Stanbic Bank Zimbabwe has taken a bold step in steering national and continental dialogue on sustainability, hosting its inaugural Blue on Green Sustainability Forum in Harare as part of efforts to accelerate Africa’s transition to a greener future.
The highly attended event, themed “Shaping Africa’s Sustainable Future,” gathered government officials, regulators, industry experts and corporate leaders to explore practical solutions to climate risk, energy transition, food security and social inclusion challenges.
Stanbic Bank Chief Executive Solomon Nyanhongo said the forum reflected a strategic shift in how businesses must operate in a changing world.
“Our sustainability journey is rooted in shared responsibility,” he said. “The challenges we face climate risk, energy transition, food security, and social inclusion, require collaboration, innovation, and continuous learning.”
He emphasised that sustainability has become a core operating principle for the institution.
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“Zimbabwe is our home, and we drive her growth. That statement has never felt more relevant. It underpins how we invest, how we serve, and how we measure success, not only in financial terms but also in social and environmental positive impact,” Nyanhongo noted.
Acting Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe Governor, Dr Jesimen Chipika, applauded Stanbic’s role in strengthening the country’s financial ecosystem.
“This conference resonates with global momentum, where sustainability is now a strategic priority and key driver of innovation and resilience in the financial sector,” she said. “Through a Central Bank-led model, the Reserve Bank has facilitated the participation of 19 financial institutions in the SSCI framework.”
Standard Bank Group Head of Sustainability, Boitumelo Sethlatswe, said the bank is determined to turn sustainability commitments into tangible action across Africa.
“Sustainability is embedded in our strategy, in how we govern, and in our operations,” she said. “None of us can say we have arrived, but we continue to ensure we support clients, allocate capital adequately, and measure success.”
Stanbic also unveiled its 2024 Sustainability Report during the forum, highlighting progress in renewable energy financing, agriculture support, and climate-resilient infrastructure.
Speakers underscored the need for partnerships to scale sustainable finance and unlock opportunities in green energy, climate-smart agriculture, and inclusive growth. The forum aimed to transform policy ambitions into bankable projects that can help Africa build resilient, future-ready economies.
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