The Alternative Bank has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to driving sustainable development across the continent ahead of the highly anticipated 2025 Africa Social Impact Summit (ASIS). Co-convened by the Sterling One Foundation and the United Nations Nigeria, ASIS has become a crucial platform for addressing Africa’s social challenges through collaborative, market-led solutions.
Scheduled to take place from July 10 to 11 in Lagos, the summit will bring together key stakeholders—governments, civil society, private sector players, and development partners—to exchange knowledge, share evidence-based insights, and co-create actionable solutions aimed at achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Speaking at a recent press conference held at the United Nations House in Abuja, Garba Mohammed, Executive Director (North) at The Alternative Bank, emphasized the critical need for immediate and united action to address the continent’s most pressing challenges.
“The theme of this year’s summit, ‘Scaling Action’, speaks volumes,” said Mohammed. “It marks a necessary shift from conversations to execution—from bold ideas to bolder actions. Now is the time to deliver real, impactful solutions to the challenges of poverty, food insecurity, climate change, and inequality.”
Mohammed reiterated the Bank’s strategic alignment with the SDGs and the African Union’s Agenda 2063, noting that these frameworks guide The Alternative Bank’s investments, partnerships, and community initiatives.
“At The Alternative Bank, impact is the new bottom line,” he affirmed. “As a purpose-driven, ethically grounded, and specialized financial institution, we have embedded these global and continental agendas into our operations—not as aspirational ideals, but as concrete action plans for transforming lives and communities.”
Since its inception, The Alternative Bank has championed inclusive growth through strategic interventions focused on youth, women, and smallholder farmers. The Bank plays a vital role in reshaping Africa’s food systems by supporting sustainable agricultural practices, offering access to finance, capacity building, and markets for farmers.
Its ACT Youth Digital Empowerment Program has empowered thousands of young Nigerians with digital skills, entrepreneurship training, and life tools to become innovators and job creators. For women, initiatives such as the Matazalla Women’s Mobility Initiative, Althaven, and the Light Her Program break barriers through eco-friendly electric tricycles, access to capital, mentorship, and robust support networks.
These ongoing efforts exemplify The Alternative Bank’s dedication to creating a more inclusive, prosperous, and sustainable Africa—aligned with both the UN SDGs and Agenda 2063.
With ASIS 2025 kicking off with a High-Level Roundtable on July 9, the summit promises to be a pivotal moment in Africa’s development journey. It will bring together global leaders, policymakers, and impact investors to design and fund scalable African solutions in sectors such as climate change, education, renewable energy, WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene), and agriculture.