Access Holdings Plc has expanded its green asset portfolio to ₦92.14 billion while reducing its operational greenhouse gas emissions by 28.47 per cent, according to its 2025 Sustainability Report, highlighting the financial group's growing investment in climate action, inclusive finance and sustainable business practices across Africa.
The report, released through the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX), shows that the financial institution also widened access to financial services for approximately 2.53 million low-income individuals, reinforcing its strategy of embedding sustainability into lending, investment, governance and business operations.
The latest figures indicate steady growth in the Group's green financing portfolio, which rose from ₦22 billion in 2021 to ₦72.32 billion in 2024, before reaching ₦92.14 billion at the end of 2025. The company said the expansion represents another step towards achieving its long-term target of ₦475 billion in green assets.
During the review period, Access Holdings deployed ₦72.3 billion under its Sustainable Finance Framework to environmentally beneficial projects, while its cumulative sustainability-focused loan portfolio grew to US$1.269 billion.
The report also highlights significant progress in reducing the environmental impact of the Group's operations. Operational greenhouse gas emissions fell to 49,352 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent from 57,176 tonnes recorded in 2024.
According to the company, the reduction was largely driven by investments in renewable energy infrastructure, including the solarisation of 263 branches and the deployment of 323 solar-powered Automated Teller Machines (ATMs), mainly through Access Bank Plc, its flagship subsidiary.
Beyond climate-related initiatives, Access Holdings reported notable achievements in financial inclusion. The Group disclosed that it extended financial services to 2,528,117 low-income Nigerians while onboarding 78,438 new micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) onto its financing platform during the year.
Its digital banking operations also continued to expand, processing about 2.8 billion transactions across its African operations, reflecting the growing adoption of digital financial services by individuals and businesses.
The report further revealed increased support for women-owned businesses through gender-focused financing initiatives. During the year, the Group granted 354,156 loans valued at ₦67.4 billion to women and women-led enterprises, representing 24 per cent of the relevant loan portfolio.
Access Holdings also strengthened its social impact initiatives through investments in education, healthcare, entrepreneurship and environmental sustainability.
According to the report, the Group's Corporate Social Investment programmes reached 2.44 million beneficiaries, implemented in partnership with organisations including UNICEF, HACEY Health Initiative and the Kenya Forest Service.
Employees collectively contributed 359,500 volunteer hours, with the company recording 100 per cent employee participation in volunteer activities. More than 50,000 trees were also planted as part of its environmental sustainability programmes.
On workforce diversity, women accounted for 49 per cent of the Group's workforce, while female representation on the Board stood at 44.4 per cent. Employee satisfaction increased to 87 per cent, exceeding the company's target of 80 per cent, while staff attrition declined from about 13 per cent to 11 per cent.
The Group disclosed that its sustainability reporting now aligns with globally recognised reporting frameworks, including the IFRS Sustainability Disclosure Standards (IFRS S1 and IFRS S2), supported by the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) and the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB).
Selected sustainability disclosures were independently verified by CSR-in-Action Consulting Limited, providing additional assurance on the credibility of the report.
Access Holdings also said sustainability governance has become fully integrated into its business strategy through Board oversight, climate risk management, capital planning and credit approval processes.
The company reported zero material regulatory sanctions relating to sustainability and zero cybersecurity breaches during the financial year.
In support of its sustainability agenda, the Group mobilised US$185.38 million (approximately ₦266.83 billion) in concessional funding from development finance institutions and allocated ₦4.8 billion from profit before tax to sustainability initiatives.
Commenting on the performance, the Group Chief Executive Officer, Innocent C. Ike, said the results demonstrate that sustainability has become a core business strategy rather than a separate corporate responsibility programme.
He said the company remains committed to creating long-term value by strengthening climate resilience, expanding green finance, improving financial inclusion and supporting economic growth across Africa.
Looking ahead, Access Holdings said it plans to accelerate investments in low-carbon assets, improve climate-related data reporting through the adoption of the Partnership for Carbon Accounting Financials (PCAF) methodology, deepen renewable energy investments and strengthen partnerships with development finance institutions.
The company added that it remains focused on growing its green asset portfolio towards the ₦475 billion target while integrating climate considerations into financial planning and business decision-making.