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invested in community development programs and part- country and it is worthy of note that the 22 organizations
nered with government, private sector and non-profits to selected showcased project ideas with high potentials to
accelerate the impact of development initiatives across all impact communities.
geo-political zones in Nigeria.
The Bank partnered with ACT Foundation in 2017 to pro- SUMMARY OF 2017 GRANTS:
vide funds for the delivery of grants to nonprofit organiza- • 22 grantee organizations funded
tions across Africa. These funds have facilitated the sup-
port of nonprofits to achieve their goals to improve health • 54,941 direct beneficiaries
outcomes, build leadership capacity and support income • 23 states in 6 geo-political zones in Nigeria
generating activities. This partnership was established to
facilitate the implementation of initiatives in focus areas of
health, entrepreneurship, environment and leadership.

Through this partnership, ACT foundation has supported
multiple organizations. Its 2017 grant cycle involved a rig-
orous application process for organizations seeking grants.
Over 290 applicants applied for the grant from across the

AREAS OF SOCIAL INVESTMENT DESCRIPTION

Health Investment Initiatives 308,550 individuals benefitted directly from different impactful initiatives
that were implemented by 9 outstanding NGOs.
Entrepreneurship 2,643 aspiring entrepreneurs in Lagos, Osun & Oyo States would benefit
directly from different entrepreneurial and vocational engagements that
were implemented by 7 outstanding community based NGOs.
Environment 12,800 individuals benefitted directly from different impactful initiatives
that led to social change in the environmental sector.
Leadership 948 youth benefitted directly from several impactful initiatives that were
implemented by 3 NGOs.

SUSTAINABLE THOUGHT LEADERSHIP

Additionally, Access Bank has demonstrated its commit- Banking Principles
ment to sustainability through the strong progress made • Board Advisory Committee, Private Sector Health Al-
in the Bank’s leadership, support and active participation in liance of Nigeria
multiple local and international coalitions on sustainable de-
velopment across board. As pioneering Nigerian members • Board Member, Nigerian Business Council on Sustain-
of various organisations that promote Sustainability per- able Development
formance, the Bank is deeply committed to the principles, • Co-Chair, Nigeria Business Coalition Against AIDS
values and shared commitments of partnerships towards
achieving significant impact and sustainable development. • Member, Private Sector Delegation to the Global Fund
The Bank’s partnerships therefore vary across several local Board
and international platforms including:
• Member, We Connect National Advisory Board, Nigeria
• United Nations Environment Program Finance Initia- • Member, Sustainable Finance Sub-Committee of Fi-
tive - Co-Chair Africa and Middle East; Member, Global nancial Market Dealer Quotation.
Steering Committee
• Co-Chair, United Nations Global Compact Nigerian
Local Network NIgerIa SuStaINaBLe BaNKINg PrINCIPLeS (NSBP)
• Leadership Group Member, United Nations Women
Empowerment Principles In 2011, Access Bank initiated and championed the process
that led to the development of the Nigerian Sustainable
• Co-Chair, Corporate Alliance on Malaria in Africa Banking Principles. The NSBPs were created to enhance
economically viable, socially equitable and environmental-
• Chair, Steering Committee, Nigerian Sustainable

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Annual Report & Accounts 2017