First Bank has strengthened its partnership with the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC) to reaffirm its commitment to driving sustainable finance and unlocking capital for development.
The partnership was reinforced at the recently concluded 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 FfD4 conference brought together global leaders, policymakers, and private sector experts to discuss innovative solutions to address the growing SDG financing gap and unlock capital for development in fragile and underserved regions.
Speaking at the event, First Bank’s Chief Risk Officer, Patrick Akhidenor, highlighted the bank’s flagship initiatives driving resilience finance in Nigeria.
Akhidenor said: “The Solar Equipment Financing initiative and the revamped FirstGem Fund. The Solar Equipment Financing initiative offers tailored financing options for the purchase and installation of solar power systems, ensuring access to clean, reliable, and affordable energy solutions.
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“The FirstGem Fund, a women-focused proposition, provides single-digit interest loans to women entrepreneurs without collateral requirements, targeting funding gaps in critical sectors.
‘’We are committed to driving sustainable finance and unlocking capital for development.
“Our partnership with UNGC and participation in the FfD4 Conference demonstrate our dedication to innovative finance solutions that address the SDG financing gap.”
The CEO of UNGC, Sanda Ojambo, emphasised the need for innovative and inclusive financial models for underserved regions.
Ojambo said: “The private sector must play a central role in shaping fit-for-purpose, scalable finance solutions.
“De-risking tools and blended finance can help unlock capital and drive meaningful impact.”
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