Investors, policymakers, and global development leaders will converge in Lagos in July for the 2026 Africa Social Impact Summit (ASIS), as stakeholders intensify efforts to mobilise capital and partnerships for sustainable growth across the continent.
The summit, scheduled to hold at the Eko Convention Centre, will focus on the theme, “Financing for Development: Building Resilience and Transforming Emerging Economies.” It is expected to serve as a key platform for aligning investment flows with Africa’s development priorities amid mounting fiscal and economic pressures.
Convened by the Sterling One Foundation in partnership with the United Nations in Nigeria and the Federal Ministry of Budget and National Planning, the summit will bring together actors from government, private sector, philanthropy, and civil society to catalyse financing across critical sectors.
Speaking ahead of the event, Mohamed Malick Fall said the summit would deepen collaboration and accelerate progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals. He stressed that scaling investment, innovation and multi-stakeholder partnerships remain central to unlocking inclusive and sustainable growth in Africa.
Also, Abubakar Suleiman underscored the importance of cross-sector collaboration in tackling the continent’s development challenges, noting that platforms such as ASIS provide a pipeline for ideas, capital, and strategic partnerships.
Nigeria’s Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, said the country is committed to supporting initiatives that promote policy dialogue and attract global investment. He emphasised that stronger cooperation between governments and development partners is critical to driving economic growth and improving livelihoods.
In her remarks, Olapeju Ibekwe, a seasoned business leader and sustainability professional, said the summit is structured to deliver measurable outcomes beyond dialogue, with a focus on scalable solutions aligned with Africa’s development agenda. She noted that priority sectors include education, healthcare, women’s empowerment, food systems, and youth development.
Organisers said the 2026 edition will feature high-level policy dialogues, investor roundtables and sector-specific sessions designed to unlock financing opportunities in areas such as the creative economy and sustainable finance.
The summit is expected to attract over 2,000 delegates from more than 50 countries, including government officials, global investors, development finance institutions, corporate executives and entrepreneurs, with discussions aimed at opening new financing pathways and partnerships to support inclusive growth across Africa.
