United Bank for Africa (UBA) has commenced a five-day Climate Action Week aimed at promoting environmental responsibility, raising awareness of climate change and expanding support for sustainable businesses across Africa.

Running from October 26 to 30, 2026, the campaign is themed “Banking on Africa’s Climate Future”. It reflects the bank’s commitment to incorporating sustainability into its operations, customer engagement and financing solutions.

The initiative began with the installation of waste segregation bins across UBA offices and measures to reduce single-use plastics at its head offices. The activities are intended to translate the bank’s sustainability commitments into practical workplace measures and broader environmental action.

Throughout the campaign, UBA will share educational materials through its media and digital platforms, explaining the causes and consequences of climate change, including its effects on food prices, energy consumption and urban flooding.

The campaign will also encourage responsible plastic disposal and recycling while highlighting the role of financial institutions in funding clean energy, sustainable agriculture and other environmentally responsible businesses.

As part of its community engagement programme, UBA employees will participate in a Group-wide clean-up exercise on Saturday, November 7, across major cities in the bank’s markets. In Nigeria, the exercise will cover Lagos, Kano and Port Harcourt, with staff volunteering to help create cleaner and healthier communities.

UBA’s Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Oliver Alawuba, said collective action was essential to addressing the growing effects of climate change.

“Climate change is no longer a distant environmental concern; it is increasingly shaping everyday life across Africa. We see its effects in rising food costs, increased energy demand and flooding that disrupts homes, businesses and livelihoods.

“At UBA, we believe that building a sustainable future requires collective action, beginning with the choices we make at work, at home and in our communities. Through this Climate Action Week, we are encouraging every member of the UBA Tribe, alongside our customers and other stakeholders, to embrace practical, sustainable habits and inspire others to do the same,” Alawuba said.

As part of its stakeholder engagement programme, the bank will sponsor Climate Convergence Week in Lagos on Friday, October 30. UBA will deliver a speaking session and participate in a panel discussion during the event.

The engagement will provide an opportunity for the bank to showcase UBA Green Finance, present its sustainability initiatives and discuss how financial institutions can help Africa transition towards a more sustainable and climate-resilient economy.

Alawuba also highlighted the growing importance of climate considerations to business resilience, risk management and long-term economic growth.

“Climate change presents significant risks to businesses, communities and economies. These risks can affect business continuity, operating costs and financial performance, making sustainability an increasingly important consideration for both businesses and the financial institutions that support them.

“Through UBA Green Finance, we seek to support eligible businesses investing in cleaner technologies and more sustainable operations. By helping customers explore financing solutions aligned with their needs, we can contribute to a more resilient private sector while unlocking opportunities for sustainable economic growth across Africa,” Alawuba further said.

UBA is also set to join the Sustainability Professionals Institute of Nigeria (SPIN), a move expected to strengthen the bank’s environmental, social and governance (ESG) expertise and support employees’ professional development in sustainability-related disciplines.

The Climate Action Week forms part of UBA’s wider sustainability strategy, which incorporates environmental responsibility into its Customer First philosophy through responsible business practices, employee participation, community initiatives and green financing.

By combining public awareness, practical environmental activities and financing solutions, the bank aims to encourage sustainable choices while helping businesses and communities navigate the challenges and opportunities associated with climate change.

UBA is one of Africa’s leading financial institutions and among the continent’s largest employers in the financial sector, with approximately 25,000 employees and more than 45 million customers worldwide.

The bank operates in 20 African countries, as well as the United Kingdom, the United States of America, France and the United Arab Emirates. Its services span retail, commercial and institutional banking, with a focus on advancing financial inclusion and using technology to deliver innovative financial solutions.

Source: PM Express