By Jemimah Wellington, JKNMedia Reporter
THE AFRICA Social Impact Summit (ASIS) 2024 saw a dedicated commitment to creating a resource allocation framework to address healthcare issues across the continent.
As the largest hybrid gathering of leaders in African development, ASIS 2024 highlighted the private sector’s crucial role in driving sustainable solutions.
United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed opened the event with a keynote address, urging attendees to focus on inclusivity and impact in pursuing the 2030 agenda.
“Sustainable growth must include climate resilience and leverage technology and private sector innovations,” she said.
Government officials, business leaders, and development experts from across the continent attended. Olapeju Ibekwe, CEO of SOF, emphasized collaboration.
“No single entity can address our multifaceted challenges. Partnerships harness diverse expertise to tackle issues like healthcare and climate resilience,” she noted.
The summit began with an Investor Roundtable organized by the Lagos State Government and other organizations.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s presence underscored the government’s commitment to fostering a favourable environment for sustainable development.
Held from July 25-26 at the Eko Convention Center, the event was co-hosted by The Sterling One Foundation and the United Nations, marking a pivotal moment for cross-sector collaboration to tackle Africa’s pressing challenges.
Throughout the summit, the private sector’s indispensable role was a recurring theme. Sterling Bank CEO Abubakar Suleiman highlighted the importance of creating a market for social impact.
“We need information, trust, and efficient resource allocation,” he stated.
Lagos State Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat introduced the “THEMES PLUS” initiative, promoting development in crucial sectors and stressing the importance of public-private partnerships.
“ASIS 2024 must serve as a catalyst for collaboration and action,” Hamzat declared.
Jumoke Oduwole, representing Vice President Kashim Shettima, called for a shift in economic thinking.
“We must move beyond rhetoric to focus on solutions with tangible impact,” she said.
“Africa can lead a new model balancing prosperity, the environment, and equity.”
A highlight of the summit was the “Bold Actions Meeting,” where health commissioners from various Nigerian states convened. Zouera Yousouffou, CEO of the Aliko Dangote Foundation, addressed the need for a shift from diagnosis to intervention.
“Africa lacks the necessary resources and organizational framework to address health-related problems,” she said.
ABC Health CEO Mories Atoki pointed out the politicization of partnerships as a major barrier, while Dr.
Tayo Aduloju of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group stressed the importance of delivering tangible outcomes.
The summit also addressed integrating displaced persons into the workforce.
A panel led by H.E. Mrs. Toyin Saraki, founder of Wellbeing Foundation Africa, discussed strategies for the economic empowerment of refugees, featuring insights from UNHCR representatives.
Lagos State Commissioner of Health Professor Akin Abayomi emphasized the importance of moral leadership and education.
“Leaders don’t just happen; they are made through education and training,” he noted.
The summit concluded with the formation of new partnerships to address healthcare, climate resilience, and economic empowerment.
Attendees committed to actionable plans, including developing a resource allocation framework and initiatives to integrate displaced persons into the workforce.
ASIS 2024 underscored a collaborative approach to sustainable development.
The active participation of high-level officials and experts, combined with tangible commitments, reinforced the summit’s credibility and impact.
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