Brand Finance announced this in its Nigeria 25 2026 report, which ranks the country’s strongest brands based on brand value, brand strength, and underlying business performance. According to the report, Access Bank’s brand value stands at ₦773.2 billion, maintaining its numberone ranking despite shortterm macroeconomic and market pressures.

It attributed the marginal yearonyear decline in brand value to a deliberate strategic shift, as the Bank continues to prioritise longterm growth, regional expansion, and international scale over shortterm domestic margins.

Brand Finance pointed out that Access Bank’s sustained leadership reflects a longterm brand strategy anchored on scale, trust, and regional relevance, positioning the Bank to maintain brand strength and resilience as Nigeria’s economy continues its gradual recovery and the competitive landscape evolves.

It highlighted Access Bank’s transition from a local market leader to a crosscontinental financial infrastructure provider, noting that stronger contributions from its African operations helped offset a decline in Nigerian income during the period. This repositioning supports the Bank’s ambition of serving as a key gateway between Africa and global financial markets.

Importantly, the Brand Finance report also recorded a strengthening of the Access Bank brand, with the Bank rising to third place nationally on the Brand Strength Index (BSI), achieving a score of 88.7/100 and retaining an AAA brand rating. Brand Finance links this improvement to stronger brand coherence across markets and clearer strategic positioning following the consolidation of international acquisitions.

Commenting, Babatunde Odumeru, Managing Director, Brand Finance Nigeria, said, a defining shift in the business environment has been the movement from survival to resilience, with brands that invested through uncertainty now emerging stronger.

“This report highlights a key trend: trust is now the fundamental driver of business growth. With consumers now more cautious about how they spend their money, brands must offer a reliability premium in order to build trust, which is an essential foundation for customer loyalty. The brands that have achieved this have not just stood out but have consistently grown their brand value and maintained their lead in the Brand Finance rankings: If you are reliable, you are valuable.”

Odumeru noted that the rankings were dominated by the banking and manufacturing sectors, driven by homegrown resilience and digital savviness required to convert engagement into customer loyalty. This dynamic, he said, reflects a collaborative strength between the two sectors that continues to underpin Nigeria’s overall brand value.

The Brand Finance Nigeria 25 report is published annually and assesses Nigeria’s leading brands using a combination of brand value, brand strength, and comprehensive market analysis.

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As a result, NBK, where KCB Group had 100% ownership, is now a wholly owned subsidiary of Access Bank Plc. NBK and Access Bank Kenya will continue to operate independently, pending the completion of all integration processes.

The acquisition is a pivotal step in Access Bank’s expansion strategy in East Africa. The combined entitywill significantly enhance Access Bank’s presence in Kenya, strengthening the bank’s presence in the region. This move will allow Access Bank to offer an even more robust suite of banking services, catering to the evolving needs of individuals and businesses across Kenya.

Commenting on the completion of the transaction, Roosevelt Ogbonna, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Access Bank Plc, said:

“Finalising this acquisition marks a significant step in our drive towards unlocking the vast potential of East Africa’s financial landscape. Kenya stands at the heart of regional commerce, and with NBK now part of the Access Bank family, are better positioned to leverage our combined strengths to deliver high-impact banking solutions to individuals, businesses, and government institutions alike.

“NBK’s heritage and local expertise, combined with our pan-African network and innovation-led approach, will enable us to serve as a stronger catalyst for economic growth. Our ambition is clear: to be the bridge that connects African businesses to global markets, fuel intra-African trade, and drive inclusive prosperity. We are excited about what lies ahead as we lay the groundwork for a unified and more resilient banking presence in Kenya that empowers our customers and partners to thrive.”

The transaction reflects ongoing market developments to enhance the banking sector’s resilience.

KCB Group CEO Paul Russo said, “The completion of this transaction marks a significant milestone for KCB Group in our efforts to create and deliver value for our shareholders. We are confident the sale will unlock new opportunities for all the stakeholders. KCB Group will work closely with Access Bank to ensure a smooth handover, operational transition and collaborate on customary transaction closure processes. This includes finalising the transfer of systems and governance functions in line with regulatory guidelines and service level commitments.

“KCB Group will also continue to engage relevant stakeholders to ensure compliance and preserve customer confidence throughout the post-transaction integration period,” he added.

