Global leaders, investors and policymakers will converge in Lagos in July 2026 for the Africa Social Impact Summit (ASIS), aimed at mobilising capital and partnerships to accelerate sustainable development across the continent.

The summit, scheduled for July 22 and 23 at the Eko Convention Centre, is expected to bring together over 2,000 delegates from more than 50 countries, including senior government officials, development finance institutions, corporate leaders, philanthropists, entrepreneurs and civil society organisations.

Convened by the Sterling One Foundation in collaboration with the United Nations in Nigeria and the Federal Ministry of Budget and National Planning, the summit is designed to unlock investment and drive market-led solutions to Africa’s development challenges.

Organisers said the 2026 edition, themed “Financing for Development: Building Resilience and Transforming Emerging Economies,” will focus on strengthening partnerships, innovative financing and leadership to support inclusive growth across key sectors.

Speaking ahead of the event, the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Nigeria, Mohamed Malick Fall, said the summit would play a critical role in advancing global development targets.

He said, “ASIS provides a powerful platform for bringing together governments, the private sector and development partners to accelerate progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals.

“By mobilising capital, innovation and partnerships, platforms like ASIS help unlock the transformative solutions Africa needs for inclusive and sustainable development.”

Also speaking, Board Member of Sterling One Foundation and Managing Director of Sterling Bank, Abubakar Suleiman, stressed the need for collaboration across sectors.

He explained that Africa’s development challenges are complex, but they also present immense opportunities for innovation and partnership.

“Platforms like the Africa Social Impact Summit are essential for bringing together leaders from government, business and philanthropy to unlock the ideas, capital and collaboration required to accelerate sustainable development across the continent,” he noted.

Nigeria’s Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, said the country welcomes initiatives that promote investment and policy dialogue.

Bagudu said the country welcomes platforms like the ASIS that bring together global capital, innovation and policy dialogue, noting that stronger collaboration between government, investors and development partners is critical to accelerating economic growth, improving livelihoods and advancing sustainable development across the continent.

The Chief Executive Officer of Sterling One Foundation, Olapeju Ibekwe, said the summit was created to drive practical outcomes beyond discussions, adding that the summit was created to convene the boldest thinkers, investors and development leaders committed to shaping Africa’s future.

The organisers added that the summit will feature high-level dialogues, investor roundtables, sector-focused sessions and partnership announcements aimed at driving measurable impact across education, healthcare, food systems, women empowerment, youth development, the creative economy and sustainable finance.

They noted that Africa is entering a critical phase in its development, with the continent’s population projected to exceed 2.5 billion by 2050, including what is expected to be the world’s largest youth workforce, presenting opportunities for innovation, investment and economic growth.