The Africa Social Impact Summit 2023, co-convened by the Sterling One Foundation and the United Nations Nigeria, has officially announced its partners for the second edition of the summit. At a press conference held in Lagos, the event organizers revealed that the summit is scheduled to take place on the 10th and 11th of August 2023 at the prestigious Eko Convention Centre.
The Africa Social Impact Summit aims to bring together thought leaders, impact investors, and stakeholders from various sectors to address pressing challenges in Africa and design market-led solutions for sustainable development. With the theme “Global Vision, Local Action: Repositioning the African Development Ecosystem for Sustainable Outcomes,” the summit will focus on critical areas such as Climate Solutions, Circular Economy, Agriculture, Renewable Energy, Education, Health, and Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH). The goal is to accelerate the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2030 and the African Union 2063 Agenda.
During the press conference, Mr. Matthias Schmale, the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, expressed excitement about partnering on the summit. He emphasized the UN’s commitment to working with the private sector and government to implement a cooperation framework for sustainable development. Mr. Schmale stressed the importance of moving beyond corporate social responsibility (CSR) and integrating sustainability into business models to achieve meaningful and lasting impact.
Mrs. Olapeju Ibekwe, the CEO of the Sterling One Foundation, expressed admiration for each of the collaborating organizations, highlighting their dedication to redefining Africa’s future through sustainable development. She emphasized the need for collaboration and collective action to move the continent from potential to impactful change.
Among the partners unveiled are prominent organizations like the Coca-Cola Company, United Nations Global Compact Network Nigeria, Sterling Bank, British Council, MTN Foundation, and Microsoft, among others. The summit will feature a deal room for impact-focused entrepreneurs seeking funding from investors.
Mr. Abubakar Suleiman, a Board of Trustees Member of the Sterling One Foundation and MD/CEO of Sterling Bank Limited, expressed excitement about the growth the summit has witnessed within a year of its launch. He highlighted the importance of prioritizing social impact in business operations and channeling resources into meaningful and sustainable initiatives.
The summit is open to private sector executives, non-profit leaders, impact investors, heads of government parastatals, and all development leaders interested in sustainable development. Interested participants can register via the summit’s website – www.theimpactsummit.org.
About Sterling One Foundation:
The Sterling One Foundation (SOF) is a registered non-profit organization dedicated to tackling the root causes of poverty in Nigeria and Africa through interventions and social impact programs in critical sectors such as climate action, health, education, youth development, gender equality, and food security. The foundation prioritizes partnerships for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
About United Nations Nigeria:
The United Nations System in Nigeria, consisting of 19 resident and 4 non-resident entities, has been a trusted partner in supporting the development aspirations of Nigeria since its independence. The UN Nigeria has played a catalytic role in the country’s development journey.


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