“Oga where you dey go?” the security man asked my driver as we navigated the Eco Hotels compound. Behind us, some impatient driver was honking like his life depended on it, as if we were going to magically vanish into thin air just so he could rush off to God knows where.
“I beg, where is Eko Convention Center?” my driver asked, squinting through the windshield in search of the entrance.
“Convention dey front oga,” the security man replied with that patient smile that only comes from years of directing confused drivers.
And then there it was! The Eko Convention Center in all its magnificent glory. Nigeria’s premier event venue, standing tall like it knew it was about to host something special. Today wasn’t just any event; it was the Africa Social Impact Summit (ASIS 2025), billed as the largest impact event on the continent.
I paid my driver and threw in a healthy tip because, let’s be honest, driving in Lagos deserves extra pay.
As I approached the hall, I realized the real summit was happening outside. People weren’t waiting for Sterling OneFoundation to officially kick things off; they were already deep in networking mode. I watched a sharply dressed entrepreneur walk up to a complete stranger and deliver what had to be the most polished elevator pitch I’ve heard. Business cards were flying around, with promises to fund innovations that would transform underserved communities up north. I even caught two old friends bumping into each other, their excited voices cutting through the morning buzz as they caught up on life and business.
Walking into the main hall, I settled into my seat, ready to listen and learn. This year’s theme?
“Scaling Action: Bold Solutions for Climate Resilience and Policy Innovation” quite the mouthful, but you could feel the energy in the room.
What struck me most was the caliber of speakers. It was like the OneFoundation team had gone fishing in “River Impact” and somehow managed to catch only the biggest fish. From the goodwill messages to the keynote addresses, and don’t even get me started on those panel sessions; it was a parade of the best minds in the impact space. You know that feeling when you’re in a room with people who actually care? That was the vibe all day.
But here’s where things got really interesting. Real money was changing hands. The kind that actually matters.
The spotlight moment came when EHA Impact Ventures, co-founded with Evelin Castle, announced two game-changing investments.
Mopped Foods snagged $80,000 for their locally-sourced baby food venture.
Roberta’s company is literally feeding the future, one nutritious meal at a time. The investment structure? A revenue-based convertible promissory note that gives founders breathing room to grow without suffocating terms.
Blue Room Care walked away with a $50,000 follow-on investment for their digital therapy platform. Mental health support across Africa, with a special focus on women – now that’s impact you can measure in lives changed.
What I loved about their investment model was how it rewarded performance while protecting founders’ equity. Finally, investors who get it.
By lunchtime, the networking had reached fever pitch. I swear I overheard some sharp guy trying to woo a lady at my table!
Speaking about lunch, whoever the chef was that prepared our Jollof rice deserves a national award. I’m talking about rice so good it could probably secure its own funding round.
EHA! Are you there?
As the summit came to a close, one thing became clear: ASIS 2025 wasn’t just another summit. It was a statement. A declaration that Africa’s impact ecosystem has finally hit its stride, and we’re just getting started.
My name is Victor, and I endorse this message; along with that incredible Jollof.
