Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has called for a unified effort to drive innovation and sustainable development throughout Africa. At the Africa Social Impact Summit (ASIS) 2024, themed “Reimagining Progress: A New Blueprint for Sustainable Growth in Africa,” Sanwo-Olu emphasized the necessity of a collaborative framework involving public and private sectors and development organizations to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Represented by Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat, Sanwo-Olu outlined three key objectives for the summit: fostering collaboration, promoting impact investment in social enterprises, and engaging stakeholders in policy development. He highlighted that investments in social enterprises, particularly in healthcare, education, agriculture, and clean energy, are essential for addressing significant social and environmental challenges.
Sanwo-Olu urged stakeholders to advocate for policies that support sustainable growth and influence decision-makers to prioritize the SDGs. He stressed the need for effective, ambitious, and inclusive policies and highlighted the importance of impact investments in scaling initiatives aligned with the SDGs and the African Union’s Agenda 2063.
UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed also spoke at the summit, highlighting Africa’s potential for transformation and the importance of climate resilience. She emphasized the role of the private sector in promoting sustainable growth through innovation and investment, and called for reforms in international financial systems to support sustainable development investments.
The two-day summit, organized by Sterling One Foundation, the United Nations, and the Lagos State Government, gathered experts, business leaders, and innovators to discuss and establish partnerships aimed at accelerating Africa’s journey toward a sustainable and prosperous future.
Credit: NAN (Text Excluding Headline)
