Olapeju Ibekwe, Chief Executive Officer of Sterling One Foundation, has been appointed to the Board of the United Nations Global Compact Network Nigeria (UNGCNN), further cementing her role as a leading voice in Africa’s sustainable development space.
The announcement, made through the UNGCNN’s official channels, comes ahead of the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), where Ibekwe is expected to engage with global leaders from government, private sector, and civil society to forge stronger partnerships that accelerate Africa’s progress toward Agenda 2030.
Her appointment reflects her proven track record in championing sustainable solutions across education, healthcare, and women and youth empowerment. Under her leadership, Sterling One Foundation has built global affiliations while delivering measurable local impact, touching thousands of lives and influencing policy and partnerships across Africa.
Experts highlight that the appointment comes at a critical juncture. With only 15% of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) currently on track worldwide and Africa facing an estimated $200 billion annual financing gap, the continent’s development challenges demand more than funding. They require political will, bold private sector commitments, and effective cross-sector collaboration.
Speaking on the appointment, Ibekwe described it as an opportunity to deepen efforts toward localising the SDGs, a mission she has consistently championed through initiatives at Sterling One Foundation.
The development also strengthens alignment with the UN Global Compact Principles and the African Union’s Women and Youth Financial and Economic Inclusion (WYFEI) 2030 initiative, both of which emphasize inclusive growth and responsible private sector participation.
Observers note that Ibekwe’s appointment also shines a spotlight on the Africa Social Impact Summit (ASIS), a platform where she has played a pivotal role in convening governments, businesses, and civil society to forge impactful partnerships that unlock Africa’s potential.
With this new role, Olapeju Ibekwe brings both grassroots experience and continental insights into global discussions — reinforcing the view that Africa is not merely a recipient of aid but a driver of innovation and sustainable solutions.
The UN Global Compact Network Nigeria serves as the local chapter of the world’s largest corporate sustainability initiative, mobilising businesses and organisations to align strategies and operations with universal principles while taking action to advance the SDGs.
— Chiwendu Isaiah, Public Relations, Sterling One Foundation