Vice President Kasim Shettima and the Lagos state governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, have stressed the need for a comprehensive integrated, and strategic approach to drive progress and prosperity in Africa.
The duo stated this at the just concluded Africa Social Impact Summit ASIS 3.0 with the theme; “Reimagining Progress: A New Blueprint for Sustainable Growth in Africa” organized by Sterling One Foundation, held at the Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island.
Shettima, who was represented by the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC), Jumoke Oduwole noted that whatever blueprint the continent is promoting must focus on innovation and social impact from agricultural to energy solutions.
“We must harness technology and creativity if we are truly ready for today and preparing for tomorrow,” he said
Shettima stressed that the government remains committed to creating an enabling environment by streamlining regulations to create an investor-friendly climate, investing in renewed energy infrastructure, and fostering innovation through a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem.
He noted that Lagos State has been a template for the synergy between the Public and Private sectors to build a system that works.
The Vice President however noted the importance of empowering local investors to invest in research and create an ecosystem that fosters grand-breaking solutions to deliver maximum social impact.
Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, his deputy, stated that by establishing a collaborative framework, providing impact investment opportunities, and stimulating stakeholder involvement, Africa can create a future where sustainable development is not just an aspiration but a reality.
He said his administration, in line with the T.H.E.M.E.S+ Development Agenda, is eager and ready to work with partners and all stakeholders to achieve the goals.
According to him, the summit is not just a meeting; it is a call to action, a collective endeavour to reshape the future of Africa through innovation, collaboration, and commitment to sustainable development.
“The summit is pivotal for Africa and Lagos State to re-imagine progress and chart a new blueprint for sustainable growth in Africa. Let us commit to a shared vision, harness our collective energies, wisdom, and resources to lay down a new blueprint for sustainable growth in Africa,” he said.
The Governor stated that Lagos State has an extraordinary opportunity to foster innovative partnerships and advocate for policies that attract impactful investments, stressing that these investments are crucial for the sustainable growth of the communities and for ensuring a brighter future for all Africans.
“It is also to provide impact investment opportunities for social enterprises in critical sectors and vital need areas.
He said that the investments are crucial for scaling outcomes in line with the SDGs and the African Union 2063 Agenda.
He reiterated that effective policies are the backbone of sustainable development.
“We need policies that are not only ambitious but also actionable and inclusive. Stakeholder involvement ensures that policies are well-rounded and address the needs of all segments of society,” he said.
Olapeju Ibekwe, the Chief Executive Officer of Sterling One Foundation in her welcome address said that the summit has three main objectives which are to build and scale policies; to attract increased impact investment into solutions on the continent, and to advocate for the right policies.
She noted that the summit since 2023 has fostered partnership among the public and private sectors which has led to the investment of over N3billion into fifty private sectors and primary healthcare centers across Nigeria, among other investments.
Abubakar Suleiman, a board member of Sterling One Foundation and Managing Director Sterling Bank in his remarks said that the summit is pivotal and hopes to create a marketplace for social impact, a place where everyone who has resources and sees to solving the problems that impact the society the most.
“We want to reassure you that we are here to create a marketplace for social impact so that there is information so that there is trust in others and so that we can direct resources and use those resources the most efficient way,” he said.