Shared Value Nigeria’s Post

**Bridging the Gap: A Call to Action for Nigeria's Sustainable Development Goals** Recently, I came across an alarming report in a Nigerian daily stating that our government is falling short in its commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (#SDGs), particularly in the areas of #ZeroHunger and #PovertyReduction. Unfortunately, this is not a newfound concern. The report highlights a staggering need for over $300 billion to address these gaps and ensure the survival of the average Nigerian household. Given the multitude of policies, funding institutions, and support organizations operating across the Sahel, one must wonder: why are we still so far from achieving even the basics in these critical SDG areas? The article pointed to a troubling truth: politicization of development issues, rampant corruption, and a culture of impunity have led us to this crossroads. While I acknowledge that progress has been slow, I also recognize the commendable efforts being made. Organizations like LEAP Africa are stepping up, tirelessly working alongside a coalition of supporters—funders, investor partners, venture philanthropists, civil society organizations, high-net-worth individuals, and international partners. Through its five thematic areas of entrepreneurship, education, employability, active citizenship, and recently, health and wellbeing, #LEAPAfrica has been a beacon of #hope for over 22 years. However, we must confront a fundamental truth: collaborative action is essential to close the gaps that exist. - #Catalyticcapital requires a conducive environment to thrive. - The innovative solutions offered by social entrepreneurs need supportive market and regulatory frameworks from all levels of government. - More focused policy actions are necessary to ensure long-term sustainability. - We need genuine #leadership dedicated to advancing social development initiatives. In summary, it's time for less talk and more action! This piece aims to spark a sense of urgency and commitment among us all to acknowledge the pressing challenges we face, recognize what we have accomplished, and confront what still needs to be done. After all, we are here, and we #can make a #difference! ~~COP Photo credit: Researchgate #sustainableactionforgrowth #actionnotwords

During the next two decades, around $84 TRILLION will pass onto the next generation: the greatest transfer of wealth in history. The cutting-edge ideas and technologies at the fingertips of today's youth, especially in an African context where the shift is happening at an even faster speed, give you an idea of the palpable potential of what is coming. Philanthropy has an incredible opportunity to harness this moment and nurture the potential of young African entrepreneurs and visionaries. It was an honor and a real pleasure to visit Abuja this week as a speaker at the 30th Nigerian Economic Summit— the largest gathering of private, public, and development leaders in the country— of which Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors (RPA) was a corporate sponsor. I joined Dr. Juliet Ehimuan, Founder of Beyond Limits Africa, Uche Amaonwu, Interim Director, Nigeria Country Office at Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and Eniola Mafe-Abaga, Global Advocacy and Partnerships Director at Bridges to Prosperity, on the panel: "Shaping Africa's Innovation Frontiers: Entrepreneurship, Ecosystem & Governance," and was delighted to host a mentorship event with incredible women leaders working in philanthropy in Nigeria. In short, we must prioritize three areas: 1️⃣ 🔎 Helping partners identify problems, solutions, and the people and organizations best positioned to deliver change. 2️⃣ 📊 Gathering intelligence—data, insight, and perspective—to inform who, where and how we can help. 3️⃣ 📈 Monitoring results, outputs, and outcomes to better make the case in the future. Looking forward to what is to come! #NES30 #SustainableDevelopment #EconomicOpportunity Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG)

🌍 Embracing Africapitalism: The Path to Sustainable Development and Economic Empowerment 🌍 In a recent op-ed, Tony O. Elumelu, C.F.R, Chairman of UBA Group and Founder of the The Tony Elumelu Foundation explores how Africapitalism can unlock Africa's potential and drive sustainable development. #UBAAmerica is proud to align with this vision, focusing on strategic partnerships, innovative solutions, and inclusive policies towards fostering economic growth, driving social impact, and ensuring a sustainable future for Africa. Click the link to read the full article https://lnkd.in/d2wt3CNG