George Odhiambo, Managing Director of NBK, added, “NBK has a proud legacy of serving the public sector in Kenya, and this integration with Access Bank offers an exciting opportunity to build on that foundation. Access Bank’s expertise across corporate, retail, and digital banking – combined with a strong public sector focus – will allow us to serve customers more comprehensively and extend our reach.”

With the legal transaction now completed, both institutions will begin the transition process to ensure a seamless integration. In the interim, customers will continue to access services through their existing banking channels – whether with NBK or Access Bank Kenya. The immediate priority remains the alignment of operations, unification of teams, and harmonisation of product offerings as the banks move toward functioning as a single, consolidated entity.

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The event, which kick-started the annual French Week celebration, highlighted Access Bank’s dedication to fostering bilateral business collaborations and creating a platform for growth, trust, and innovation in the France-Nigeria economic space.

The Business Forum attracted high-profile dignitaries, including Ambassador of France to Nigeria, Consul General of France in Lagos, President of the Franco-Nigeria Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and Chairman of Access Holdings Plc, Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade, and Investment in Lagos, as well as the Technical Adviser to the President on Foreign Direct Investment, conveyed the federal government’s full support for advancing cross-border partnerships with France, appreciating its leadership in organising such impactful forums.

In his opening remarks, Mr. Laurent Favier, the Consul General of France, acknowledged the bank’s growing presence in France, further underscoring the bank’s pivotal role in facilitating trade between the two nations.

He lauded the bank for championing France-Nigeria economic relations by establishing both a strong footprint in Paris and a dedicated French Desk in Nigeria to facilitate seamless business transactions. Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, Chairman of Access Holdings PLC, who also serves as President of the France-Nigeria Business Council, emphasised the council’s role in supporting economic policies that enhance the business environment for both nations.

“The France-Nigeria Business Council seeks to play a crucial role in supporting our government, businesses, and citizens to create a more enabling, uplifting, and secure environment for cross-border businesses,” he stated.

During the first panel discussion, Roosevelt Ogbonna, CEO of Access Bank Nigeria, highlighted the bank’s efforts in supporting African presence in global markets.

“Access Bank is dedicated to giving Africa a voice on the international stage, helping local businesses scale through better access to information, credit, and capital. Our presence in Paris not only strengthens Nigeria’s influence, but also facilitates investments that align with the ongoing economic transformations on the African continent.”In his closing remarks, HE Marc Fonbaustier, the Ambassador of France emphasized the significance of the forum as a platform to elevate Nigeria-France trade and investments.

“Events like this provide a rare opportunity to enhance our bilateral economic relationship, strengthening existing trade and investment channels and fostering new partnerships.
”With the successful launch of the French Week 2024 Business Forum, Access Bank reaffirms its commitment to positioning Nigeria as a key player in the international business landscape, promoting shared economic growth and sustainable partnerships that benefit both nations.”

About Access Bank PLC
Access Bank, a wholly owned subsidiary of Access Holdings PLC, is a leading full-service commercial bank operating through a network of more than 700 branches and service outlets spanning 3 continents, 23 countries and over 60 million customers.

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As one of only 13 African companies to receive this distinction amongst the 850 ranked on the list, the bank sets a high standard within the African banking industry, underscoring its commitment to equitable growth and opportunities for all.

Its leadership expressed pride in the Forbes recognition, viewing it as an affirmation of the institution’s inclusive, growth-oriented environment. Emeka Dibia, Head of Human Resources (Nigeria), commented:

“Our people are the foundation of our success. At Access Bank, we strive to create an environment that nurtures talent, encourages professional growth, and emphasises well-being. This recognition from Forbes reflects our continuous efforts to foster a culture that prioritises our employees’ satisfaction, growth, and long-term potential.”

Forbes, in partnership with market research firm Statista, surveyed over 300,000 employees across more than 50 countries to compile the list. Participants represented multinational companies operating in at least two of the six continental regions: Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean, North America, and Oceania. Employees rated their companies on factors such as salary, talent development, diversity, and remote work options, with additional input drawn from industry knowledge and connections.

Survey responses were analysed and tallied – along with data from the previous three years – with a heavier weight put on the more recent data and on the evaluations from current employees.

