Vice President Kashim Shettima is set to launch a new learning fund and empowerment platform aimed at unlocking the potential of Nigerian children, women, and youths. The event, scheduled to take place on Wednesday at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja, is part of the outcomes of the Africa Social Impact Summit (ASIS) 2026 High-Level Policy Engagement.
The initiative, convened by the Office of the Vice President in collaboration with Sterling One Foundation, the United Nations System, and other ASIS partners, will also see the launch of the Women and Youth Financial and Economic Inclusion (WYFEI) Nigeria. This platform is designed to advance women and youth economic empowerment through compact-based delivery, co-investment frameworks, and performance accountability, making Nigeria the implementation platform of the African Union’s WYFEI programme.
According to the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Stanley Nkwocha, the WYFEI platform will be launched in other countries after Nigeria. The programme is expected to strengthen human capital and accelerate inclusive growth in the country.
Speaking ahead of the engagement, Vice President Shettima emphasized the importance of mobilizing funding, support, and expertise to drive Nigeria’s prosperity. “Nigeria’s future prosperity depends on how effectively we mobilize the private sector, development partners, and public institutions around shared national priorities,” he said.
The Chief Executive Officer of Sterling One Foundation, Olapeju Ibekwe, noted that the ASIS 2026 High-Level Policy Engagement marks a pivotal shift from conversation to national execution. The high-level meeting will align policy, innovation, financing, and frameworks to enable solutions to scale and deliver real impact for millions of Nigerians, positioning Nigeria as a leader in Africa’s sustainable growth agenda.
The launch of the learning fund and empowerment platform, as well as the WYFEI Nigeria, is expected to have a significant impact on the country’s economic development and social inclusion. With the government’s sustained efforts to mobilize international and local support, Nigeria is poised for a prosperity-filled future. The event on Wednesday will be a critical step towards delivery-driven partnerships that unlock the full potential of Nigerian women and youth.
