A major global development and technology gathering, the Handshake Summit & Awards, has brought together investors, policymakers, diplomats, innovators, and development experts in Washington D.C., with discussions centred on artificial intelligence, governance, relationship capital, and sustainable economic growth.
The summit, held at the Open Gov Hub during the just concluded Spring Meetings in Washington DC, was organised by BudgIT, Semaform Foundation and ConcordeApp as an extension of conversations from the 70th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women.
The event focused on how technology, capital, and human networks can drive measurable social and economic impact across emerging economies.
Organisers said the summit was inspired by the World Bank’s “Water Forward” initiative unveiled during the Spring Meetings, which seeks to reposition water infrastructure as a driver of industrialisation, investment, and economic growth.
President of the World Bank, Ajay Banga, had during the launch of the initiative stressed the economic importance of functional water systems.
“Water is foundational to how economies function. When water systems work, farmers produce, businesses operate, and cities attract investment,” he said.
African business mogul, Aliko Dangote, also underscored the need for stronger private sector investment in infrastructure, while the Secretary-General of the United Nations , António Guterres, described water as central to sustainable development.
With the theme, “The Offline Survival Kit: Building and Monetising Impactful Communities,” the summit explored how genuine human engagement and trust-building remain critical despite rapid digital transformation and the rise of artificial intelligence.
Founder of BudgIT and Chairman of the Handshake Summit & Awards, Oluseun Onigbinde, in his keynote address, called for greater transparency and accountability in Africa-US partnerships.
“Accountability is not a buzzword. It is the difference between a signed agreement and a fulfilled promise,” Onigbinde said.
“For too long, Africa-America relations have been heavy on declarations and light on follow-through. Transparency is the missing link. When citizens cannot track how aid is spent or whether trade deals actually benefit local communities, trust erodes.”
He added that the summit was designed to build systems where commitments are measurable and communities can hold leaders accountable.
The event also featured the “Hot Suya” Green Carpet Studio, hosted by Afroglobal Radio and Tribes Kitchen, where guests discussed global risks, investment, governance and development in an informal setting showcasing African culture and cuisine.
A major highlight was the “Beyond the Hype” panel session moderated by Chaste Inegbedion, where business leaders, diplomats, development experts and technology professionals examined the challenges of turning partnerships into tangible outcomes.
Among the speakers was Bobola Odebiyi, who criticised superficial networking culture.
“We have too many conferences where people collect business cards and never speak again. Real partnership means building shared infrastructure, not just shared photo opportunities,” he said.
Representative of the UNA-NCA, Nadjad Nikabou Salifou, stressed the importance of practical development outcomes.
“The communities we serve do not need another resolution. They need reliable water, electricity and digital access,” she said.
Technology and AI also dominated discussions at the summit.
AI product leader at ServiceNow and founder of Tribes Kitchen, Kome Igbogidi, warned that technology alone cannot solve weak human relationships.
“AI will not save broken relationships. Technology is only a tool. Human commitment is what truly drives progress,” he said.
The summit also featured a wellness and leadership session led by mental health coach, Lola Oguntade, who urged leaders to prioritise emotional wellbeing amid increasing professional pressure.
“You cannot negotiate from an empty cup. We spend so much time chasing deals that we forget to breathe,” she said.
Another major session focused on diaspora investment, nonprofit management, and sustainable development, hosted by CEO of Viktonia Strategies, Victor Akangbe.
According to Akangbe, Africa’s diaspora community possesses enormous financial and intellectual capital that remains largely under-coordinated.
The summit concluded with a technology showcase involving organisations including Utiva, ConcordeApp, Semaform Foundation and CrossKudi, followed by the presentation of awards to outstanding leaders recognised for contributions to technology, governance, media, mental health, and development.
Among those honoured were Senior Writer at Fortune Magazine, Sheryl Estrada; Afroglobal Radio founder, Stephen Oguntoyinbo; and former Senior Special Assistant to the President on Digital Transformation, Oswald Osaretin Guobadia.
Executive Director of the, Chukwuka Onyekwena, alongside other dignitaries, attended the event.
The programme ended with what organisers described as a symbolic “handshake circle,” where participants from different sectors and countries exchanged greetings and pledged future collaborations.
Founder of Akada and master of ceremonies at the event, James Ladi Williams, described the gathering as “the beginning of a new era of relationship return on investment.”