An incredible story of impact of through our collaboration with Aruwa Capital Management. This Investment Vehicle is reshaping Nigeria's investment ecosystem and extending its influence beyond borders. Key Achievements: • Empowering SMEs across multiple sectors • Creating thousands of sustainable job opportunities • Driving economic growth through strategic investments What makes this partnership special: • Women-led: Led by Adesuwa Okunbo Rhodes, Aruwa Capital's leadership brings diverse perspectives to investment decisions. • Gender-lens investing: Aligns perfectly with our mission to provide dignified, fulfilling work for Africa's youth. • Local expertise: Deep understanding of Nigeria's unique business environment. This partnership exemplifies how targeted, socially-conscious investing can create ripple effects of positive change. 📖 Read the full impact report here: https://lnkd.in/g8nFqCnr #ImpactInvesting #AfricaGrowthFund #WomenInFinance

Inclusive agricultural financial services are essential for : 1. #drivingagriculturaltransformation, and #improvingfoodsecurity

Last week, we marked Nigeria's independence and reflected on our roles in shaping our nation's future. Today, let's turn reflection into action! Here are 5 ways to contribute: 1. Mentorship: Share expertise with someone younger. 2. Volunteer: Support local organizations. 3. Innovate: Develop solutions to pressing challenges. 4. Collaborate: Partner on projects or businesses. 5. Advocate: Speak up for positive change. Personally, I participated in @54collective's Explore Program, a game-changer for entrepreneurs! @54collective is a venture capital firm revolutionising investment and scaling idea to early-stage ventures throughout Africa. Their rigorous worksheet template resets your mindset, ensuring seriousness and focus. What struck me was @54collective's commitment to inclusivity, ensuring no one was left behind. They implemented their teaching. Talk about the "do as I do(not as I say)" rhyme. Thank you, @54collective, for: - Mind-changing knowledge - Connection with fellow Africans (Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, Uganda, and more) - Empowering #buildingAfrica On a lighter note, if you want to learn community management from a pro, ensure to follow Mwihaki G. (I don't know how she does it but she is good in people management). #54collective #Innovation #ExploreProgram #VentureCapital #Investment #StartUp #BuildWithoutBoundaries #NationBuilding #Africa

The Africa Social Impact Summit held prior to the Lagos Investors Roundtable was a resounding success, serving as a powerful catalyst for driving sustainable development and social impact across the African continent. The summit themed: Reimagining Progress: A New Blueprint for Sustainable Growth in Africa, brought together over 2,000 leaders from diverse sectors, including government, business, civil society, and academia, to engage in thought-provoking discussions and forge strategic partnerships. During the panel session, discussions arised on the critical role of public-private partnerships in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and highlighted the importance of collaborative efforts in driving social impact across the continent. Sharing insights about the groundwork being done by Lagos State to allow businesses, SME, MSME and women, resonated with attendees, reinforcing the commitment to sustainable development and economic growth in Lagos State. The summit provided an excellent platform for networking and fostering partnerships among stakeholders dedicated to making a difference in Africa. I look forward to translating the discussions from the summit into actionable initiatives that will benefit the people of Lagos and contribute to the broader goals of social impact and sustainable development in Nigeria. #FolaAmbrose #jidesanwoolu #drobafemihamzat #MCIC #Lasg #lsdp2052 #SDG1 #SDG2 #SDG5 #SDG7 #SDG8 #SDG9 #SDG11 #SDG17 #ForAGreaterLagos

