Access Bank Champions Accelerated Action for Africa’s Sustainable Future
Access Bank PLC has reaffirmed its leadership in sustainable finance and climate action by serving as the Gold Sponsor of the Nigeria Climate Change Forum (NCCF) in Abuja. The high-level gathering brought together Africa’s top policymakers, global investors, and sustainability leaders to advance urgent strategies for achieving a net-zero future on the continent.
At the forum, Dr. Gregory Jobome, Executive Director of Risk Management at Access Bank, delivered a powerful presentation on “The Role of Innovation and Technology in Africa’s Net-Zero Transition.”He emphasized the necessity for Africa to bypass traditional development models by leveraging cutting-edge technology and sustainable finance to accelerate the shift to clean energy.
Dr. Jobome also highlighted Africa’s increasing vulnerability to climate change, particularly in scenarios where global temperatures exceed 1.5°C. He called for swift, transformative action to mitigate risks and strengthen climate resilience.
During a high-level panel discussion, Access Bank’s Group Head of Enterprise Risk Management provided key insights into unlocking financing for renewable energy projects in Nigeria. The session underscored the Bank’s pioneering role in sustainable financing, showcasing solutions such as green bonds, blended finance, and public-private partnerships (PPPs) as critical tools for Africa’s energy transition.
Access Bank remains at the forefront of financing Africa’s low-carbon transition through innovative and strategic investments, including:
– Africa’s First Corporate Certified Green Bond– Pioneering investments in climate-resilient projects and setting a precedent for sustainable finance.
– Securing Climate Finance– Attracting global capital to accelerate renewable energy, low-carbon transportation, and climate adaptation initiatives.
– Driving Renewable Energy Investments– Financing solar farms, wind energy projects, and energy-efficient infrastructure to power Africa’s clean energy revolution.
– Leading the Decarbonisation Movement – Deploying solar-powered ATMs, paperless banking systems, and waste recycling programmes to reduce institutional emissions.
Recognizing innovation as a catalyst for sustainability, Access Bank is spearheading transformative financial and technological solutions to boost Africa’s climate resilience. Some of these efforts include:
– Smart, Low-Carbon Infrastructure – Funding sustainable buildings, energy-efficient systems, and green supply chains to support urban sustainability.
– Circular Economy Innovations – Investing in waste-to-energy technologies, biodegradable packaging, and sustainable manufacturing to foster a circular economy in Africa.
As Africa’s leading sustainability-driven financial institution, Access Bank is mobilizing large-scale investments to drive the continent’s green transition. Through strategic collaborations with governments, international financiers, and industry innovators via the Sustainable Finance Accelerator Program, the Bank is catalyzing Africa’s net-zero journey.
“Africa is experiencing a wave of innovation and technological advancement, much of it in collaboration with global partners. However, we are still at an early stage. To create meaningful opportunities for the continent’s rapidly growing youth population—who are eager to engage in the green economy—we must scale up efforts. Financial institutions have a pivotal role to play in this transformation,” said Dr. Jobome.
Additionally, Hajia Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, Nigeria’s Minister of Women Affairs, underscored the crucial role of women in advancing Africa’s net-zero agenda. She highlighted that women are disproportionately affected by climate change and called for increased public-private partnerships to empower women in climate action.
The Nigeria Climate Change Forum (NCCF) provided a critical platform for key stakeholders to engage in insightful discussions and develop actionable strategies for Africa’s sustainable future. Access Bank remains committed to driving impactful, long-term solutions that will ensure a resilient and thriving continent for generations to come.
About Access Bank PLC
Access Bank PLC, a subsidiary of Access Holdings PLC , is a leading full-service commercial bank with a presence across three continents, 24 countries, and over 60 million customers. With a network of more than 700 branches and a workforce of over 28,000 employees, the Bank has established itself as a major financial player in Africa and beyond.
Listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange since 1998, Access Bank has built a strong reputation for combining a robust retail banking platform with deep corporate banking expertise. Through its core business segments—Corporate and Investment Banking, Commercial Banking, and Retail Banking—Access Bank continues to drive sustainable economic growth while integrating environmentally responsible and socially relevant business practices.
As a leader in sustainable finance, Access Bank remains committed to helping customers access more opportunities and achieve their dreams while contributing to Africa’s transition towards a greener, more sustainable future.
