Lagos, sterling one foundation partner on invest lagos 2.0, africa social impact summit

 In a bold move to confront the pressing social and economic challenges threatening urban resilience, the Lagos State Government has partnered with Sterling One Foundation to organise the second edition of Invest Lagos, a high-level investment summit set to hold on July 9.

The summit is being held as a prelude to the Africa Social Impact Summit (ASIS), which will take place on July 10 and 11 at the Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.

With Lagos battling the pressures of rapid urbanisation, population growth, housing deficits, transport gridlock, climate threats, and rising inequality  the events aim to galvanise investment solutions to tackle what observers have described as “the hellish complexity” of running Africa’s most populous city.

Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, Mrs Folashade Bada Ambrose, disclosed this at a press briefing held at the Press Centre, Alausa, Ikeja, noting that Invest Lagos 2.0 is themed “Scaling Action: Bold Solutions Towards Making Lagos a 21st Century Economy.”

According to her, the summit aligns with the Lagos State Development Plan (LSDP 2052) and Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s T.H.E.M.E.S+ agenda aimed at turning the state’s structural pressures into strategic opportunities.

“The essence of this summit is to move from aspiration to realisation, from potential to performance, and from talk to measurable results,” Ambrose said.

She explained that the event would feature bespoke “Deal Rooms” platforms where commissioners and senior officials will pitch concrete investment opportunities to local and global investors.

“These high-value matchmaking sessions are designed to attract catalytic partnerships for sustainable growth and inclusive prosperity,” she said.

Ambrose identified Lagos’ investment priorities to include smart infrastructure, renewable energy, modern transport, resilient healthcare, digital innovation, agribusiness, blue economy, and real estate.

She also announced the planned launch of the Lagos State Industrial Policy (2025–2030) later in the year, a roadmap to reposition Lagos as Africa’s industrial powerhouse.

On her part, Special Adviser to the Governor on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Dr Oreoluwa Finnih, said the collaboration underscores SDG 17 — partnerships for sustainable development.

“No one can tackle today’s complex challenges alone. Everything Lagos does is done with sustainability in mind and in partnership with others,” she said.

Chief Executive Officer of Sterling One Foundation, Mrs Peju Ibekwe, described Lagos as a leading innovation hub, disclosing that over $100 million was raised in impact investment at last year’s summit.

She noted that this year’s event, themed “Scaling Action: Bold Solutions for Climate Resilience and Policy Innovation,” is crucial as 2025 marks the midpoint of the UN Decade of Action.

“The 2024 Lagos Investment Roundtable produced a multi-million-dollar MoU between Lagos and Abu Dhabi Ports. This year, we are scaling up to attract more investments in viable, people-focused solutions,” she said.

The summit is being organised in collaboration with the United Nations System in Nigeria, Lagos State Office of Sustainable Development Goals, Sterling Bank, and Arise News.