UBA launches climate action week to advance green finance, sustainability across Africa
Omeiza Bilal
United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc has officially kicked off a sweeping, five-day Group-wide Climate Action Week aimed at advancing green finance, deepening climate awareness, and fostering sustainable environmental practices across its operations in Africa and internationally.
Running from October 26 to 30, 2026, the campaign is themed “Banking on Africa’s Climate Future.” It marks a major milestone in the pan-African institution’s strategy to weave environmental responsibility directly into its daily operations, customer engagement, and core financing solutions.
The initiative rolled out with immediate, practical steps at the bank’s offices, including the deployment of dedicated waste segregation bins and strict measures to curb the use of single-use plastics. Throughout the week, UBA is leveraging its digital platforms to educate the public on pressing climate challenges, such as food price inflation, escalating energy demands, and urban flooding.
Highlighting the urgency behind the campaign, UBA’s Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Oliver Alawuba, stressed that environmental sustainability is no longer optional.
“Climate change is no longer a distant environmental concern; it is increasingly shaping everyday life across Africa. We see its effects in rising food costs, increased energy demand and flooding that disrupts homes, businesses and livelihoods,” Alawuba stated.
“At UBA, we believe that building a sustainable future requires collective action, beginning with the choices we make at work, at home and in our communities. Through this Climate Action Week, we are encouraging every member of the UBA Tribe, alongside our customers and other stakeholders, to embrace practical, sustainable habits and inspire others to do the same.”
As part of its robust community engagement blueprint, UBA staff volunteers are gearing up for a widespread clean-up exercise scheduled for Saturday, November 7. In Nigeria, the mobilization will span major commercial hubs including Lagos, Kano, and Port Harcourt, directly empowering employees to champion cleaner neighborhoods. Furthermore, the bank will sponsor the upcoming Climate Convergence Week in Lagos on October 30 to showcase its specialized UBA Green Finance initiatives.
“Through UBA Green Finance, we seek to support eligible businesses investing in cleaner technologies and more sustainable operations. By helping customers explore financing solutions aligned with their needs, we can contribute to a more resilient private sector while unlocking opportunities for sustainable economic growth across Africa,” Alawuba added.
In a final push to cement its long-term environmental credentials, UBA announced plans to join the Sustainability Professionals Institute of Nigeria (SPIN). This strategic partnership aims to sharpen the bank’s environmental, social, and governance (ESG) expertise, ensuring that staff remain at the forefront of global sustainability standards as the institution continues to pave the way for a climate-resilient African economy.
