AWC Statehouse Desk
Vice President Kashim Shettima is set to launch a major Learning and Empowerment Fund for Nigerian women, youth and children on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja, marking a significant push to strengthen human capital development and social inclusion.
The initiative, convened by the Office of the Vice President in collaboration with Sterling One Foundation, the United Nations System and other ASIS partners, forms part of the Africa Social Impact Summit (ASIS) 2026 High-Level Policy Engagement hosted in Abuja.
With the theme “Scaling Action – Driving Inclusive Growth through Policy and Innovation,” the engagement will convene over 200 senior leaders from government, the private sector, development institutions, civil society and the diplomatic community to advance practical solutions for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Key deliverables at the event include the launch of the Business Coalition for Education (BCE) and the Nigeria Foundational Learning Fund, initiatives designed to accelerate foundational literacy and numeracy and confront Nigeria’s persistent out-of-school children challenge.
Also on the agenda is the unveiling of the Women and Youth Financial and Economic Inclusion (WYFEI) Nigeria platform, with Nigeria designated as the implementation hub for the African Union’s WYFE programme. The event will culminate in the adoption of the WYFEI Nigeria Declaration, committing stakeholders to coordinated, measurable action to expand opportunities for women and young people.
Organisers say the initiative underscores the Federal Government’s focus on people-centred growth, leveraging partnerships, innovation and targeted financing to translate policy intent into real impact for Nigeria’s most vulnerable populations.