Access Bank, a wholly owned subsidiary of Access Holdings Plc, is a leading full-service commercial bank operating through a network of more than 700 branches and service outlets spanning 3 continents, 23 countries and over 60 million customers.

The Bank employs over 28,000 people in its operations in Africa and Europe, with representative offices in China, Lebanon, India, and the UAE.Access Bank’s parent company, Access Holdings Plc, has been listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange since 1998

It is a diversified financial institution which combines a strong retail customer franchise and digital platform with deep corporate banking expertise, proven risk management and capital management capabilities. It service services its various markets through three key business segments: Corporate and Investment Banking, Commercial Banking, and Retail Banking.

The lender has enjoyed what is arguably Africa’s most successful banking growth trajectory in the last 18 years, becoming one of the continent’s largest retail banks.As part of its continued growth strategy,

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In addition to this top honour, the Bank also secured the Best Website Award, achieving an impressive score of 201 points for its engaging and user-friendly digital experience.

The bank’s cumulative score of 380 points reflects its excellence across digital touchpoints, including its website, web portal, mobile app, and social media.Commenting on the recognition, Amaechi Okobi, Chief Communications Officer of Access Holdings PLC said, “We are honoured to receive the Best Digital and Best Website Awards at this year’s Digital Jurist Awards. At Access, our focus on digital innovation is driven by our commitment to deliver seamless, secure, and customer-centric solutions across all touchpoints. This recognition validates our ongoing efforts to enhance our digital platforms, making financial services more accessible and efficient for our customers. We thank Phillips Consulting for recognising our efforts and will continue to raise the bar in digital excellence.”

Phillips Consulting has long served as a development partner to Nigerian financial institutions and other organisations with an online presence. Leveraging its proprietary Digital Jurist platform, the firm has conducted assessments of digital touchpoints in various sectors, from financial services and insurance to telecommunications and government agencies, over the past 17 years.

Originally established as Web Jurist®, the platform was reimagined as Digital Jurist to assess new and diversified digital channels in the evolving digital economy. Digital Jurist’s evaluation framework examines a range of factors, including user experience, accessibility, performance, functionality, security, customer service, support, marketing, and content engagement across digital platforms.

These awards reinforce Access Bank’s leadership in digital banking, adding to recent accolades including 2024 Best Digital Bank and Best Mobile Banking App by World Finance, Best Mobile Banking App and Best Digital Bank by The Digital Banker Awards, and Best Digital Banking Initiative at the Global Retail Banking Innovation Awards 2024.

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Access Holdings Reaffirms Commitment to Driving Inter-, Intra-African Trade banking subsidiary targets November for African Trade Conference

Access Holdings Plc, the parent company of Access Bank Plc, has announced a series of initiatives aimed at empowering small businesses across Africa and enhancing intra-African trade.

During a recent media roundtable, the leadership team, including Acting GCEO Ms. Bolaji Agbede, and Group Managing Director/CEO, Roosevelt Ogbonna, shared insights on the company’s strategic priorities for the coming years.

“Our commitment to fostering economic growth in Africa is well established,” said Agbede. “We believe that by supporting small businesses, we can create lasting economic value and drive meaningful change across the continent.”

Ogbonna outlined the strategic priorities for 2023–2027, which focus on infrastructure investments, retail banking, and small business empowerment. “We aim to provide an enabling environment for small businesses to access new markets on the continent,” he stated. To facilitate this, Access Bank will host a trade conference in November, designed to connect small businesses and stimulate intra-African trade.

The bank’s commitment to infrastructure investment is evident, with 61 new branches opened in Nigeria this year alone, despite challenging economic conditions. “This expansion showcases our dedication to enhancing retail banking and improving customer access to financial services,” Ogbonna added. Furthermore, the bank is in the process of establishing fully digitalised branches, known as ‘branches of the future,’ which will leverage advanced technology to increase financial access for underserved communities.

Access Holdings is also focused on enhancing regional trade dynamics. By fostering partnerships and collaborations among small businesses, the company aims to create a robust network that supports economic development across Africa. “We are committed to building a sustainable ecosystem that empowers businesses and drives growth,” Ogbonna emphasised.

As Access Holdings continues to expand its footprint across the continent, it remains dedicated to its mission of creating lasting economic value for Africa and empowering businesses that can drive meaningful change.

