Coca-Cola, MTN Foundation, British Council, Microsoft, Others Support Africa Social Impact Summit

Nume Ekeghe

The Sterling One Foundation and the United Nations Nigeria, co-conveners of the Africa Social Impact Summit 2023, have officially unveiled partners for the second edition of the Africa Social Impact Summit.

The announcement, which was made at a press conference held in Lagos, also featured an official announcement of the August 10 and 11, 2023, as dates for the event that will take place at the Eko Convention Centre.

The Africa Social Impact Summit, now in its second year, is a transformative summit that will bring together thought leaders, impact investors, and stakeholders from diverse sectors to address pressing challenges and design market-led solutions for sustainable outcomes in Africa.

Under the theme: ‘Global Vision, Local Action: Repositioning the African Development Ecosystem for Sustainable Outcomes’, the summit seeks to reshape 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). The summit will aim at accelerating the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2030 and the African Union 2063 Agenda.

Speaking on the co-convening, the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mr. Matthias Schmale, expressed excitement about partnering on the summit, highlighting the UN’s dedication to working with the private sector and the government to implement a cooperation framework for sustainable development.

He stressed the need for the private sector to move beyond corporate social responsibility (CSR) and integrate sustainability into their business models.

According to him, “We want to see all stakeholders, especially those in the private sector, use the Africa Social Impact Summit as an opportunity to join hands to formulate a rescue plan for the SDGs.”

While unveiling the partners for Africa Social Impact Summit 2023, Mrs. Olapeju Ibekwe, CEO of the Sterling One Foundation, revealed her great admiration for each of the collaborating organisations, stating that they have taken a bold step towards redefining Africa’s future.