Nedbank champions green finance at Eswatini International Trade Fair
By Thokozani Mazibuko
Nedbank Eswatini has reinforced its commitment to driving sustainable development and
climate-smart innovation through the launch of its Green Finance Seminar, held on Tuesday as
part of the 2025 Eswatini International Trade Fair.
Addressing stakeholders, business leaders, entrepreneurs, and policymakers, Nedbank Eswatini
Managing Director Fikile Nkosi described the seminar as a milestone in the country’s journey
toward building a sustainable and inclusive economy.
“It is an honour and great pleasure to
welcome you to the Nedbank Green Finance Seminar, a key feature of our presence at the
Eswatini International Trade Fair 2025. Today marks an important moment in our journey towards building a more sustainable and inclusive economy,” Nkosi said.
She emphasised that at Nedbank, sustainability is not treated as a side responsibility but as a
strategic imperative.
Through initiatives such as the Nedbank Green Zone, the bank is
showcasing innovative solutions aimed at addressing climate change while supporting green
entrepreneurship and small businesses committed to sustainability.
Nkosi further outlined the bank’s broader purpose of using financial expertise to create
meaningful social and environmental impact: “Our commitment to green finance reflects our
belief that economic progress must go hand in hand with environmental stewardship.
This seminar is a direct expression of that purpose, as we seek to advance green finance as a catalyst
for inclusive growth and environmental resilience,” she added.
Tied to Global Goals
The Managing Director noted that Nedbank’s sustainability strategy is strongly aligned with the
United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly:
The seminar’s keynote speaker, Mokgadi Maloba, Sustainability Expert at Nedbank Group,
presented insights into how the financial sector can play a transformative role in enabling climate
resilience, innovation, and inclusive growth across Africa.
Her address highlighted some of the climate-smart initiatives Nedbank is driving across the
region, positioning the bank as the “green bank” that prioritises environmental stewardship while
promoting economic growth.
In addition to the keynote, the programme featured a panel discussion with sustainability
sector leaders, who explored the evolving narrative of green finance and its implications for
business competitiveness, investment models, and policy development in Eswatini.
Nkosi urged stakeholders to actively participate, collaborate, and embrace innovative financing mechanisms
that can unlock the potential of green finance for the Kingdom and beyond.
“Let’s make this seminar a catalyst for meaningful change,” she concluded.
The Green Finance Seminar was widely welcomed by attendees as a timely initiative,
particularly as Eswatini faces increasing climate challenges while seeking to expand its green
economy and attract investment in renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and eco-friendly
infrastructure.
? SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
? SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
? SDG 13: Climate Action
