he United Nations in Nigeria and the Sterling One Foundation have reaffirmed their commitment to promoting local responses to the global climate crisis, calling for bold and scalable African-led solutions ahead of the 2025 edition of the Africa Social Impact Summit (ASIS).
In a joint statement released on Wednesday, both organisations – co-conveners of the summit – said Africa must be allowed to lead its own path towards climate resilience. They stressed that while global support is important, sustainable change can only be achieved through solutions developed and owned by those directly facing the impacts.
Since its launch in 2022, ASIS has grown into a major platform for advancing social impact initiatives across the continent. What began with just eight founding partners has now expanded to a network of over 40 institutions working across key sectors such as climate action, healthcare, education, governance, finance, and digital inclusion.
At a press briefing held ahead of the summit, Mohamed Fall, the United Nations Assistant Secretary-General and Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, emphasised the urgency of the upcoming event, noting the devastating effects of climate change already being felt across Africa.
“The climate crisis is reversing years of development progress in Africa. It is displacing families, disrupting education and healthcare, and shaking the foundations of economic stability,” Fall said. “But lasting solutions must come from the people who live with the reality every day.”
This year’s summit will focus on the theme: “Scaling Action: Bold Solutions for Climate Resilience and Policy Innovation.” According to Fall, ASIS provides a unique platform for African voices to shape the climate agenda and for international partners to respond with real commitment, policy support, and investment.
In a presentation at the same briefing, Olapeju Ibekwe, Chief Executive Officer of the Sterling One Foundation, reflected on the summit’s progress and growing influence. She highlighted that ASIS was never intended to be a mere talk shop, but a strategic effort to drive action.
“ASIS has never been about convening for its own sake,” Ibekwe said. “Each summit is a deliberate step toward mobilising capital, influencing policy, and supporting African-led responses to development challenges. Over $100 million has already been unlocked through coalition efforts. That kind of scale is not by chance – it’s the result of systems thinking, partnership, and a shared vision to place Africa’s priorities at the centre of global development.”
The summit, which brings together government actors, private sector players, development agencies, and civil society groups, has become a growing force for regional collaboration. Participants are expected from across the continent and beyond, reflecting the summit’s expanding reach and relevance.
Backing the summit’s call for private sector involvement, Abubakar Suleiman, Managing Director and CEO of Sterling Bank, said businesses must do more than donate or sponsor – they must lead innovation and investments that align with social impact.
“Sterling Bank has been a strategic partner to ASIS from day one,” Suleiman stated. “With global development funding becoming tighter, it’s increasingly clear that the private sector must be a key driver of scalable solutions. Our support for ASIS is based on a deep belief that impact is not a side effort – it is central to building resilient economies and inclusive growth.”
Suleiman added that beyond corporate social responsibility, businesses must integrate sustainability into their core operations if Africa is to build strong, climate-resilient societies.
ASIS 2025 is expected to deepen partnerships among African governments, international donors, and investors, with a focus on advancing community-level solutions, strengthening environmental policies, and scaling up green financing opportunities.
As countries across the continent continue to experience floods, desertification, food insecurity, and rising temperatures, the summit aims to promote initiatives that not only protect the environment but also empower local communities.
Organisers say the goal is not only to respond to challenges but also to seize opportunities—whether through technology, green jobs, clean energy, or improved climate governance.
With the support of the United Nations, private sector actors like Sterling Bank, and over 40 institutions, ASIS 2025 is shaping up to be a turning point in Africa’s climate response narrative—one where the continent leads its future.
