Stanbic Bank Zimbabwe Hosts Inaugural Blue on Green Sustainability Forum

Stanbic Bank Zimbabwe has taken a leading role in advancing sustainability discussions in Africa by hosting its first Blue on Green Sustainability Forum in Harare. The event, themed “Shaping Africa’s Sustainable Future,” brought together government officials, regulators, corporate leaders, and industry experts to address pressing issues such as climate risk, energy transition, food security, and social inclusion. The forum reflects the bank’s commitment to accelerating Africa’s transition to a greener and more resilient future.

Stanbic Bank Chief Executive Solomon Nyanhongo highlighted the strategic importance of sustainability for businesses operating in a rapidly changing world. “Our sustainability journey is rooted in shared responsibility,” Nyanhongo said. He added that tackling challenges such as climate risk, energy transition, food security, and social inclusion requires collaboration, innovation, and continuous learning. He emphasized that sustainability is now a core operating principle guiding the bank’s decisions and operations.

“Zimbabwe is our home, and we drive her growth. That statement has never felt more relevant,” Nyanhongo noted. “It underpins how we invest, how we serve, and how we measure success, not only in financial terms but also in social and environmental impact.” The statement reflects Stanbic Bank’s approach to integrating sustainability into its business strategy while supporting national development priorities.

Acting Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe Governor, Dr Jesimen Chipika, praised Stanbic Bank’s leadership in promoting sustainable finance. She noted that sustainability has become a strategic priority and a driver of innovation and resilience in the financial sector. Through a Central Bank-led model, 19 financial institutions are now participating in the Sustainable Stock Connect Initiative (SSCI) framework, strengthening Zimbabwe’s financial ecosystem.

Standard Bank Group Head of Sustainability, Boitumelo Sethlatswe, reiterated the importance of translating sustainability commitments into practical action across Africa. She stated that sustainability is embedded in strategy, governance, and operations. Sethlatswe added that while progress is ongoing, the bank continues to support clients, allocate capital responsibly, and measure success against environmental and social benchmarks.

During the forum, Stanbic Bank also unveiled its 2024 Sustainability Report, which highlighted achievements in renewable energy financing, support for agriculture, and climate-resilient infrastructure projects. Speakers emphasized the importance of partnerships to scale sustainable finance initiatives and unlock opportunities in green energy, climate-smart agriculture, and inclusive economic growth.

The Blue on Green Sustainability Forum aimed to move sustainability discussions from policy ambitions to bankable projects, enabling Africa to build resilient and future-ready economies. By hosting the event, Stanbic Bank has positioned itself as a key driver of sustainable development across Zimbabwe and the continent.