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Winbundle Airtime2Win enables customers to purchase airtime via *901# and receive 70 percent airtime value and 30 percent raffle tickets into the consumer draw, with chances to win up to N100million weekly.

Senior Retail Advisor, Retail Banking, Access Bank, Robert Giles, while speaking on the service between Access Bank and SaltinGStein Limited, expressed the bank’s commitment to rewarding its customers. He said the bank’s 901 USSD services have been something that has helped the bank and the industry by generally improving access to finance.

“Our 901 USSD platform allows customers to open bank accounts. So you don’t need to go to a branch anymore to open a bank account. You can open it from the comfort of your home. And that has enabled a much younger generation, and particularly female generation, to open bank accounts wherever they are in the country.

“It evolved further to bill payments, so you can, of course, top-up that phone that’s so important to you. You can buy data, and also you can pay for your DSTV and other services. And as we’ve as we’ve

“We have evolved in all of our banking services, we have seen that, particularly with a new and younger generation, people want to be engaged more. Simply having a phone and doing transactions is not enough. And if we look at today’s world, when we compare ourselves in the banking industry, we have to compare ourselves to big tech customers who are familiar with using social media”.

Giles added that the feedback from the bank’s customers is the reason the is poise to give them what they want.

What we are announcing today is as a result of feedback from our customers and it is yet another service on 901 that will help customers to do their transactions but also participate in a draw and have the chance to win life changing cash.
He added that the bank is pleased to be on the same page with WinBundle with the sole objective of switching utilities and Airtime payments for its customers with WinBundle’s Airtime2Win.

Oluremi Tinuola Gabriel, Group Head, Digital Channel, Access Bank, said, “The bank is in this partnership with WinBundle because customers want more and what the bank is doing is in response to what the customers want. They stand the chance of winning upto N100M every week”.

Stella Oshorinde, Chief Commercial Officer, WinBundle By SaltinGStein Limited, said, “If you dial *901# and select airtime on the menu, you will see items 3 and 4 for “Airtime plus raffle ticket to win up to N100M” for self and others, respectively. This is the future, and the future lies in the gamification of everyday utilities. This is what WinBundle by SaltinGStein represents—providing an opportunity for everyday spending to change lives”

“So basically, when you get that product, what you are doing is putting yourself into a national consumer draw, which happens every Friday, and in that draw, you stand a chance to win up to N100 Million. So what we have done with the WinBundle By SaltinGStein Limited is to enable Nigerians to gamify their everyday expenses or expenditure, as we call it universal gamification of sales and expenditure (UGeX)”.

“So not only are you fulfilling your utility needs, of buying airtime, or data top-up, you’re also allowing yourself to win life-changing cash.

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Access Bank Plc, one of Africa’s leading banks, has reinforced its dedication to advancing women’s empowerment across Southern Africa with the relaunch of its ‘W’ Initiative in Zambia and Botswana. The ‘W’ Initiative, which provides a wide array of financial services and support programs specifically designed for women, is a key component of Access Bank’s broader strategy to drive financial inclusion and foster socio-economic growth in the region.

The revamped ‘W’ Initiative aims to provide financial services for women by offering customised solutions such as savings and investment products, business loans, and mentorship programs. In addition to these services, the initiative also promotes financial literacy and provides opportunities for professional growth. During the event in Zambia, Chizoma Okoli, Deputy Managing Director of Access Bank Plc, highlighted the importance of initiatives like these for empowering women.

“Empowering women is a cornerstone of Access Bank’s mission to drive economic growth across Africa. Through the ‘W’ Initiative, we aim to provide tailored financial solutions while also fostering environments that encourage women to thrive in all areas of life – whether as business owners, professionals, or leaders in their communities,” she said.

Okoli held discussions with key stakeholders, including Vice President of Zambia, Mrs. W.K. Mutala Nalumango, to explore strategies for creating an enabling environment for Zambian women. Access Bank Zambia also pledged a donation of K500,000 towards nutritional programs in the Vice President’s office, further demonstrating the Bank’s commitment to community welfare.

