Abuja, Nigeria – Access Bank PLC has reaffirmed its commitment to sustainable finance and climate action as the Gold Sponsor of the Nigeria Climate Change Forum (NCCF), held in Abuja. The event gathered Africa’s leading policymakers, global investors, and sustainability experts to advance discussions on achieving a net-zero future for the continent.
At the forum, Dr. Gregory Jobome, Executive Director of Risk Management at Access Bank, delivered a keynote address titled “The Role of Innovation and Technology in Africa’s Net-Zero Transition.” He stressed the need for Africa to embrace cutting-edge technology and sustainable finance to accelerate its shift to clean energy. He also warned of Africa’s vulnerability to climate change, particularly if global temperatures exceed 1.5°C, and called for urgent action to ensure climate resilience.
During a high-level panel session, Access Bank’s Group Head of Enterprise Risk Management discussed unlocking financing for renewable energy projects in Nigeria. The session highlighted the bank’s leadership in sustainable finance, including green bonds, blended finance, and public-private partnerships (PPPs), providing a roadmap for Africa’s energy transition.
Access Bank has been at the forefront of financing Africa’s low-carbon transition, spearheading several key initiatives:
- Africa’s First Corporate Certified Green Bond – Investing in climate-resilient projects and setting a benchmark for green finance in the region.
- Securing Climate Finance – Attracting global investments to drive renewable energy, low-carbon transportation, and climate adaptation projects.
- Driving Renewable Energy Investments – Financing solar farms, wind energy projects, and energy-efficient infrastructure to accelerate Africa’s clean energy revolution.
- Decarbonisation Initiatives – Implementing solar-powered ATMs, paperless banking, and waste recycling programs to reduce institutional carbon footprints.
Recognizing the role of innovation in climate action, Access Bank is supporting transformative financial and technological solutions to enhance Africa’s sustainability efforts:
- Smart, Low-Carbon Infrastructure – Funding sustainable buildings, energy-efficient systems, and green supply chains.
- Circular Economy Initiatives – Investing in waste-to-energy technology, biodegradable packaging, and sustainable manufacturing to promote resource efficiency.
As one of Africa’s leading sustainability-driven financial institutions, Access Bank is driving collective efforts towards a net-zero future through strategic collaborations with governments, international financiers, and industry innovators. The Sustainable Finance Accelerator Program is one of its key initiatives aimed at mobilizing large-scale investments for Africa’s green transition.
“Africa is undergoing rapid technological and financial innovation, much of it in collaboration with global partners. However, we must scale up efforts to create meaningful opportunities for the continent’s growing youth population who are eager to participate in the green economy. Financial institutions play a crucial role in this transformation,” Dr. Jobome stated.
In addition, Nigeria’s Minister of Women Affairs, Hajia Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, emphasized the critical role of women in driving climate action, noting that women are disproportionately affected by climate change. She called for stronger public-private partnerships to empower women in sustainable development initiatives.
The NCCF served as a crucial platform for key stakeholders to engage in meaningful discussions and shape actionable strategies for Africa’s sustainable future. Access Bank reiterated its commitment to delivering impactful, long-term solutions that will ensure a climate-resilient and thriving continent for generations to come.
INN-HOUSE☆ 