LAPO Microfinance Bank has announced the second edition of its Sustainability Conference, scheduled to hold on October 31, 2025, at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos. Themed “Microfinance for Climate Resilience: Empowering Communities, Driving Innovation, Shaping Policy,” the high-level event will bring together policymakers, financial institutions, development experts, entrepreneurs, and academics to explore the critical role of microfinance in driving grassroots climate action.
The conference is expected to be opened by Mrs. Cynthia Ikponmwosa, Managing Director of LAPO Microfinance Bank, who will deliver the keynote address. The event will serve as a strategic platform for dialogue and collaboration on how inclusive finance can help vulnerable communities adapt to the growing impacts of climate change.
According to the organisers, the 2025 edition builds on the success of the inaugural conference held in 2019, which catalyzed a range of sustainability-focused initiatives across renewable energy, water and sanitation, and climate-smart agriculture.
“This year’s conference comes at a critical time, as the world prepares for COP30 in Brazil and the urgent need for localized, inclusive climate financing becomes more apparent,” said Mrs. Ikponmwosa. “We are bringing together thought leaders and practitioners to ensure microfinance is not left out of the climate finance conversation.”
Nigeria, like many developing countries, faces significant challenges in accessing sufficient climate finance. Recent reports reveal that the country receives less than 10 percent of the estimated funds required annually for climate mitigation and adaptation. LAPO Microfinance Bank aims to close this gap by mobilizing resources and designing financial products that empower low-income populations — especially women — to become active agents of resilience.
The upcoming conference will feature panel discussions, expert presentations, and case studies focused on scaling climate-smart financial services, driving innovation in community development, and influencing policy at both national and global levels.
Speakers and participants will include representatives from international development agencies, regulatory institutions, climate finance networks, academic institutions, and grassroots organizations.
LAPO Microfinance Bank has established a strong track record in promoting sustainability. Its initiatives include partnerships with IITA for ecosystem restoration, Water.org for WASH loans, and Baobab+ Nigeria and Sun King to expand access to affordable solar energy. The bank currently serves over three million clients, with women accounting for 70 percent of its customer base.
The event is open to invited guests, with limited seating available. Interested stakeholders can register or learn more about the programme by visiting www.lapo-nigeria.org or contacting the conference secretariat.
