The Africa Social Impact Summit roots for sustainable growth

The Africa Social Impact Summit in Lagos, Nigeria, has highlighted the importance of measuring the impact of social investments in Africa. CNBC Africa's Akyn Obakeye sat down with Odunayo Sanya, Executive Director of MTN Foundation, to discuss the foundation's journey and contributions to sustainable growth. Sanya emphasized the significance of private sector involvement in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), citing partnerships and the exchange of ideas as key components of progress. The summit serves as a platform for collaboration and innovation, showcasing the vital role played by organizations like MTN Foundation in advancing social development efforts. One of the key areas discussed is women empowerment and the use of education and technology to drive progress. Sanya stressed the importance of organizations taking responsibility for educating the public about sustainable development, urging engagement with customers and community leaders to disseminate information effectively. Despite challenges such as poverty and malnutrition impacting the ability to promote sustainability, Sanya believes it is crucial to continue advocating for change to secure the future of both people and the planet. Reflecting on the 20-year journey of MTN Foundation, Sanya expressed pride in the foundation's impact, with 31 million lives touched, projects implemented in over 3,200 communities, and investments totaling 30 billion. The foundation's commitment to making a difference in Nigerian communities through various interventions in health, women empowerment, and more has laid a strong foundation for the next 20 years of impactful initiatives.