Global leaders and stakeholders at the Africa Social Impact Summit (ASIS) 2024, have stated their commitment to developing a resource allocation framework aimed at addressing healthcare issues across the continent.
This summit co-convened by the Sterling One Foundation and the United Nations, was held in Lagos, highlighted the importance of collaboration across sectors, bringing together private sector organisations, NGOs, and other stakeholders to tackle Africa’s most pressing challenges.
ASIS 2024, the largest hybrid gathering of leaders in the African development sphere, underscored the crucial role of the private sector in driving innovative and sustainable solutions for Africa’s future.
Speaking on the topic, ‘Sustainable growth must include climate resilience, leveraging technology, and private sector innovations’, the deputy secretary-general of the United Nations, Amina Mohammed urged attendees to recommit to the 2030 agenda with a focus on inclusivity, impact, and inspiration.
CEO of the Sterling One Foundation, Olapeju Ibekwe emphasised the necessity of collaboration, saying, “no single entity can address the multifaceted challenges we face. Through partnerships, we can harness diverse expertise and resources to tackle issues ranging from healthcare to climate resilience.”
Also, Lagos State governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu underscored the government’s commitment to fostering a favourable environment for sustainable development.
CEO of Sterling Bank, Abubakar Suleiman, noted that, ‘creating a market for social impact means ensuring there is information, trust, and efficient allocation of resources.
Deputy governor of Lagos State, Obafemi Hamzat presented the ‘THEMES PLUS’ initiative, which promotes development in crucial sectors, highlighting the importance of public-private partnerships.
Representing the vice president, Kashim Shettima, the special adviser to the President of Nigeria on Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) and Investment, Jumoke Oduwole called for a paradigm shift in economic thinking.
She asserted that, “it is time for action; we must move beyond rhetoric and focus on solutions with tangible impact. Africa can lead the way in a new model that balances prosperity, the environment, and equity.”
A significant highlight was the ‘Bold Actions Meeting’, where 15 commissioners of health from various Nigerian states convened to focus on healthcare challenges. CEO of the Aliko Dangote Foundation, Zouera Yousouffou addressed the need for a shift from diagnosis to intervention, saying, ‘Africa does not have the necessary resources or organisational framework to address health-related problems.’
CEO of ABC Health, Mories Atoki pointed out the politicisation of partnerships as a major barrier. CEO of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group,Dr. Tayo Aduloju stressed the importance of delivering tangible outcomes over empty promises
Lagos State Commissioner of Health, Professor Akin Abayomi highlighted the foundational importance of moral leadership and education, noting that leaders do not just happen; they are made through education and training.
The summit facilitated the formation of new partnerships aimed at addressing healthcare, climate resilience, and economic empowerment. Attendees committed to actionable plans, including the development of a resource allocation framework and initiatives to integrate displaced persons into the workforce.