Nalumango highlighted the vital role women play in the nation’s economic development. “It is crucial for women to recognise the value they bring to the table and to be vocal about their accomplishments,” she stated. She also emphasised the importance of self-promotion and self-advocacy, particularly for women and girls, while commending Access Bank’s efforts to support women through initiatives like the ‘W’ Initiative.

Meanwhile, in Botswana, Access Bank’s relaunched ‘W’ Initiative set a new benchmark for women’s financial empowerment in the country. Sheperd Aisam, Managing Director of Access Bank Botswana, described the Initiative as a “transformative platform” offering tailored financial products and services that cater to the unique needs of women. The initiative in Botswana will introduce solutions such as vacation, health, and educational loans, as well as high-interest savings accounts designed for long-term wealth building.

“We are proud to launch the ‘W’ Initiative in Botswana, which is designed not only to provide financial products but also to equip women with the tools, resources, and networks they need to achieve personal and professional success,” said Aisam. “Access Bank is committed to inspiring and empowering women across all sectors of society.”

Over the past 17 years, Access Bank has consistently demonstrated its commitment to gender equality and women’s economic empowerment, expending over N338.6 billion in financing for over 3.6 million women. The ‘W’ Health Loan, the new umbrella product for all health loans available under the W Initiative comes in 3 variants. One of these variants is the Maternal Health Service Support (MHSS) – a flagship product designed to provide discounted financing for fertility procedures, natal support and specialized procedures peculiar to women.

i  The MHSS, which is currently present in Nigeria, Ghana, Rwanda, Mozambique and Zambia, is positioned to help women and families overcome barriers to good health and wellbeing. Often referred to as the ‘baby making product’, the MHSS is a premier product in Africa which has impacted over 160 women and families with access to finance on various health procedures worth N245.5 million as well as birthed 104 babies through the discounted health financing scheme. The 2 additional health loan variants cover medical emergencies and cancer treatments.

Running in 12 countries across Africa, the ‘W’ Initiative stands as a testament to Access Bank’s broader commitment to women’s empowerment across Africa, ensuring that more women can access financial opportunities that propel them towards towards success.k
Access Bank, a wholly owned subsidiary of Access Holdings Plc, is a leading full-service commercial bank operating through a network of more than 700 branches and service outlets spanning 3 continents, 23 countries and over 60 million customers. The Bank employs over 28,000 people in its operations in Africa and Europe, with representative offices in China, Lebanon, India, and the UAE.Access Bank’s parent company, Access Holdings Plc, has been listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange since 1998. The Bank is a diversified financial institution which combines a strong retail customer franchise and digital platform with deep corporate banking expertise, proven risk management and capital management capabilities. The Bank services its various markets through three key business segments: Corporate and Investment Banking, Commercial Banking, and Retail Banking. The Bank has enjoyed what is arguably Africa’s most successful banking growth trajectory in the last 18 years, becoming one of the continent’s largest retail banks.As part of its continued growth strategy, Access Bank is focused on mainstreaming sustainable business practices into its operations. The Bank strives to deliver sustainable economic growth that is profitable, environmentally responsible, and socially relevant, helping customers to access more and achieve their dreams. p

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However, despite the potential benefits of a circular economy, many challenges and barriers hinder its implementation in Africa. One of the major problems is the lack of adequate infrastructure and regulation for waste management and recycling. Most African countries lack formal systems for collecting, sorting, and processing waste, resulting in large amounts of waste being dumped or burned, posing serious health and environmental risks. According to the Global Waste Management Outlook, only 19% of Africa’s urban population has access to controlled waste disposal services, and only 4% of the waste is treated to reduce its environmental impact. Moreover, there is a lack of clear policies and incentives to support circular practices, such as extended producer responsibility, eco-labeling, and green procurement. Without a supportive regulatory framework, companies and consumers have little motivation to adopt circular behaviors and preferences. For instance, only 12 African countries have implemented bans or levies on single-use plastic bags, which are a major source of plastic pollution.