GREAT NEWS! SAVE THE DATE! On the 10th of May I will be releasing the 2024/2025 Research Report for the Social Investment and Development Sectors in Johannesburg. And I have asked some of my best friends to join me for coffee and conversation and to share their insights for the future as well.   ✔ Want to learn more about the latest development trends? ✔ Want to know more about new investment models? ✔ Want to talk about resource scarcity or new collaboration initiatives? ✔ What hear about shifting priorities and new portfolios and focus areas? ✔ Want to network with others from the sector? ✔ Want to be part of the conversation? Join us!   I will be joined by Lunga Schoeman from the Development Bank of South Africa, Simphiwe Mtetwa of CSR News, Rest Kanju from Indalo Inclusive, Tshego Bokaba from the Momentum Metropolitan Foundation as well as Onyinye Nwaneri from Afrika Tikkun, so you can look forward not only to good coffee, but excellent conversations.   Bookings for the event will open next week, but to make sure you don’t miss the opportunity or announcement, why not drop me a message in the comment section below to indicate your interest and I will send you the invite.   I hope to see you at our next event, don’t forget to save the date!   #trends #insights #futureforecast #philanthropy #corporatesocialinvestment #notforprofit #CSI #NPO #NGO #NFP

🌍 Empower Your Business Before Year-End! 🚀 As we approach December, funding opportunities are opening up across South Africa! Many institutions and organizations are looking to utilize their remaining budgets to empower local businesses and drive sustainable economic growth. If you have a small business or are thinking of starting one, now is the perfect time to apply for funding! Whether you're in manufacturing, agriculture, tourism, or technology, there’s funding available to help you take your business to the next level. Here are some institutions to consider: 1️⃣ Department of Trade, Industry, and Competition (DTIC) – Supports manufacturing, agro-processing, and industrial growth. Programs include the Black Industrialists Scheme and the Agro-Processing Support Scheme. 2️⃣ National Empowerment Fund (NEF) – Focused on black-owned businesses in sectors like ICT, retail, and tourism. Check out the iMbewu Fund and Rural & Community Development Fund for small businesses. 3️⃣ Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) – Ideal for projects in green energy, agriculture, and infrastructure, with specific funding for job creation. 4️⃣ NYDA – Youth-owned businesses in agriculture, manufacturing, and more! Grants are available for young entrepreneurs. 5️⃣ Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs) – Funding for skills development in industries like finance, construction, and tourism. 6️⃣ Private Sector Foundations – Organizations like ABSA Enterprise Development and SAB Foundation fund innovation and entrepreneurship. 📈 Don’t miss out on these year-end funding opportunities to grow your business! Contact us to learn how we can help you navigate the application process and put together a winning proposal. 👉 Let’s work together to build a stronger South African economy. Apply now and start 2024 with a boost! #SouthAfricaFunding #BusinessFunding #EconomicEmpowerment #SmallBusinessSA #PrimeStartSA #Entrepreneurship #EndOfYearFunding #BusinessGrowth

📯 Meet our newest Pollinators!📯 We are thrilled to welcome MBC Africa and Shared Value Hub to our growing community of Pollinators! 🌟 MBC Africa fosters a thriving ecosystem for agribusinesses across West Africa by consolidating essential business services onto a unified platform. Its mission is to identify, nurture, and develop a critical mass of growth-oriented agribusinesses, creating a robust pipeline for sustainable and impactful investment in key African economies. By integrating these services, MBC Africa empowers agribusinesses to achieve their full potential and drive economic growth in the region. 🌟 Shared Value Hub accelerates and commercializes transformative climate change solutions across East Africa. Its mission is to empower, connect, and accelerate entrepreneurs who are developing solutions to climate change. By consolidating essential business services onto a unified platform, Shared Value Hub creates a thriving ecosystem for sustainable development and climate resilience. Join us in welcoming MBC Africa and Shared Value Hub to the Pollinate Impact community! Together, we'll empower agribusinesses, drive economic growth, and foster sustainable development across Africa and East Africa. Discover more about Pollinate Impact's diverse membership offerings and join our impactful community today: https://lnkd.in/d_p8UCej #PollinateImpact #NewMembers #ImpactCommunity #SocialEnterprise #ClimateChange #Sustainability #Africa #Entrepreneurship #Agribusiness #EconomicGrowth #SustainableDevelopment