Standard Bank Group

Sustainable impact at a glance

Our impact is measured against key metrics and reported transparently to our stakeholders. We are making a tangible difference in communities across Africa through our sustainable finance initiatives, social investments, and responsible business practices focusing on four positive impact areas.

Enterprise growth and job creation:

We invest in our people because we recognise their immense potential and believe that with the right resources, their innovative ideas can thrive and transform the continent.

Our goals

  • Facilitate African trade and investment
  • Strengthen the agriculture value chain
  • Support game-changing tech start-ups that solve real-world problems

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Our impact in 2023

  • Facilitated trade transactions to the value of R953 billion for businesses and commercial clients
  • Disbursed R168 million to 211 agriculture cooperatives in Uganda and provided financial literacy training for 1624 of their members
  • Enabled access to 150 000 work opportunities through our partnership with Founders Factory Africa

Infrastructure development:

We understand that investing in infrastructure and the energy transition will have a positive impact on our continent by creating jobs, boosting economic growth and enhancing access to essential services for all Africans.

Our goals

  • Drive Africa’s just energy transition and support improved access to affordable energy
  • Provide finance for critical infrastructure in sectors such as transport, water and telecommunications

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Our impact in 2023

  • Mobilised R15.5 billion for new renewable energy power plants
  • Provided R1.7 billion for telecoms infrastructure in the DRC and R235 million for roads infrastructure in Malawi

Climate change mitigation and adaptation:

By investing in climate change mitigation, we can contribute to a greener and more prosperous Africa. We partner with our clients to support their transition journeys and strengthen their resilience.

Our goals

  • Provide sustainable finance solutions to encourage sustainable business practices
  • Provide climate smart agriculture financing solutions
  • Provide green-aligned solutions for homeowners and business owners

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Our impact in 2023

  • Financed Africa’s first nature conservation loan for USD80 million, supporting nature conservation and biodiversity protection
  • Provided finance of over R600 million for climate smart agriculture solutions
  • Disbursed R147 million to homeowners and R843 million to businesses for solar installations in South Africa

Financial health and inclusion:

Financial inclusion empowers our people by creating a more equitable and sustainable future for Africa.

Our goals

  • Support SME owners with access to finance, capacity building, networking and access to markets
  • Provide solutions tailored for women and young people
  • Provide access to affordable housing and provide solutions for borrowers who get into difficulty

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Our impact in 2023

  • Lent R2.6 billion to 4659 new affordable housing mortgage customers
  • Provided R50.7 million to 615 student who would not usually qualify for finance
  • Reached 28.6 million people through WalletWise, our radio-based financial education, and 105 000 people through in-person and virtual education sessions.

More on sustainability
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Environmental, social and governance

Environmental, social and governance (ESG) risk management is embedded in our policies, processes, and governance structures.

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Our climate strategy

We are committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 and supporting a just energy transition in Africa.