Sterling One Foundation Hosts 2025 Africa Social Impact Summit (ASIS 4.0)

On July 10th and 11th, 2025, Sterling One Foundation, co-convened by the Federal Ministry of Budget & Economic Planning and the United Nations Nigeria, proudly hosted the fourth edition of the Africa Social Impact Summit (ASIS 4.0). Themed "Scaling Action: Bold Solutions for Climate Resilience and Policy Innovation," this two-day event was a powerful and inspiring gathering dedicated to accelerating the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) across Africa.

Over 2,500 passionate changemakers, visionaries, and leaders convened to discuss the continent’s most pressing challenges and share innovative solutions that pave the way for a resilient and inclusive Africa. The summit highlighted critical development areas including health, education, climate resilience, and economic equality.

The event opened on a vibrant note with a cultural dance performance by the Ekiti State Performing Art Company Limited, which set an energetic tone for the days ahead. In her welcome address, Olapeju Ibekwe, CEO of Sterling One Foundation, expressed deep appreciation to the partners and supporters of the initiative. What began with just 8 partners and has now grown to 61 active partners, showcasing the summit’s growth and impact. She emphasized that scaling action requires the right people, the right resources, and a team committed to execution. She also clarified that ASIS is more than an event, it is an execution platform created to drive three core goals: galvanizing multi-level partnerships to accelerate the SDGs and Africa Union Agenda 2063, attracting impact investment into scalable, value-delivering solutions, and advocating for progressive policies.

ASIS 4.0 featured insightful contributions from prominent speakers including Abubakar Suleiman, MD/CEO of Sterling Bank; Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, Hon. Minister of Budget and Economic Planning; Prudence Ngwenya, Director, Women, Gender and Youth Directorate; and Catherine Aniagolu-Okoye, Regional Director, West Africa, Ford Foundation, among many others. The summit hosted compelling panel discussions across both days on vital topics such as Resilient Capital: Rethinking Development Finance Amid Foreign Aid Disruption, Centering Local Voices, Protecting the Vulnerable, and Community-Led Solutions for Children and Marginalized Groups. Health also took center stage with a bold action session featuring speakers like Dr. Egemba Chinonso Fidelis (Aproko Doctor), Iyadunni Olabode, and other notable experts who addressed transformative approaches to healthcare in Africa.

This year’s summit placed a strong emphasis on accessibility, collaboration, and thoughtful partnerships. Attendees explored interactive exhibitions from top organizations including Plan International, Sterling Bank, Trace+, African Union WGYD, AFREXIMBANK, IHS Towers, Oando Foundation, and Teach for Nigeria. The diverse partner base featured recognizable names like Coca-Cola, Seplat Energy, UNHCR, ABC Health, WOODHALL Capital, Giving.ng, and many others, further underlining the summit’s influence and credibility.

In exclusive interviews with NigerianNGO, Obinna Ukachukwu, Growth Executive at Sterling Bank, expressed his commitment to African sustainability, stating his determination to contribute meaningfully to the continent’s long-term success. Similarly, Mohammed Bukar Umara, CEO of Co-Development Hub, shared his insights on the evolving global landscape and the urgent need for innovation and collaborative efforts among governments, private sectors, and development institutions to address today’s complex challenges.

Sterling One Foundation’s work continues to align with the United Nations’ SDGs through intentional, targeted interventions in health, education, climate action, and gender equality. Their holistic and inclusive approach, particularly their focus on empowering women and youth, positions them as a true leader in sustainable development across Africa.

The Africa Social Impact Summit 2025 left a lasting impression, one defined by bold ideas, transformative partnerships, and a call to action that extends beyond the event hall. It’s not just a summit, it’s a growing movement for real impact.

You can reach out to Sterling One Foundation by using any of the links below.

Website:
https://onefoundation.ng/

Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/sterlingonefoundation?igsh=c3cwM2kxanZzMW8=