Joy Agwunobi
Access Bank Plc has officially launched its Sustainable Finance Accelerator Programme. The initiative, aimed at empowering corporates, micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and nano businesses, focuses on critical areas such as climate change mitigation, health care, and various social impact projects.
The Sustainable Finance Accelerator Programme is structured to nurture innovative concepts within the sustainable development sector, offering a comprehensive suite of training, mentorship, and essential resources to participants, and aims to transform promising ideas into impactful businesses that contribute to a sustainable and resilient future for Nigeria.
As part of the programme, aspiring entrepreneurs are encouraged to register and take advantage of the opportunities provided.
Chizoma Okoli, the deputy managing director of Access Bank Plc, shared insights on the initiative during the launch .
She stressed the growing need for sustainable finance amidst escalating climate risks, social inequalities, and resource scarcity.
Okoli emphasised the crucial role the financial sector plays in facilitating a transition to a low-carbon and inclusive economy.
She noted that Access Bank’s mission has evolved beyond traditional banking, positioning sustainability as a core business principle.
“Sustainable finance is not merely a niche or passing trend—it represents the future of finance,” she stated.
On his part, Gregory Jobome, executive director of risk management at Access Bank Plc, highlighted the collaborative aspect of the program, stressing the bank’s commitment to equipping participants with valuable resources.
“This initiative is not solely about Access Bank; it’s about fostering a collaborative environment where we come together to create innovative solutions and scale sustainable initiatives throughout Nigeria and Africa,” Jobome stated, underscoring the bank’s dedication to providing capacity building, funding, and professional networking opportunities to aspiring entrepreneurs.
In addition, the federal government is increasingly showing its dedication to sustainable finance and climate action.
Acknowledging the severe impact of climate change on Africa despite the continent’s relatively low contribution to global emissions the government has launched various initiatives to tackle these issues with programmes like the Carbon Market Activation Committee and Sustainable Energy for All play a vital role in both reducing emissions and combating energy poverty, paving the way for a more sustainable future.
According to Temitope Akinyemi, the special adviser on climate change to the minister of finance, the urgency of the climate situation cannot be overstated, noting that while Africa contributes less than three percent to global climate change, the effects are significantly felt across the continent, especially in Nigeria.
Akinyemi explained that although the country’s low level of industrialisation helps keep emissions relatively low, it still struggles with serious challenges such as deforestation, restricted energy access, and the devastating impacts of flooding.
“It is imperative that we mobilise the necessary resources estimated at $17 billion to meet our climate objectives and ensure that sustainable development remains at the core of our national agenda,”Akinyemi added.
