The Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation and Access Bank Group have pledged $300 million in charitable commitments to transform the economic landscape of Africa over the next 20 years. Under the arrangement, Access Bank has committed $200 million and Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation committed $100 million to fund African government initiatives with a proven potential to transform national economic performance.
At the event, CEOs from across the continent joined to discuss how Africa can demand a seat at the global table, rather than continuing to wait to be invited.
A statement by the bank said that the fund will see the creation of an African-led Super NGO in partnership with academics, experts and philanthropists across the globe that are committed to closing the gap between Africa and the rest of the world.
The NGO will work with African governments to provide the funding, governance and talent required to successfully execute game changing government reform programs, especially in the delivery of digital public infrastructure, the statement added.
Speaking on the commitment, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, Chairman, Access Holdings and Co-Founder, Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation, said: “We can’t wait to be saved, Africans need to solve Africa’s problems. This $300 million commitment reflects this reality.
“We African leaders cannot sit back and watch the 4th Industrial Revolution transform the rest of the world while leaving Africa falling further behind. We have to create our own ‘table’ by using technology to unlock the power of our youth, giving Africa a greater voice in the world. It’s today’s leaders who will determine whether or not we grab this opportunity.”
