UN Deputy Chief Urges African Leaders to Translate Commitments into Action

Amina Mohammed, the United Nations Deputy Secretary-General, has called on African leaders to shift their focus from making commitments to implementing concrete, measurable actions that can drive the continent's development. Speaking at the fifth Africa Social Impact Summit (ASIS 2026) in Lagos, Nigeria, Mohammed stressed that Africa possesses abundant talent, innovation, and entrepreneurial spirit, but these resources need bold leadership, strategic investments, and robust partnerships to unlock their full potential.

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Financing for development goes beyond mobilising resources, stressing that it should create opportunities, strengthen resilience, and ensure that no one is left behind.

The summit, themed 'Financing for Development: Building Resilience and Transforming Emerging Economies,' was co-convened by Sterling One Foundation, the United Nations in Nigeria, the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, and the Lagos State Government. Mohammed highlighted that financing for development should extend beyond resource mobilization to actively create opportunities, strengthen resilience, and ensure inclusivity.

Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, Nigeria's Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, echoed these sentiments, reaffirming the government's dedication to policies that attract investment and foster inclusive economic growth. He noted that achieving Africa's development goals necessitates innovative financing, sound governance, and sustained collaboration among governments, the private sector, development partners, and civil society.

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Lagos would continue to provide a platform for partnerships capable of driving meaningful development outcomes across the continent.

Lagos State Governor Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by his Deputy Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, emphasized that Africa's future hinges on investments in people, infrastructure, innovation, and sustainable enterprises. He assured that Lagos would continue to serve as a platform for partnerships aimed at driving meaningful development outcomes across the continent. Mrs. Olapeju Ibekwe, CEO of Sterling One Foundation, described ASIS as a catalyst for action through strategic partnerships, reaffirming Africa's capacity to shape its destiny through collaboration and commitment to implementation. The establishment of the Africa Social Impact Network (ASIN) was also announced, intended to institutionalize collaboration beyond the annual summit.

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ASIS as more than a conference, saying it has evolved into a platform that catalyses action through strategic partnerships.