Oritsegbubemi Omatseyin
Lagos — Nigerian Exchange Group, NGX Group, in collaboration with Germany’s development finance institution DEG and Africa Foresight Group, convened a CEO Roundtable to accelerate corporate climate commitments and position Nigerian corporates for access to climate-linked capital estimated at $2.5–$3.0 billion.
The 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.
In his opening remarks, Dr. Umaru Kwairanga, Group Chairman of NGX Group, said capital markets must lead Africa’s climate response. “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 said.
Presenting the investment rationale, Mr. Temi Popoola, Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of NGX Group, said climate risk is now 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,” he said.
Ms. Monika Beck, Member of the Management Board of DEG, said: “At DEG, our corporate strategy is centred on mobilizing private capital to accelerate climate action while delivering measurable development impact and sustainable returns. Partnerships such as this enable us to scale solutions that are both impactful and commercially viable.”
During the interactive session, Mr. Bolaji Balogun, Chief Executive Officer of Chapel Hill Denham, said execution remains a key challenge. “Access to capital, technical expertise and credible frameworks are essential if climate reporting is to translate into real investor value,” he said.
Dr. Owen Omogiafo, President and Group Chief Executive Officer of Transcorp Plc, emphasized the need for practical solutions. She said: “Africa’s climate transition must be practical and inclusive, balancing sustainability objectives with economic growth and social impact.”
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 subsidized net-zero transition planning, technical capacity building and globally recognized frameworks for listed companies.
