Nedbank Eswatini is promoting green finance as a tool for economic empowerment and environmental responsibility.
This initiative was highlighted at the bank’s first-ever Green Finance Seminar, hosted yesterday at the Eswatini International Trade Fair (EITF).
Speaking at the seminar, Fikile Nkosi, Managing Director of Nedbank Eswatini, explained that the bank’s vision extends beyond traditional banking. “Our goal is to harness our financial expertise to create positive impacts across communities, businesses, and society as a whole,” she said.
Nkosi stressed that sustainability is both a moral duty and a strategic path to long-term economic growth.
A key feature of Nedbank’s presence at the Trade Fair is the Nedbank Green Zone, a space dedicated to showcasing innovative, climate-smart solutions. The initiative aims to support green entrepreneurship and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) committed to sustainability.
Nkosi pointed out that these efforts closely align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially SDG 7 (affordable and clean energy), SDG 9 (industry, innovation, and infrastructure), and SDG 13 (climate action).
Industry experts contributed to the seminar’s knowledge-sharing sessions. Mphumuzi Maziya, General Manager for Research and Development at the Eswatini Electricity Company (EEC), discussed technical and regulatory requirements for integrating renewable energy solutions into the national grid, emphasizing the importance of compliance and safety when adopting new technologies.
From a regional perspective, Mokgadi Maloba, Nedbank Group Lead for Operational Sustainability and Reporting, highlighted green finance initiatives across Africa. She showcased programs supporting youth entrepreneurship, including funding and training for solar self-generation projects.
Maloba also elaborated on Nedbank’s four-pillar green economy strategy, focusing on agriculture, water, energy, and waste management, highlighting programs aimed at benefiting rural and semi-urban communities facing high unemployment and poverty.
Nkosi underscored the bank’s active engagement in green financing, citing projects financed over the years across sectors such as agriculture, water management, and renewable energy. She remarked that financial institutions play a vital role in fostering innovation, resilience, and inclusive growth in the country.
Closing the seminar, Nkosi urged greater collaboration among government agencies, private investors, and community leaders to fully realize the potential of green finance in Eswatini. “This seminar marks a pivotal step in our commitment to building a more inclusive and sustainable economy,” she concluded.