Ibekwe: Deals worth $200,000 signed in 2024 ASIS deal room

The CEO of Sterling One Foundation, Peju Ibekwe, recently highlighted the achievements and challenges in accelerating progress towards the 2030 sustainable development goals (SDGs) in Africa. In a chat with CNBC Africa, Ibekwe emphasized the need for a collective approach involving the public and private sectors, as well as partnerships, to address the unique challenges faced by the continent. She noted that while Africa has made some progress, there is a pressing need to speed up efforts to achieve the SDGs. Ibekwe stressed the importance of moving beyond blame games and focusing on action to drive sustainable growth in Africa. Ibekwe pointed out that the COVID-19 pandemic had set back several indicators, underscoring the need for a comprehensive appraisal of the progress made so far. She highlighted the pivotal role of partnerships in moving the needle on key indicators, such as climate change, sustainability, and technology. Ibekwe also addressed the issue of attracting capital to the continent, expressing confidence in Africa's ability to draw investments despite existing constraints and regulatory challenges. During the Africa Social Impact Summit, Ibekwe mentioned that deals worth $200,000 were signed in the deal room, signaling growing investor interest in Africa. She emphasized that while there are risks associated with investing in the continent, the potential for high returns makes it an attractive destination for investors. Ibekwe acknowledged the importance of de-risking sectors like renewable energy to attract both large and small-scale investors. In conclusion, Ibekwe's insights underscore the importance of fostering collaboration, accelerating progress, and attracting investments to drive sustainable development in Africa. With a focus on action and partnership, Africa is poised to overcome challenges and achieve the SDGs by 2030.