NGX Group, DEG, others seek to unlock climate capital

Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX Group) is leading a multi-stakeholder partnership to accelerate corporate climate commitments and position Nigerian corporates for access to climate-linked capital estimated at about $3 billion.

Speaking at a roundtable organised by NGX Group in collaboration with Germany’s development finance institution, DEG, and Africa Foresight Group, Group Chairman, Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX Group), Alhaji  Umaru Kwairanga said capital markets must lead Africa’s climate response.

He said: “Capital markets must be at the centre of climate leadership in Africa. The NGX Net-Zero Programme enables companies to move from climate ambition to measurable action”.

He explained that NGX–DEG CEO Roundtable brought together corporate leaders, development finance institutions, and market stakeholders to advance the NGX Net-Zero Programme (N-Zero), a market-led initiative aimed at strengthening the long-term investability and competitiveness of listed companies.

Group Managing Director, Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX Group), Mr. Temi Popoola, said climate risk has become a material consideration in valuation and capital allocation.

“Global capital is increasingly becoming conditional, with climate risk directly impacting cost of capital and valuation. Companies that embed sustainability into strategy and governance are better positioned to attract long-term capital,” Popoola said.

Member of the Management Board of DEG, Ms. Monika Beck, said DEG’s corporate strategy was centred on mobilising private capital to accelerate climate action while delivering measurable development impact and sustainable returns.

According to her, partnerships such as one with the NGX Group would enable the organisation to scale solutions that are both impactful and commercially viable.

During the interactive session, Chief Executive Officer, Chapel Hill Denham, Mr. Bolaji Balogun, said execution remains a key challenge.

He said: “Access to capital, technical expertise and credible frameworks are essential if climate reporting is to translate into real investor value”.

President and Group Chief Executive Officer, Transcorp Plc, Dr. Owen Omogiafo, emphasised the need for practical solutions.

“Africa’s climate transition must be practical and inclusive, balancing sustainability objectives with economic growth and social impact,” Omogiafo said.

The event which culminated in a closing gong ceremony, follows a multi-million-naira co-funding partnership between NGX Group and DEG Impulse gGmbH under Germany’s develoPPP programme, providing subsidised net-zero transition planning, technical capacity building and globally recognised frameworks for listed companies.

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