L-R: Gbenga Adeleke, Head, Risk Management, Access Bank; Temitope Akinyemi, Minister of Finance's Special Adviser on Climate Change; Greg Joborme, Executive Director, Risk Management; Dr. Olugbenga Faleye, Managing Director, SAGLEV Nigeria Ltd at the Sustainable Finance Accelerator Program launch in Lagos.
As part of efforts to champion initiatives to advance access to credit for sustainable projects across Nigeria, Access Bank Plc has launched its Sustainable Finance Accelerator Program.
Unveiled at the Access Towers in Oniru, Lagos, the program was designed support corporates, MSMEs, and nano businesses focused on climate mitigation, adaptation, health care, and other social projects.
The Sustainable Finance Accelerator Program is structured to nurture innovative ideas within the sustainable development sector by offering comprehensive training, mentorship, and essential resources. The program’s goal is to transform participants’ ideas into viable, impactful businesses that contribute to a more sustainable and resilient future.
Speaking at the event, Chizoma Okoli, Deputy Managing Director of Access Bank Plc, expanded on the purpose of the initiative, saying, “In the face of mounting climate risks, social inequalities, and resource scarcity, the call for sustainable finance is louder than ever.
“The financial sector has a pivotal role to play in driving the transition to a low-carbon, inclusive economy. At Access Bank, our mission has evolved beyond conventional banking to embrace sustainability as a core business principle. We have recognised that sustainable finance is not a niche or a temporary trend – it is the future of finance itself,” he stated.
Gregory Jobome, Executive Director of Risk Management, emphasised the bank’s dedication to providing participants with capacity building, funding, and professional networking opportunities. “This journey is not just about Access Bank; it’s about all of us coming together, co-creating solutions, and scaling up sustainable initiatives across Nigeria and Africa,” Jobome said.
The Nigerian government has increased commitment to sustainable finance and climate action, recognising the need to address the disproportionate impact of climate change on Africa despite the continent’s minimal contribution to global emissions. With initiatives like the Carbon Market Activation Committee and Sustainable Energy for All, Nigeria is taking significant steps to reduce emissions while tackling energy poverty and climate change.
Temitope Akinyemi, Minister of Finance’s Special Adviser on Climate Change, said: “While Africa contributes less than 3% to global climate change, the effects are felt acutely across the continent, especially in Nigeria. Our low level of industrialisation has kept our emissions relatively low.
“But we still face immense challenges, including deforestation, energy access, and the devastating impacts of flooding. It is imperative that we continue to mobilise the necessary resources, estimated at $17 billion, to meet our climate goals and ensure that sustainable development is at the heart of our national agenda,” Akinyemi added.
Interested applicants are encouraged to register via https://sustainablefinanceaccelerator.accessbankplc.com/; Follow Access Bank’s social pages and website for more information and guidelines for application to the Sustainable Finance Accelerator Program.
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