FirstBank has deepened partnership with UN Global Compact to Advance Sustainable Finance and Catalyze Development Capital.
NewsOnline Nigeria reports that FirstBank, a leading financial institution in West Africa and a pioneer in financial inclusion, has strengthened its collaboration with the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC) to champion sustainable finance and mobilize capital for development across underserved regions.
This renewed partnership was spotlighted at the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development (FfD4), hosted by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA) in Seville, Spain. The conference gathered global leaders, policymakers, and private sector stakeholders to explore innovative financial strategies to close the widening SDG financing gap.
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Representing FirstBank at the global event, Chief Risk Officer Patrick Akhidenor showcased the bank’s commitment through two flagship initiatives: the Solar Equipment Financing initiative and the revamped FirstGem Fund.
The Solar Equipment Financing initiative enables access to clean, affordable energy through flexible loan offerings for solar power systems. It is designed to improve energy access in Nigeria while supporting climate resilience.
The FirstGem Fund, tailored specifically for women entrepreneurs, offers single-digit interest loans without collateral. This initiative targets the gender finance gap by supporting female-owned businesses across key sectors such as agriculture, retail, and services.
“Our commitment to sustainable finance is unwavering,” said Akhidenor. “Through our partnership with the UN Global Compact and participation in the FfD4 Conference, we continue to drive innovative financing models that align with the Sustainable Development Goals.”
UNGC CEO Sanda Ojambo emphasized the critical role of the private sector in unlocking capital for development. “To build resilience in fragile economies, we must design inclusive, scalable financial solutions. Blended finance and de-risking mechanisms are key tools to attract private capital and drive long-term impact,” she noted.
FirstBank’s broader efforts also include its strategic partnerships with Development Finance Institutions (DFIs) and the FirstBank SMEConnect hub, which delivers tailored support to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Through training, networking, and sector-specific financing, the bank supports sustainable business growth across education, healthcare, retail, and more.
By leveraging these platforms, FirstBank continues to position itself as a leader in sustainable development financing and inclusive economic transformation in Nigeria and beyond.