Another problem is the limited awareness and knowledge of the circular economy concept and its benefits among stakeholders. Many businesses, consumers, and policymakers are unaware of the opportunities and advantages of shifting to a circular model, such as cost savings, resource efficiency, innovation, and competitiveness. A survey by the African Circular Economy Network found that only 58% of African businesses are familiar with the circular economy, and only 24% have implemented circular practices in their operations. Similarly, a study by the African Development Bank revealed that only 35% of African consumers are willing to pay more for products that are environmentally friendly or have a longer lifespan. Additionally, there is a lack of capacity and skills to implement circular solutions, such as eco-design, repair, remanufacturing, and recycling. These require technical expertise, financial resources, and access to markets that are often lacking in the African context. Therefore, there is a need for more education, training, and awareness-raising initiatives to foster a culture of circularity and sustainability in Africa.

Nigeria is one of the most populous and fastest-growing countries in Africa, with a population of over 200 million and a GDP growth rate of 2.3% in 2019. However, it is also one of the most wasteful and polluting countries, generating about 32 million tonnes of solid waste annually, of which only 20% is collected and 10% is recycled. The rest is either dumped in open landfills, burned, or littered in the streets, waterways, and oceans. This poses serious threats to the environment, public health, and the economy, as waste management costs account for 20-30% of municipal budgets. Moreover, Nigeria is highly dependent on the import of raw materials and finished products, which exposes it to price volatility, foreign exchange fluctuations, and trade restrictions. A circular economy could offer a solution to these challenges, by reducing waste generation, increasing resource efficiency, and creating value from waste.

In Lagos, the government has taken to support the circular economy through the launch of the Blue Box program, an initiative to improve waste collection and sorting at the household level, by providing blue boxes to residents for separating recyclable materials, such as paper, plastic, metal, and glass, from other waste. The program also involves the establishment of sorting hubs, where the recyclable materials are further sorted and processed, and the engagement of waste aggregators and recyclers, who buy and transport the recyclables to recycling plants. The program aims to increase the recycling rate in Lagos from 10% to 50%, create 500,000 direct and indirect jobs, and reduce the environmental and health impacts of waste mismanagement.

Besides Lagos, other states in Nigeria have also implemented or planned to implement similar programs to promote the circular economy. For example, Ogun state has partnered with a private company to set up a waste-to-wealth project, which converts organic waste into biogas and organic fertilizer. Kaduna state has launched a waste management and recycling scheme, which provides waste collection bins and vehicles, and trains youth and women on waste sorting and recycling. Delta state has initiated a plastic waste management project, which aims to collect and recycle plastic waste into useful products, such as furniture, tiles, and roofing sheets. These programs not only help to reduce waste generation and disposal, but also create income and employment opportunities for the local communities.

The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) has issued guidelines and standards for the management of various types of waste, such as electronic waste, hazardous waste, and medical waste. The agency has also enforced the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) policy, which requires producers and importers of certain products, such as batteries, tyres, and plastic bottles, to take responsibility for the collection and recycling of their end-of-life products. Furthermore, the government has introduced incentives and subsidies for waste management and recycling activities, such as tax waivers, low-interest loans, and grants. These measures aim to create a conducive environment for the growth and development of the circular economy in Nigeria.

In addition, the government has supported the circular economy in Nigeria by raising awareness and education among the public and the private sector. The government has organized campaigns and events, such as the World Environment Day, the Clean Nigeria Day, and the National Recycling Day, to sensitize the people on the benefits and practices of the circular economy. The government has also collaborated with various stakeholders, such as civil society organizations, academic institutions, and industry associations, to provide training and capacity building on waste management and recycling. Moreover, the government has encouraged innovation and research on the circular economy, by supporting the development and adoption of new technologies and solutions, such as biodegradable packaging, waste-to-energy systems, and circular design. These efforts aim to foster a culture of environmental responsibility and sustainability among the Nigerian society.

Access Bank is one of the leading financial institutions in Africa, with a vision to become the world’s most respected African bank. As part of its sustainability strategy, Access Bank is committed to supporting the transition to a circular economy, by providing financing, advisory, and capacity-building services to circular businesses and initiatives. Some of the actions that Access Bank is taking to support the circular economy include:

