The United Nations has called for urgent action to mobilise financing, strengthen partnerships and invest in people as Africa works to accelerate progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Speaking at the Africa Social Impact Summit 2026 in Lagos, Ms. Muriel Mafico, UNFPA representative in Nigeria, stated this on behalf of the United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Ms Wafaa Saeed.
She said: “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, and highlights the need for bold and people-centred investments to address growing development challenges and unlock Africa’s potential.”
Addressing government representatives, development partners, civil society organisations and private-sector leaders, Ms. Mafico noted that the Summit came at a critical moment for the continent and added that discussions on financing are ultimately about expanding opportunities for people and communities.
She underscored the importance of ensuring that every child could learn, every young person could access meaningful work, every woman could realise her potential, and every community could build resilience against future shocks.
