Unity Bank Plc, in collaboration with climate innovation experts, has called for greater investment in green technologies and sustainable financing to strengthen economic resilience across Africa. The appeal was made during an Earth Day webinar hosted by the bank, themed "The True Cost of Climate Change and Who Pays?" The event brought together stakeholders to assess the human, economic, and institutional toll of climate change while identifying actionable solutions. Ibukun Coker, Head of Strategy and Innovation at Unity Bank, stated that climate change is "an existential threat with direct consequences for individuals, businesses, and economies," urging immediate action through sustainable financing and community-based adaptation strategies. Founders of climate-focused organisations, including Chinwe Udo-Davis of Instollar and Oluwatosin Ajide of the Nigeria Climate Innovation Centre, contributed to the discussion. Udo-Davis pointed to the disproportionate effects of climate change on vulnerable populations and advocated for inclusive, scalable clean energy models. Ajide highlighted the necessity of aligning policy, innovation, and financial mechanisms to tackle systemic climate risks. The session examined growth potential in renewable energy, climate tech, and ecosystem-based financing, with participants underscoring collaboration as vital for long-term environmental and economic sustainability. Unity Bank reiterated its dedication to supporting climate innovation and responsible growth as part of its financial inclusion agenda.
A bank known primarily for financial services is now positioning itself at the centre of climate action, yet its own lending portfolio's environmental footprint remains unaddressed. While calls for green investment are clear, the absence of binding commitments or disclosed timelines for Unity Bank's sustainability targets weakens the impact of its advocacy. If financial institutions lead public campaigns on climate resilience, their internal practices must match the urgency of their messaging. Without transparency on how current operations align with green goals, the initiative risks appearing more rhetorical than transformative.
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