Access Bank contributes to the development of a circular economy policy and framework for Nigeria, as a member of the Nigerian Circular Economy Working Group (NCEWG), which will guide the nation’s operations and investments in the circular economy. The policy and framework developed will outline the objectives, principles, criteria, and indicators for supporting circular businesses and initiatives, as well as the internal circular practices, such as paperless banking, green procurement, and waste management, that the Nigeria will adopt. The policy and framework will also align with the national and international standards and regulations on the circular economy, such as the IFC’s Performance Standards and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Access Bank through the ACT Foundation supported the Lagos Business School (LBS) in the development of the Leadership Programme for Sustainable Waste Management (LPSWM) in 2019, an initiative to drive Nigeria ‘s transition to circular economy and create sustainable communities by bringing participants who work in the waste management sector or run the their own waste focused initiatives and social enterprises. The Programme which is a leadership and enterprise capacity building platform for youth empowerment in mitigating the environmental and health implications of improper waste management; improve the operational and financial viability of waste management businesses. Over the years of its existence, the programme has delivered the needed information and tools to structure and effectively run a viable enterprise, execute initiatives, projects and formulate better policies,A

Access Holdings in partnership with HACEY launched the Zero Carbon Africa Impact Program, a project that aims to guide and empower Africa’s youth to harness climate action as both a catalyst for sustainable business and an instrument for environmental preservation. The program has multifaceted objectives to nurture climate action leaders and foster climate-resilient communities. The program is empowering more than 700 emerging leaders with comprehensive knowledge of climate action while strengthening the capacities of youth networks across 6 sub-Saharan countries (Nigeria, South Africa, Kenya, Ghana, Rwanda and Zambia) to monitor net-zero plans’ implementation, and steadfastly contribute to national and regional net-zero targets. Through a 12-week immersive journey, the program continues to impart knowledge, transfer skills, and ignite a lasting commitment to a sustainable and green Africa. The program’s cornerstone, the Capacity Building Masterclass, delves into the nuances of climate change and its interplay with sectors such as human rights, urban planning, global public health, sustainable investing, and more. This knowledge repository serves as a bedrock for informed decision-making, driving the implementation of impactful climate interventions across communities. At the time of this report, the program in its fifth week has completed four high-yield courses relating to Climate Science, Global Energy, Sustainable investing and Climate change mitigation. The Zero Carbon Africa Impact Program in sum envisions a future led by empowered high quality young leaders, thriving green and blue economies. With a projected outcome of over 700 exceptional young leaders, 35,000 community advocates, and 28 impactful climate action projects, the program cements its role as a catalyst for transformation, heralding a new era of sustainable prosperity for Africa.

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This crucial event is set to host the Minister of Finance and the Coordinating Minister for the Economy, industry leaders and major stakeholders who will speak to the bank’s corporate and commercial business customers about the future of the Nigerian economy while addressing current economic challenges.

The Corporate Forum will serve as a key platform for thought leadership and knowledge exchange, aiming to inspire new ideas and foster collaboration across various industries.

The forum will focus on the dynamic intersection of growth and innovation, exploring how businesses can leverage technological advancements, sustainable practices, and inclusive strategies to thrive in today’s rapidly evolving business landscape.

“We are excited to host the Access Bank Corporate Customers Forum 2024, which promises to be a milestone event for our partners, clients, and the broader business community,” said Rosevelt Ogbonna, GMD/ CEO of Access Bank.

“In a world of constant change, it is vital that we come together to share insights, challenge assumptions, and explore new opportunities. Our theme, “Nigeria’s Economic rebirth: Hopes and implications”, reflects our commitment to not only adapting to change but also leading it.”

“The forum will feature the Honorable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, Managing Director, Financial Derivatives company, Bismarck Rewane, Director General, Federal Budget office, Dr. Tanimu Yakubu and a distinguished lineup of speakers, renowned industry experts, thought leaders, and senior executives from Access Bank.

Attendees should expect engaging panel discussions, keynote presentations, and networking opportunities designed to inspire dialogue and collaboration.

Key topics to be covered at the forum include: Lead Paper: Accelerated Stabilization and Advancement Plan (ASAP) for Nigeria’s Economic Rebirth, Co-Lead Paper: Making the Accelerated Stabilization Advancement Plan Deliver Economic Growth for Nigeria. And more”. Rosevelt concluded.

The Access Bank Corporate Forum 2024 is strictly by invitation for business leaders, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and other stakeholders who are interested in the future of the financial industry and economic development.

To be part of the Access Bank Corporate Forum 2024, please visit http://www.accessbankplc.com/corporate-forum or click HERE for more information and registration.

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