FirstBank, West Africa’s premier financial institution and leading provider of financial inclusion services, has reinforced its commitment to sustainable development by deepening its partnership with the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC). This renewed alliance was highlighted at the recently concluded Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development (FfD4) held in Seville, Spain.
Hosted by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA), the FfD4 conference gathered global leaders, policymakers, and private sector stakeholders to explore innovative finance solutions to bridge the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) funding gap — especially in underserved and fragile economies.
Representing FirstBank at the event was the Chief Risk Officer, Patrick Akhidenor, who spotlighted two key initiatives of the bank:
- Solar Equipment Financing, which provides accessible funding for the purchase and installation of solar energy systems — promoting clean, affordable, and reliable energy.
- The revamped FirstGem Fund, a women-centric product offering single-digit, collateral-free loans to female entrepreneurs, targeting critical funding gaps.
“We are committed to driving sustainable finance and unlocking capital for development,” said Akhidenor. “Our partnership with the UNGC and presence at FfD4 underscores our dedication to closing the SDG financing gap through innovative financial solutions.”
Also speaking at the conference, Sanda Ojambo, CEO of the UN Global Compact, stressed the pivotal role of the private sector. “De-risking tools and blended finance are essential to unlocking capital for scalable, high-impact projects,” she noted.
FirstBank’s growing collaboration with Development Finance Institutions (DFIs) and its SMEConnect platform further showcase its leadership in sustainable financing. The platform supports SMEs in sectors like education, health, and retail with training, networking opportunities, and tailored loan offerings.
Through this strengthened partnership, FirstBank reaffirms its position as a key driver of inclusive and resilient development finance across Africa.
