Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has called for collective effort to reshape the future of Africa through innovation, collaboration, and commitment to sustainable development.
Sanwo-Olu made the call on Thursday at the Africa Social Impact Summit (ASIS) with the theme: “Reimagining Progress: A New Blueprint for Sustainable Growth in Africa.”
The Governor, who was represented by his Deputy, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, emphasised the need for a collaborative framework among the public and private sectors and the development community to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Sanwo-Olu highlighted three key mandates for the summit: establishing a collaborative framework, providing impact investment opportunities for social enterprises, and stimulating stakeholder involvement in policy development.
According to him, investing in social enterprises is investing in the future of Africa.
The governor stressed that no single entity could achieve the SDGs alone adding that a holistic approach to development was necessary.
Sanwo-Olu also stated the importance of investing in social enterprises, especially in critical sectors such as healthcare, education, agriculture, and clean energy.
According to him, these enterprises are at the forefront of addressing social and environmental challenges and providing innovative solutions that can be scaled to benefit millions.
He, therefore, enjoined stakeholders to use their voices to advocate for policies that support sustainable growth and to influence decision-makers to prioritise the SDGs.
Sanwo-Olu said there was need for effective policies that are ambitious, actionable, and inclusive.
“Also, we need to provide impact investment opportunities for social enterprises in critical sectors and vital need areas.
“These investments are crucial for scaling outcomes in line with the SDGs and the African Union 2063 Agenda,’ he said.
The governor expressed his administration’s commitment to working with stakeholders to achieve the goals of the T.H.E.M.E.S+ Development Agenda and to accelerate efforts to meet the 2030 deadline for the SDGs.
Similarly, Mrs Amina Mohammed, United Nations Deputy Secretary General, said in spite of challenges, Africa has a great potential for transformation to achieve the promise of Agenda 2030 and 2063.
Mohammed noted that the summit theme was a call to action that must be heeded, stressing that sustainable growth in Africa must include climate resilience.
“By reducing carbon footprints, adapting to climate change, and protecting and restoring natural ecosystems, we will maintain the environmental foundation that is needed for economic growth,” she said.
According to her, leveraging technology can drive significant social impact and foster sustainable development.
She added that the private sector was a powerful catalyst for social change and sustainable growth through innovation, investment, and scaling impactful solutions.
“By channeling investments into key sectors, the private sector has the potential to drive sustainable practices and create inclusive economic opportunities that benefit the broader society,” she said.
Mohammed, however, noted that to realise this vision, efforts must be made to address the structural barriers that hinder progress.
“This includes reforming the international financial architecture to provide fairer financing conditions and make it more resilient, more and more conducive to supporting the bold investments in sustainable development that we need, especially in Africa,” she said.
She emphasised recommititing to the principles of the 2030 Agenda and collaborate to build a future that is inclusive, resilient, and sustainable, and where no one is left behind.
Earlier, Mr Abubakar Suleiman, Managing Director, Sterling Bank, said the summit was to create a market place for social impact and build trust among partners.
Suleiman noted that the summit would galvanise actions and strategies, noting that collaboration, resources and information was crucial in accelerating positive outcomes and the SDGs 2030 agenda.
Similarly, Mrs Olapeju Ibekwe, CEO, Sterling One Foundation, said ASIS was to build and scale partnerships; attract increased impact investment into solutions on the continent and advocate for the right policies.
Ibekwe noted that successes from past ASIS culminated in over N3 billion investment in over 50 private sector primary health care centres across Nigeria through partnership between the MTN Foundation and the Private Sector Health Alliance.
“Also, from the deal room last year, an innovation hub was birthed, and one of the start-ups that went through that innovation hub currently does $1 million monthly as turnover,” she said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the two-day ASIS summit was organised by Sterling One Foundation, United Nations and the Lagos State Government
It brought together health experts, education and tech enthusiasts, business leaders from across the globe to exchange ideas, build connections, and create partnerships that will propel Africa towards a sustainable and prosperous future.
