Access Group's Sustainability Transformation in Africa
Discover how Access Group is driving sustainable development, environmental stewardship, and social impact across Africa through transformative strategies.
Embracing Sustainability at the Core
At Access Group, sustainability is not just a buzzword—it's a way of life. As one of Africa's leading financial institutions, we have made a firm commitment to embedding sustainability into the heart of our strategy and operations. Our 2023 Sustainability Report marks a significant milestone in this journey, as we align our practices with the globally recognized IFRS S1 and S2 standards while maintaining our GRRI-aligned reporting.
This report is a testament to our unwavering dedication to creating a more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient future for Africa and beyond. Through our three-pronged approach of sustainable operations, sustainable development finance, and corporate social investment, we are driving tangible, measurable impact across the continent.
Sustainable Operations: Reducing Our Footprint
As a responsible corporate citizen, we recognize the urgent need to address the global climate crisis. In 2023, we achieved a significant 7.8% reduction in our operational emissions, thanks to strategic initiatives that include:
1. Enhanced energy efficiency measures across our locations
2. Optimized resource utilization and waste management Investments in renewable energy sources
Adoption of sustainable procurement practices
But our commitment to sustainability doesn't stop there. We have set an ambitious target of achieving carbon neutrality across our operations by 2035, demonstrating our leadership in climate responsibility. To further strengthen our resilience, we have also conducted our first climate scenario analysis, stress-testing our portfolio's ability to withstand the risks associated with climate transition.
Sustainable Development Finance: Powering a Greener Future
As a financial institution, we recognize our unique position to drive sustainable development and catalyze positive change. In 2023, we raised $594.84 million from donor agencies to support sustainable projects in Botswana, Ghana, and Nigeria. Additionally, we deployed $278 million in sustainability-focused lending to businesses, including renewable energy and green initiatives. Our green bond program continues to set benchmarks, funding projects that align with Nigeria's climate goals and global best practices. Through these efforts, we are not only supporting the transition to a low-carbon economy but also empowering local communities and businesses to thrive in a sustainable manner.
Empowering Entrepreneurship and Financial Inclusion
At Access Group, we believe that sustainable development is inextricably linked to financial inclusion and entrepreneurship. In 2023, we empowered over 894,000 MSMEs across eight African countries, providing them with the resources and support they need to grow and succeed.
Our initiatives have focused on:
1. Expanding access to affordable financial services
2. Offering tailored business development programs
3. Facilitating access to markets and supply chains
4. Fostering a conducive entrepreneurial ecosystem
By empowering these small and medium-sized enterprises, we are not only driving economic growth but also creating meaningful employment opportunities and building resilient communities.
Corporate Social Investment: Transforming Lives
At the heart of our sustainability efforts lies a deep commitment to positively impacting the communities we serve. In 2023, our corporate social investment initiatives reached 1,875 communities, improving education, healthcare, and livelihoods for over 10 million people. These efforts were made possible through partnerships with over 315 NGOs and civil society organizations, as well as the tireless dedication of our employees, who contributed over 237,000 volunteer hours to impactful projects.
Our focus areas have included:
1. Improving access to quality education and skills development
2. Enhancing healthcare infrastructure and services
3. Supporting sustainable livelihoods and food security
4. Promoting environmental conservation and climate resilience
By tackling critical social challenges and empowering communities, we are not only creating immediate impact but also laying the foundation for a more equitable and resilient future.
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Governance and Transparency: The Bedrock of Sustainability
At Access Group, we firmly believe that strong governance and transparency are the bedrock of sustainable success. Our enhanced risk management and governance processes provide stakeholders with clear, consistent, and forward-looking insights into our environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance. We have aligned our reporting with global best practices, ensuring that our sustainability efforts are measured, monitored, and communicated with the utmost rigor and accountability. This commitment to transparency has earned us the trust and respect of our stakeholders, as evidenced by the over 90 local, regional, and global accolades we received in 2023.
Celebrating Our Achievements and Looking Ahead
As we reflect on our 2023 sustainability journey, we are filled with a sense of pride and purpose. Our achievements have been recognized through prestigious awards, including the Best Sustainable Banking Group in Africa for our outstanding leadership in ESG-related loans, and the IFC Gender Leader Award for our commitment to gender equality.
However, our work is far from over. We remain steadfast in our commitment to shaping a sustainable, inclusive, and resilient future for Africa and beyond. In the years to come, you can expect to see us:
1. Deepen our climate action efforts, working towards our carbon neutrality goal
2. Expand our sustainable development finance initiatives, unlocking more green investments
3. Strengthen our support for entrepreneurship and financial inclusion across the continent
4. Enhance our corporate social investment programs, driving transformative change in communities
5. Continuously improve our governance and transparency practices, setting new benchmarks for the industry
Join us on this journey of sustainability, resilience, and integrity as we work together to create a brighter future for all. Discover more in our 2023 Group Sustainability Report.
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