Abuja, Nigeria – Rise to Inspire Africa Initiative (RIA) was proud to participate in the inaugural Humanitarian Xchange (HX) Abuja 2026, a landmark gathering that brought together humanitarian practitioners, community leaders, researchers, development professionals, youth leaders, and innovators from across Nigeria.
Representing our organization, our Executive Director, Stephen Olushola Oladepo joined over 100 participants in meaningful conversations focused on strengthening humanitarian leadership, promoting locally led responses, and building stronger partnerships to address Nigeria’s evolving humanitarian challenges. The event was convened by the Humanitarian Leadership Academy in partnership with Save the Children Nigeria, creating an important platform for collaboration, learning, and innovation across the humanitarian sector.
A Platform for Collaboration and Shared Learning
HX Abuja served as more than just a conference. It provided a collaborative space where organizations working across humanitarian response, development, peacebuilding, health, protection, climate resilience, education, and governance exchanged practical experiences and explored innovative approaches to improving outcomes for vulnerable communities.
Discussions throughout the event covered a wide range of critical issues, including:
Localization and strengthening local leadership
Humanitarian innovation and technology
Data-driven decision making
The Humanitarian-Development-Peace Nexus
Climate and displacement
Youth leadership and participation
Safeguarding and accountability
Financing local organizations
Partnerships that drive sustainable impact
These conversations reinforced a common understanding that today’s humanitarian challenges require stronger collaboration, shared learning, and greater investment in local organizations that understand the realities of the communities they serve.
Why This Matters to Rise to Inspire Africa
At Rise to Inspire Africa, we believe sustainable humanitarian and development solutions begin with local leadership.
Our work has always centered on empowering communities, strengthening local systems, supporting vulnerable populations, and creating opportunities that improve lives beyond immediate humanitarian assistance. Participating in HX Abuja aligned perfectly with our mission of promoting community-led development, resilience, and inclusive partnerships.
The conversations held during the event reaffirmed the importance of ensuring that local organizations are not simply implementing projects but actively shaping policies, influencing decisions, and co-creating solutions alongside national and international partners.
The knowledge, networks, and insights gained through HX Abuja will continue to strengthen our approach as we design and implement programs that respond to the needs of the communities we serve.
Building Stronger Partnerships for Greater Impact
One of the most valuable outcomes of HX Abuja was the opportunity to connect with humanitarian actors from across Nigeria who share a commitment to improving coordination, increasing innovation, and strengthening locally driven responses.
These relationships create opportunities for:
Knowledge exchange
Strategic partnerships
Joint learning
Capacity strengthening
Collaborative program design
Greater collective impact for vulnerable communities
As humanitarian needs continue to evolve across Nigeria, collaboration between organizations will remain essential in delivering effective, inclusive, and sustainable solutions.
Looking Ahead
Rise to Inspire Africa remains committed to advancing locally led humanitarian and development action through partnerships, innovation, and community engagement.
We extend our appreciation to the Humanitarian Leadership Academy, Save the Children Nigeria, fellow participants, speakers, and organizers for creating a platform that encouraged honest dialogue, practical learning, and meaningful collaboration.
Events like HX Abuja demonstrate the power of bringing together diverse voices to collectively shape a stronger humanitarian ecosystem for Nigeria and beyond.
Read the Original Feature
Our Executive Director and Rise to Inspire Africa were featured among participants in the Humanitarian Leadership Academy’s official reflections from HX Abuja.
We encourage readers to explore the original article to hear more perspectives from participants and learn about the key conversations that emerged from the event.
Original article: Reflections from HX Abuja – Humanitarian Leadership Academy
