The Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, Amina Mohammed, has urged African leaders to move beyond policy commitments and focus on measurable actions that can transform the continent’s development trajectory.

Speaking at the fifth Africa Social Impact Summit (ASIS 2026), themed “Financing for Development: Building Resilience and Transforming Emerging Economies,” Mohammed said Africa has the talent, innovation and entrepreneurial capacity to achieve sustainable prosperity but requires bold leadership, strategic investments and stronger partnerships to unlock its full potential.

The summit was co-convened by the Sterling One Foundation, the United Nations in Nigeria, the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, the Lagos State Government and Africans & Diaspora.

“Financing for development goes beyond mobilising resources,” Mohammed said, stressing that it must create opportunities, strengthen resilience and ensure that no one is left behind.

The Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to policies that would attract investment, strengthen investor confidence and drive inclusive economic growth.

Bagudu said achieving Africa’s development aspirations would require innovative financing, sound governance and sustained collaboration among governments, the private sector, development partners and civil society.

Representing Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Deputy Governor Kadri Obafemi Hamzat said Africa’s future depends on sustained investments in people, infrastructure, innovation and sustainable enterprises.

He added that Lagos State would continue to provide a platform for partnerships capable of delivering meaningful development outcomes across the continent.

Chief Executive Officer of Sterling One Foundation, Olapeju Ibekwe, described ASIS as more than an annual conference, saying it has evolved into a platform that drives action through strategic partnerships.

She said the summit reaffirmed Africa’s ability to shape its future through collaboration, innovative financing and sustained commitment to implementation, noting that every partnership and commitment made brings the continent closer to building resilient economies and improving livelihoods.

Also speaking, Chairman of the Africa Social Impact Network (ASIN) Advisory Board, Banji Oyelaran-Oyeyinka, said the launch of ASIN would institutionalise collaboration among governments, development institutions, businesses, academia, philanthropists and investors beyond the annual summit.

According to him, the network will promote knowledge sharing, mobilise financing and support the implementation of initiatives that translate ideas into measurable outcomes for Africa’s long-term economic transformation.