Last month, Access Bank became the first African bank to receive the Outstanding Business Sustainability Award at the 2016 Karlsruhe Sustainable Finance awards in Germany. Recognizing “outstanding success in incorporating economic, social and environmental aspects in the corporate strategy and business processes,” the award applauds Access Bank for its role in leading Nigeria’s financial sustainability efforts, empowering women to access financial resources and assisting in health, education and humanitarian efforts.

“At Access Bank, we believe our operations, loan and project finance must have the barest environmental footprint,” said Herbert Wigwe, CEO of Access Bank, while speaking at the awards ceremony. “As such, we are champions of climate change mitigation and adaptation.”

Access Bank is an important member of the Corporate Alliance on Malaria in Africa, a GBCHealth-led coalition which unites businesses in Africa to drive impactful partnerships for malaria control and elimination  in the workplace and in communities across the region. Over the years, the bank has consistently demonstrated a commitment to sustainability across its operations.

“Access Bank has consistently devoted itself to the advancement of the most vulnerable individuals and the protection of the environment,” said Nancy Wildfeir-Field, President of GBCHealth. “Its example displays the private sector’s powerful role as an agent for change.”

Learn more about Access Bank’s sustainability initiatives and their recent award here.