The Africa Social Impact Summit (ASIS) has set an ambitious goal of securing at least $500 million in investment deals during its 2026 edition, as organisers intensify efforts to drive social and economic development across Africa.
The announcement was made in Abuja during a joint press briefing organised by the United Nations and the Africa Social Impact Summit ahead of the event, which is scheduled to take place in Lagos from July 22 to July 24, 2026.
Speaking at the briefing, the Chief Executive Officer of Sterling One Foundation, Olapeju Ibekwe, explained that the summit was created to promote partnerships, attract impact investments, and encourage policies that support sustainable development throughout Africa.
According to Ibekwe, the summit has achieved remarkable success since it was launched, helping to unlock more than $1 billion in investments while creating valuable partnerships across different sectors of the economy.
She noted that the upcoming edition will place greater emphasis on investment opportunities and business deals that can produce measurable social and economic benefits.
Ibekwe explained that the summit was built around three major goals: encouraging partnerships among stakeholders, attracting investments into scalable solutions, and promoting policies that support development. She added that organisers are confident of reaching their target of at least $500 million in signed deals during the three-day event.
To support this objective, the summit will include a special deal room where innovators, entrepreneurs, and business leaders can directly engage with investors. The event will also feature discussions on philanthropy and a ministerial roundtable focused on shaping policies that can accelerate development across the continent.
She described ASIS as a proven platform that continues to attract investment into important sectors while strengthening collaboration among governments, businesses, development organisations, and civil society groups.
Also speaking at the event, the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Nigeria, Mohamed Malick Fall, stressed the importance of partnerships in addressing Africa’s development challenges. He said the continent’s greatest opportunity lies in collaboration among governments, businesses, development agencies, and community organisations.
According to Fall, the summit provides a unique opportunity for stakeholders to work together, mobilise investments, encourage innovation, and accelerate progress toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
He noted that stronger cooperation is essential for building resilient economies, creating opportunities, and ensuring inclusive growth across African countries.
The Managing Director of Sterling Bank, Suleiman Abubakar, also highlighted the importance of collaboration in unlocking Africa’s enormous potential. He pointed out that despite the continent’s abundant natural resources, youthful population, and growing innovation ecosystem, many young people still struggle to access opportunities.
Abubakar added that challenges such as climate change, healthcare gaps, educational shortcomings, and limited access to business financing continue to affect communities and entrepreneurs across Africa.
He described ASIS as more than just an annual conference, saying it has become a platform where innovative ideas meet funding opportunities and where policy discussions lead to real development outcomes.
Speaking on this year’s theme, “Financing for Development, Building Resilience and Transforming Emerging Economies,” Abubakar said Africa has reached a critical moment in its development journey. He emphasized that the continent now needs bold investments and stronger partnerships to unlock growth and create lasting impact.
The 2026 summit is expected to attract more than 2,000 participants from over 50 countries, including government leaders, investors, business executives, development institutions, innovators, philanthropists, and civil society organisations.
Organisers believe the gathering will play a key role in mobilising capital, strengthening resilience, and promoting practical solutions capable of transforming emerging economies across Africa.
