Sustainable Finance Accelerator Program

Access Bank, in partnership with Africa Fintech Foundry (AFF) and Future Perspective, is launching the Sustainable Finance Accelerator (SFA). This is a bold initiative to support startups that are solving critical environmental, social, and economic challenges through innovation.

Supporting High-Impact Green Startups

The Sustainable Finance Accelerator is tailored for early to mid-stage startups operating in sectors that drive sustainability and resilience. These include:

• Renewable energy and clean cooking
• Sustainable agriculture
• Waste management and the circular economy
• Eco-friendly consumer products
• Other green-focused innovations

SFA is designed to provide these startups with the tools, funding, and strategic support they need to grow and scale their solutions for long-term impact.

Learning That Builds Sustainable Businesses

At the heart of the accelerator is a robust learning experience. Startups will begin with a five-week boot camp that dives into essential areas such as:

• ESG and sustainability principles
• Business growth and financial modeling
• Technology for sustainability
• Risk management and compliance
• Pitch development and investor readiness

Funding, Mentorship, and Growth Opportunities

The accelerator doesn’t stop at knowledge-sharing. Startups will receive access to seed funding grants, expert mentorship, peer learning, and monthly reviews throughout the program. The goal is to ensure that each participant is equipped to grow responsibly, scale efficiently, and attract investment.

Following the boot camp, startups will enter a five-month accelerator phase covering:

• Product development and agile management
• Market strategy and branding
• Customer relationship management
• Fundraising strategies and partnership development

The journey culminates in a demo day, where founders will pitch their innovations to investors, ecosystem players, and potential partners.

A Platform for Inclusion and Real Impact

SFA emphasizes inclusion and diversity, ensuring all founders regardless of gender, background, or location have equal access to resources and opportunities. With 113 startups already selected across sustainability-driven industries for the boot camp, the program is set to make a measurable difference in building a greener and more inclusive economy. The Sustainable Finance Accelerator officially begins in April 2025.