What Access Bank and UBA Said in their latest Sustainability Reports

Earlier today (December 17, 2020) Access Bank Plc and United Bank for Africa Plc released their 2019 Sustainability Reports. Business Elites Africa got a hold of these reports (132 pages for Access and 44 pages for UBA), and hereby bring you the main summaries. Enjoy the read.

Access Bank Sustainability Report 2019

Access Bank’s sustainability strategy has continued to evolve as we constantly seek to meet the demands of a dynamic and fast-changing world. We have kept our finger on the pulse of sustainability innovation, and we continue to improve performances in our core business, environmental footprint and the social wellbeing of the communities where we operate. We do this while implementing innovative and optimal risk management
strategies. Our sustainability strategy is firmly aligned with our core business strategy. This is how we have maintained our lead on the frontiers of sustainability in the financial services industry. Our value creation underpins the trust that has been crucial in preserving the relationship between the Bank and our valued stakeholders, including our esteemed customers and shareholders.

Our risk management policy is at the core of our investment decisions. Coupled with our operational efficiency, Access Bank has continued to attract high-quality investors, thereby reinforcing our reputation as a responsible
institution. This is driving us towards our vision – “To be the world’s most respected African bank.” Our reputation, which includes our ability to provide a conducive environment for innovation, is also an incentive for attracting and retaining the best talents.

https://atomic-temporary-203083154.wpcomstaging.com//2020/11/23/why-kenyan-banks-have-drastically-reduced-digital-lending-to-customers/

In 2019, we became the first African commercial bank to be nominated by the European Organization for Sustainable Development (EOSD) to join the Sustainability Standards and Certification Initiative (SSCI), thus extending our commitment to sustainability through new partnerships and memberships. We have maintained our previous partnerships with the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC), United Nations Principles for Responsible Investment (UNPRI) and we have remained on the steering committee of the Nigerian Sustainable Banking Principles (NSBP). We also continue to leverage our partnership with Aspire Coronation Trust (ACT) Foundation to fund the activities of various non-profit organizations that are committed to the economic and social growth of the communities where we operate…

Read the rest of Access Bank’s Sustainability Report here.

United Bank for Africa’s Sustainability Report

For us sustainable banking should not be about throwing about monikers or bellowing “sustainability” without real intention to live by the true spirit of creating a world that meets today’s needs but remains sufficient to meet tomorrows demands. This is why we have put in place policies to guide and measure how we intend to manage our environmental and social footprint, deal with issues of financial inclusiveness, human rights; community
safety and security.

We are committed to assimilating the environmental laws, regulations and codes/standards that guide what we do as a responsible organization. We pledge at all times to be deliberate in achieving resource efficiency. This means that we are mindful of how we consume energy, water and other input materials. Our environmental footprints follow a path that suggest that we as a people are committed to containing our emission of greenhouse gas (GHG). We take it as our responsibility to guide and direct our associates, vendors; suppliers and customers to cut-down on activities that tend to increase pollutants to air, water and land. Also, we are committed to leading the way in advocating for recovery, reusing, treating and disposing of waste and waste
water in a responsible manner.

Also, we encourage respect for labour and to uphold the highest human rights standards. This requires that management provides the right working condition that helps individuals thrive and dare to succeed. Respect for self and others is the cornerstone of our coexistence. Communication is an important tool in this regard. Management and supervisors strive to communicate in clear terms across the enterprise. And we encourage freedom of expression, we discourage discrimination and promote equal opportunity for all staff members to thrive…

Read the rest of the report here.