As the global push for climate action and inclusive economic growth accelerates, Nigeria is taking a bold step to ensure its small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and startups are not left behind. These businesses, often at the heart of innovation and community development, face steep barriers in accessing resources for climate-resilient and socially impactful solutions. From lack of finance to weak investor networks, the challenges are real—and persistent.
To address these issues head-on, the Nigeria Green Bond Market Green Bond MarketDevelopment Programme (NGBMDP), a strategic collaboration between FMDQ Group Plc and Financial Sector Deepening Africa (FSD Africa), has unveiled the Sustainable Finance Bootcamp, launching in August 2025. This initiative is poised to bridge knowledge, finance, and network gaps for Nigerian enterprises aspiring to lead in sustainability.
The Bootcamp is tailored to support SMEs, startups, and mission-driven enterprises in navigating the often complex landscape of green and sustainable finance. With practical workshops and hands-on mentoring, participants will learn how to develop bankable, investor-ready projects. They’ll also receive guidance on structuring sustainability-driven initiatives and creating strong Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) frameworks that resonate with today’s climate-conscious investors.
What sets the programme apart is its access to top-tier industry mentors—legal and financial experts who will work closely with participants to refine their ideas. It also includes live pitch sessions with institutional investors, giving businesses a rare chance to secure the funding they need to scale.
The Sustainable Finance Bootcamp builds on the legacy of the NGBMDP, which since 2018 has driven major developments in Nigeria’s green finance ecosystem. The Programme has supported Nigeria’s sovereign green bond issuances and helped catalyse landmark private sector green bonds from entities like Access Bank, North South Power, and One Watt Solar. Through its collaboration with Nigeria’s Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), it introduced the Green Bond Guidelines, setting the standard for green finance in the country.
In addition, the Programme has trained hundreds of market players—including issuers and investors and played a key role in the certification of Agusto & Co. as Nigeria’s first local green bond verifier. These efforts have not only strengthened investor confidence but also deepened the sustainable finance market in Nigeria.
Backed by the Bank of Industry, Rand Merchant Bank Nigeria, Udo-Udoma & Belo-Osagie, and the Pension Fund Operators Association of Nigeria, the Bootcamp represents a powerful multi-stakeholder effort to foster economic inclusion and climate resilience.
Applications for the Sustainable Finance Bootcamp are now open via https://bootcamp.fsdafrica.
The initiative is driven by FSD Africa, a Nairobi-based specialist development agency funded by UK International Development. Since 2012, FSD Africa has worked across over 30 African countries to deepen financial markets and promote green finance, financial inclusion, and capital market reforms.
FMDQ Group, through its subsidiaries including the FMDQ Exchange and the sustainability-focused FMDQ Green Exchange, continues to lead Africa’s transition to a green economy by providing integrated financial market infrastructure that supports sustainable growth.
Together, these partners are charting a path for Nigerian businesses to not only survive in the face of climate change but to lead with resilience, innovation, and impact.
