2 weeks ago
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Access Bank PLC has reaffirmed its commitment to sustainable finance and climate action as the Gold Sponsor of the Nigeria Climate Change Forum (NCCF) in Abuja. The event convened top African policymakers, global investors, and sustainability leaders to advance efforts toward a net-zero future for the continent.
At the forum, Dr. Gregory Jobome, Access Bank’s Executive Director of Risk Management, stressed the need for Africa to embrace innovation and technology to accelerate its transition to clean energy.
“The Role of Innovation and Technology in Africa’s Net-Zero Transition” was the focus of his presentation, where he highlighted the urgency for Africa to move beyond traditional development models.
Dr. Jobome further underscored the continent’s vulnerability to climate change, particularly if global temperatures exceed 1.5°C.
He urged immediate and transformative action, stating, “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.”
During a high-level panel discussion, Access Bank’s Group Head of Enterprise Risk Management outlined the Bank’s efforts in unlocking financing for renewable energy projects in Nigeria. The session highlighted Access Bank’s leadership in sustainable financing, including its work on green bonds, blended finance, and public-private partnerships (PPPs) as part of a broader strategy to drive Africa’s energy transition.
Access Bank has pioneered several climate-focused initiatives, including Africa’s first corporate-certified green bond, financing renewable energy projects such as solar farms and wind energy, and implementing sustainability-driven banking practices like solar-powered ATMs and paperless banking.
Recognising the importance of innovation, the Bank is also investing in smart, low-carbon infrastructure and circular economy solutions such as waste-to-energy technologies and biodegradable packaging.
The Minister of Women Affairs, Hajia Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, highlighted the vital role of women in climate action, noting that they are disproportionately affected by climate change. She called for stronger public-private partnerships to empower women in Africa’s net-zero agenda.
The NCCF provided a platform for key stakeholders to discuss practical strategies for Africa’s sustainable future. Access Bank remains committed to mobilising large-scale investments and collaborations to drive long-term, impactful climate solutions for the continent.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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