Access Bank to issue first Green Bond in Africa worth N15bn

Access Bank Plc has concluded plans to issue the first corporate Green Bond in Africa worth N15 billion following the approval of its Book Build request by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Specifically earmarked to be used for climate and environmental projects, Green Bonds are typically asset-linked and backed by the issuer’s balance sheet, and are also referred to as climate bonds.

Managing Director of the bank, Mr. Herbert Wigwe, said the development is a step in the right direction. “It lends credence to the process and gives hope of a favourable outcome. The approval of the bond is a big feat and speaks to the vision of being a key player in the country’s financial sector. With over a decade experience leading to sustainability in the Nigerian financial sector, we believe that the issuance of this bond will create a path to financing Nigeria’s climate change objectives. It will also unlock the country’s economic growth potential,” he said.

Wigwe further said that the bond will be successful due to the bank’s rich experience in the area of sustainability.

“With our pace-setting experience in the mainstreaming of sustainability in our business operations, we are confident that this Issue will further help in supporting environmentally friendly investors to meet their investment objectives.

“The bond will support the bank’s customers towards realising growth opportunities in the fast-developing low carbon economy. The Issue proceeds will be used to finance eligible green projects that met the Climate Bonds Initiative (CBI) standards,” explained.

The Issue, he added, will serve as a turning point for Nigeria, attracting both domestic and international investors and will set the pace for other Nigerian corporates to raise green capital.

Book building is a systematic process of generating, capturing and recording investor demand for shares during an initial public offer, or other securities during their issuance process, in order to support efficient price discovery.

The book build, according to the bank, which commenced on February 21 would be concluded in one week, after which the funding of commitment would begin in March.

The bond, a five-year Fixed Rate Senior Unsecured Green Bond of up to N15 billion, is the first ever Standard Certified Corporate Green Bond to be issued in Africa.

It has been awarded a B2 rating by Moody’s and verified by PwC (UK) following certification by the Climate Bond Initiative as having met the Climate Bond Standards.