UN urges African leaders to turn commitments into action on development and peace

At the Africa Social Impact Summit 2026 in Lagos, United Nations Deputy Secretary‑General Amina Mohammed called on African governments to move beyond pledges and implement measurable financing that creates jobs, builds resilience and leaves no one behind. She highlighted the continent’s talent and entrepreneurial capacity, stressing that bold leadership, strategic investment and stronger public‑private partnerships are essential for sustainable growth. The summit, co‑hosted by the Sterling One Foundation, UN Nigeria, the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning and Lagos State, was presented as a platform for catalysing action.

United Nations Special Representative Hannah Tetteh, speaking at Ghana’s 21st Kronti ne Akwamu Public Lecture, warned that the country’s peace should be treated as a continuous investment. Citing instability in neighboring Sahel states, she said, “We cannot take our peace and security for granted…peace building even within a national context should be seen as an investment that we must be making on a continuous basis. It’s like a garden. You need to tend to it.” Tetteh urged stronger regional cooperation, inclusive governance and policies that protect economic gains from security shocks.