The United Nations (UN) has called on African governments, the private sector and development partners to increase investment in people, mobilise sustainable financing and strengthen partnerships to accelerate progress towards the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Speaking at the Africa Social Impact Summit 2026 in Lagos on Saturday, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Representative in Nigeria, Ms Muriel Mafico, who represented the United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Ms Wafaa Saeed, said Africa’s future depends on unlocking the potential of its people through bold, people-centred investments.
In a statement issued in Abuja by the National Information Officer, United Nations Information Centre (UNIC), Oluseyi Soremekun, the UN stressed that every child should have access to quality education, every young person should have the opportunity for meaningful employment, every woman should be empowered to reach her full potential, and every community should be equipped to withstand future challenges.
“The wealth of a nation is not measured by what it extracts from the ground. It is measured by what it unlocks in its people,” Mafico said.
She described the summit as coming at a critical moment for the continent, noting that discussions on development financing should focus on expanding opportunities for people and communities.
Mafico warned that Africa’s development ambitions are being threatened by slowing economic growth, rising debt burdens, declining development assistance, climate-related disasters and persistent conflicts.
She noted that only 36 per cent of the Sustainable Development Goal targets are currently on track or making moderate progress, while the financing gap facing developing countries continues to widen.
Despite these challenges, she said Africa has the resources and capacity to shape its own future.
“With less than five years remaining to achieve the 2030 Agenda, we must act with greater urgency, solidarity and ambition,” she said.
Highlighting Nigeria’s demographic advantage, Mafico described the country’s youthful population as one of its greatest assets, saying strategic investments could transform Nigeria into a global hub for innovation, entrepreneurship and inclusive economic growth.
She, however, warned that failing to invest in young people would widen inequality and limit opportunities for future generations.
The UN official also urged African countries to prioritise home-grown solutions and strengthen national leadership in driving sustainable development.
“No country can outsource its development. No nation can import resilience,” she said, adding that international partnerships should complement, rather than replace, national efforts.
Mafico called for a new approach to development financing by unlocking private capital, strengthening domestic resource mobilisation, supporting entrepreneurship and innovation, investing in women and young people, and leveraging technology to expand economic opportunities.
She noted that the United Nations is already working with governments, civil society organisations, development partners and the private sector in Nigeria to advance institutional reforms, social protection, food systems transformation, renewable energy, digital innovation, education, and programmes that empower women and youth.
Reaffirming the UN’s commitment to leaving no one behind, Mafico urged stakeholders to move beyond commitments and translate promises into concrete action.
She expressed confidence in Africa’s enormous potential, describing the continent as rich in talent, innovation, entrepreneurship and energy, while stressing the need to mobilise investments that match its development ambitions.
Mafico urged participants to ensure that the Africa Social Impact Summit 2026 is remembered not only for its discussions but for the partnerships built, investments unlocked and collective actions taken to create a more prosperous and inclusive future for Africa.
