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ACT Foundation Opens Applications for Changemakers Innovation Challenge
Aspire Coronation Trust (ACT) Foundation has announced the opening of applications for the 2024 Changemakers Innovation Challenge. Themed The theme for this year’s Changemakers Innovation Challenge is “Driving Change With Digital Innovation,” this initiative seeks to empower community non-profit organisations and social enterprises that utilise technological advancements to create grassroots impact and enhance the lives of individuals and communities.As technology continues to transform the global landscape, it offers unprecedented opportunities for real-time services and improved quality of life. In Africa, the social sector is increasingly adopting digital innovations to address developmental challenges and improve community well-being.Osayi Alile, Chief Executive Officer of ACT Foundation, emphasised the importance of technological adaptation in Africa’s evolution, saying, “Africa is fast evolving and embracing technology. As changemakers, we must be able to move with the times and adopt innovative digital and technological solutions that address Africa’s challenges in-depth, be it in agriculture, education, health, or empowerment. Technology has proven to aid greater impact, and this Challenge seeks to identify and support nonprofits and social enterprises who are driving social impact through innovative solutions.”The 2024 Changemakers Innovation Challenge will award grant funding and technical support to the top 3 winners and 10 finalists, enabling them to scale their innovative solutions across targeted communities. Interested organisations can apply at http://changemakers.actrustfoundation.org/.Applications close on July 12, 2024. Winners will be announced at ACT Foundation’s 8th Breakfast Dialogue on October 10, 2024.ACT Foundation is an award-winning Pan-African nonprofit organisation dedicated to addressing challenges and vulnerabilities across the African continent through grant making and capacity building in health, entrepreneurship, environment, and leadership.
FirstBank, a leading financial institution and provider of financial inclusion services in West Africa, announces the achievement of ₦1 trillion in cumulative instant digital loan disbursements. This accomplishment further consolidates the Bank’s reputation for innovation, leadership in financial inclusion, and commitment to customer empowerment within.
Since its inaugural digital loan in August 2019, FirstBank has developed an unconventional and robust digital lending ecosystem designed with Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, to improve access to finance, especially to the high-risk customer segment. The Bank created a multi- channel loan disbursement service that requires no collaterals, zero documentation and is void of human interactions. Through its FirstAdvance, FirstCredit and AgentCredit products, 1.5 million unique borrowers enjoyed instant and secure access to credit. This is irrespective of whether they are salary earners, non-salary earners, or micro business owners. They also have the convenient options of accessing these loans through platforms such as *894# (FirstBank’s USSD service), FirstMobile, LitApp and the FirstMonie Agent App.
Regarding this milestone, Chuma Ezirim, Group Executive, e-Business & Retail Products at FirstBank, stated: “This success underscores our ongoing commitment to innovation and a customer-focused approach, which are central to FirstBank’s core values. Beyond achieving substantial figures, we remain dedicated to fostering opportunities for financial independence across Nigeria in particular, and in Africa at large.’’
He added, “We value the trust our customers place in us to support their financial aspirations. Our efforts to advance digital lending will persist, especially to the excluded and underserved customer segments, while effectively managing risks in the process.”
FirstBank currently disburses about N1 Billion daily in digital loans, demonstrating its commitment to fostering an inclusive, technology-driven future for Nigerians. By consistently investing in advanced technologies and developing customised financial solutions, the Bank seeks to improve the financial well-being of individuals and businesses across the nation.
FirstBank, the West Africa premier financial institution and financial inclusion services provider, has strengthened its partnership with the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC) to reaffirm its commitment to driving sustainable finance and unlocking capital for development. This ongoing partnership was reinforced at the recently concluded Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development (FfD4) hosted by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA) in Seville, Spain.
The FfD4 Conference brought together global leaders, policymakers, and private sector experts to discuss innovative solutions to address the growing SDG financing gap and unlock capital for development in fragile and underserved regions.
FirstBank’s Chief Risk Officer, Patrick Akhidenor, represented the bank at the conference and highlighted two FirstBank flagship initiatives driving resilience finance in Nigeria: The Solar Equipment Financing initiative and the revamped FirstGem Fund. The Solar Equipment Financing initiative offers tailored financing options for the purchase and installation of solar power systems, ensuring access to clean, reliable, and affordable energy solutions. The FirstGem Fund, a women-focused proposition, provides single-digit interest loans to women entrepreneurs without collateral requirements, targeting funding gaps in critical sectors.
‘’We are committed to driving sustainable finance and unlocking capital for development,” said Patrick Akhidenor. “Our partnership with UNGC and participation in the FfD4 Conference demonstrate our dedication to innovative finance solutions that address the SDG financing gap.”
Sanda Ojambo, CEO of UNGC, emphasized the need for innovative, inclusive financial models for underserved regions. “The private sector must play a central role in shaping fit-for-purpose, scalable finance solutions,” she said. “De-risking tools and blended finance can help unlock capital and drive meaningful impact.
FirstBank’s partnership with Development Finance Institutions (DFIs) and its SMEConnect hub demonstrate its capacity to lead efforts in sustainable finance. The bank provides training, networking, and tailored financing to SMEs across various sectors, including education, healthcare, and retail
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