UN Calls for Greater Investment in People and Partnerships to Accelerate Sustainable Development in Africa

The United Nations in Nigeria 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, delivered remarks on behalf of the United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator a.i. in Nigeria, Ms Wafaa Saeed. 

“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”, She said, and highlighted 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 stressed 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.

The UN Representative pointed to mounting global challenges, including slower economic growth, rising debt levels, declining development assistance, climate-related shocks and ongoing conflicts. She cited recent findings showing that only 36 per cent of SDG targets are currently on track or making moderate progress, while official development assistance has declined significantly and the financing gap for developing countries remains substantial.

Despite these challenges, she emphasised that Africa’s future remains firmly within its own hands. With less than five years remaining to achieve the 2030 Agenda, she called for greater urgency, solidarity and ambition in advancing sustainable development efforts.

Focusing on Nigeria, Ms. Mafico described the country’s large youth population as one of its greatest development opportunities. She stressed that strategic investments in people could position Nigeria as a global hub for innovation, entrepreneurship and inclusive economic growth, while failure to invest could deepen inequalities and limit opportunities for future generations.

She further urged African countries to strengthen domestic solutions and leadership, noting that sustainable development must be driven by national ownership, innovation and collective responsibility. “No country can outsource its development. No nation can import resilience,” she said, emphasising the importance of building strong partnerships that complement national efforts.

Calling for a transformation in development financing, Ms. Mafico emphasised the need to unlock private capital, strengthen domestic resource mobilisation, support entrepreneurship and innovation, invest in women and young people, and harness technology to promote inclusion and opportunity. She also stressed that development partnerships must remain focused on people and impact.

Highlighting the United Nations’ work in Nigeria, she noted that the UN is partnering with government, civil society, the private sector and development partners to accelerate progress across key areas, including institutional strengthening, social protection, food systems transformation, renewable energy, digital innovation, education, and opportunities for women and youth.

Reaffirming the United Nations’ commitment to leaving no one behind, Ms. Mafico called on stakeholders to translate commitments into action and partnerships into measurable results. She expressed confidence in Africa’s immense potential, describing the continent as rich in talent, ideas, entrepreneurship and energy, while underscoring the need to mobilise capital that matches its ambitions.

She concluded by urging participants to ensure that the Summit is remembered not for the discussions held, but for the partnerships forged, investments unlocked and collective action taken to build a more prosperous and inclusive future for all.