Sterling One Foundation, in collaboration with the United Nations Nigeria, has officially announced the upcoming 2024 Africa Social Impact Summit (ASIS), scheduled to be held at the prestigious Eko Convention Centre in Victoria Island, Lagos.
Mrs. Olapeju Ibekwe, the Chief Executive Officer of Sterling One Foundation, emphasized that the Africa Social Impact Summit aims to achieve three key objectives:
– Facilitate effective partnerships among the public sector, private sector, and the development ecosystem.
– Advocate for policies that can attract investments in crucial development sectors.
– Ensure impactful investments in these identified sectors.
It was highlighted that more than 40% of participants in the 2023 ASIS received various levels of investment, with notable support from the MTN Foundation, which contributed over 3 billion Naira towards enhancing primary healthcare centers in partnership with the Private Sector Health Alliance of Nigeria.
In preparation for this year’s summit, an investors roundtable is scheduled to take place on July 24 at the Eko Convention Centre, serving as a pre-event engagement before the main summit on July 25 and 26. Entrepreneurs, innovators, investors, as well as representatives from both the private and public sectors are invited to participate in reshaping progress and designing a sustainable growth trajectory for Africa.
Assistant Secretary-General Mohammed Malik Fall, the United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, emphasized the critical nature of the summit’s objectives, especially in light of the urgency to achieve the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) within the remaining six years. The collaborative nature of the SDGs necessitates partnerships across various sectors to effectively meet these ambitious targets.
The theme of the 2024 summit, “Reimagining Progress: A New Blueprint for Sustainable Growth in Africa,” aligns closely with the United Nations’ vision, leading to their support and partnership with the Sterling One Foundation in co-convening ASIS 2024.
Mr. Abubakar Sulieman, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Sterling Bank and a member of the Board of Trustees for Sterling One Foundation, expressed confidence in the summit’s potential for fostering collaboration. He highlighted the importance of collective efforts in achieving shared goals, emphasizing the significance of partnerships in addressing complex social challenges.
The Africa Social Impact Summit 2024 is positioned as a pivotal platform for driving sustainable growth across the continent, focusing on innovative solutions and strategic collaborations to tackle pressing issues effectively.
Sulieman underscored the need for concerted efforts and collaborative initiatives to address Africa’s development challenges comprehensively.
Key stakeholders and partners, including prominent figures such as Olapeju Ibekwe, Mohammed M. Malick Fall, Abubakar Sulieman, Odunayo Sanya, Hauwa Adeeyo, and Dr. Mories Atoki, were present at the press conference where these announcements were made.
Registration for the ASIS summit, scheduled for July 25th and 26th at Eko Hotels, is currently open.
Entrepreneurs, innovators, investors, and representatives from both the private and public sectors are encouraged to participate actively and contribute towards shaping a sustainable future for Africa.
