Private sector commits to advancing SDGs

By Chukwuma Umeorah

Private sector leaders have pledged stronger collaboration with development partners and government to accelerate Africa’s progress on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with a focus on scaling health, education, climate action, food security, and gender equality interventions.

The commitments were made at the Africa Social Impact Summit (ASIS) 2025 Partners Connect, convened by Sterling One Foundation in partnership with the United Nations, Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Budget and Planning, and the British Council Nigeria. The meeting held in Lagos brought together corporate executives, policymakers, and development actors ahead of the 80th United Nations General Assembly.

Chief Executive Officer of Sterling One Foundation, Olapeju Ibekwe, stressed that the gathering was designed to ensure pledges translate into measurable action. “ASIS has always been about catalyzing impact through collaboration. Partners Connect ensures that the energy from the Summit translates into measurable outcomes that uplift communities and address Africa’s most pressing challenges,” she said.

Speaking on behalf of the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Thembekile Dube-Ncube called for collective approaches.

“Partnerships like this are exactly what Africa needs, coalitions of public, private, and development sector actors working together to deliver solutions at scale. The UN is committed to walking this journey with partners, ensuring no one is left behind.”

The event featured reflections on the ASIS 2025 Summit, a private screening of a Film Lab Africa project, and commitment sessions where organizations renewed their pledges to expand social impact programmes.

Participants included representatives from MTN, Sahara Group, IHS Towers, Woodhall Capital, Phillips Consulting, The Alternative Bank, and Sterling Bank, alongside international stakeholders.

British Council Nigeria Country Director, Donna McGowan, reaffirmed the Council’s commitment to supporting inclusive growth.

“The British Council is honored to host this gathering and remains committed to strengthening social impact ecosystems that foster a more inclusive, equitable, and prosperous Africa,” she said.