Access Holdings Plc has expanded its green asset portfolio to N92.14 billion and reduced its operational greenhouse gas emissions by 28.47 per cent, as the financial group strengthens its environmental, social and governance (ESG) initiatives across Africa.
The company disclosed this in its 2025 Sustainability Report released on the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX), highlighting progress in sustainable finance, climate action, inclusive banking and community development.
According to the report, Access Holdings’ green asset portfolio increased from N72.32 billion in 2024 to N92.14 billion in 2025, continuing growth from N22 billion recorded in 2021.
The group said it is targeting a long-term green asset portfolio of N475 billion.
During the year under review, Access Holdings deployed N72.3 billion through its Sustainable Finance Framework to support environmentally beneficial projects, while its cumulative sustainability-focused loan book increased to $1.269 billion.
The report also showed improvements in the company’s decarbonisation efforts, with operational greenhouse gas emissions declining to 49,352 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent in 2025 from 57,176 tonnes in 2024.
The reduction was largely attributed to the installation of solar power systems across 263 branches and the deployment of 323 solar-powered Automated Teller Machines (ATMs), mainly by Access Bank Nigeria.
On financial inclusion, Access Holdings said it provided financial services to 2.53 million low-income individuals and financed 78,438 new micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) during the year.
The group also disclosed that it processed 2.8 billion financial transactions across its African operations, reflecting its expanding role in supporting businesses and retail customers.
The company strengthened gender-inclusive financing by providing 354,156 loans worth N67.4 billion to women and women-owned businesses, representing 24 per cent of the relevant loan portfolio.
Beyond financial services, Access Holdings said its Corporate Social Investment programmes reached 2.44 million beneficiaries through initiatives focused on education, healthcare, entrepreneurship and environmental sustainability.
The programmes were implemented in partnership with organisations including UNICEF, HACEY Health Initiative and the Kenya Forest Service.
Employees of the group contributed 359,500 volunteer hours during the year, while more than 50,000 trees were planted through environmental projects.
The report also highlighted improvements in workplace diversity and employee engagement.
Women accounted for 49 per cent of Access Holdings’ workforce, while female representation on the board stood at 44.4 per cent.
Employee satisfaction increased to 87 per cent, exceeding the company’s 80 per cent target, while staff attrition reduced from about 13 per cent to 11 per cent.
Access Holdings said sustainability governance has been integrated into its business strategy, with climate and ESG risks incorporated into capital planning and lending decisions through its Internal Capital Adequacy Assessment Process and ESG credit assessment framework.
The group also reported zero material sustainability-related regulatory penalties and zero cybersecurity breaches for the second consecutive year.
To support sustainable financing, Access Holdings mobilised $185.38 million, equivalent to N266.83 billion, in concessional funding from development finance institutions and committed N4.8 billion from profit before tax to sustainability initiatives.
Commenting on the report, Group Chief Executive Officer of Access Holdings Plc, Innocent C. Ike, said sustainability remains central to the company’s approach to value creation.
He said the group’s progress in reducing emissions, expanding green financing and increasing financial access demonstrates that sustainability is integrated into its business strategy.
Looking ahead, Access Holdings said it plans to increase investment in low-carbon and climate-resilient assets, grow its green asset portfolio towards the N475 billion target, improve financed emissions reporting and expand renewable energy adoption.
The company added that it will continue strengthening partnerships with development finance institutions as part of its ambition to become one of Africa’s most respected financial services groups while delivering sustainable value to customers, investors and communities.
