Access Bank Urges Tech-Driven Solutions For Africa’s Net-Zero Transition
Access Bank Plc has emphasized the urgent need for Africa to leapfrog traditional development models by leveraging cutting-edge technology and sustainable finance.
The bank stated this as the Gold Sponsor of the Nigeria Climate Change Forum (NCCF), held in Abuja. The event brought together influential policymakers, global investors, and sustainability leaders to accelerate Africa’s transition to a net-zero future.
Executive Director of Risk Management at Access Bank, Dr. Gregory Jobome in his presentation on “The Role of Innovation and Technology in Africa’s Net-Zero Transition,” highlighted Africa’s heightened vulnerability to climate change, particularly if global temperatures exceed 1.5°C.
He called for transformative action to mitigate risks and enhance climate resilience.
During the panel discussion, Access Bank’s Group Head of Enterprise Risk Management provided insights on unlocking financing for renewable energy projects in Nigeria.
The session underscored the Bank’s leadership in pioneering sustainable financing solutions, including green bonds, blended finance, and public-private partnerships, laying out a roadmap for Africa’s energy transition.
The Bank said it continues to champion Africa’s low-carbon transition through strategic initiatives, including the issuance of Africa’s first corporate certified green bond, setting a precedent in green finance by investing in climate-resilient projects.
According to the bank, it is securing climate finance by mobilizing global capital to support renewable energy, low-carbon transportation, and climate adaptation initiatives.
In its commitment to driving renewable energy investments, Access Bank is financing solar farms, wind energy projects, and energy-efficient infrastructure to propel Africa’s clean energy revolution. Additionally, the Bank is leading the decarbonization movement by implementing solar-powered ATMs, paperless banking, and waste recycling programs to cut institutional emissions.
Recognizing the critical role of technology in climate action, Access Bank is driving transformative financial and technological solutions, including funding smart, low-carbon infrastructure such as sustainable buildings, energy-efficient systems, and green supply chains to foster urban sustainability.
The Bank is also investing in circular economy innovations by supporting waste-to-energy technologies, biodegradable packaging, and sustainable manufacturing to promote a more resilient and sustainable economy.
Jobome said the 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 actively fostering a net-zero future.
“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 Jobome.
Additionally, Nigeria’s Minister of Women Affairs, Hajia Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, underscored the crucial role of women in driving Africa’s net-zero agenda.
She highlighted the disproportionate impact of climate change on women and called for increased public-private partnerships to empower women in climate action.
Access Bank Urges Tech-Driven Solutions For Africa’s Net-Zero Transition is first published on The Whistler Newspaper
