential minds, aiming to accelerate sustainable development in Africa through collaboration, investment, and innovative solutions.

The event highlighted the potential of collective action in fostering positive social impact and shaping a brighter future for the continent. 

The summit will continue to ensure necessary discussions on the holistic achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2030 and the African Union 2063 Agenda.

This year saw contributions from, the Coca-Cola Company, the United Nations Global Compact Network Nigeria, Sterling Bank, the British Council, MTN Foundation, SBG Insurance, and the African Venture Philanthropy Alliance.

It also saw participation from the UNIDO Investment Technology Promotion Office, Nigeria, the United Nations Development Programme, Microsoft, SCALE Palladium, and the Nigerian Economic Summit Group.

Additionally, the Impact Investors Foundation, the Nigeria Climate Innovation Centre, the Nigeria INGO Forum, and the Association for the Development of Education in Africa.

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