Climate Finance Conference in Lagos Focuses on Inclusion

The Africa Inclusive Climate Finance Conference 2026 was convened in Lagos by LAPO Microfinance Bank (LAPO MfB) in partnership with the World Savings and Retail Banking Institute (WSBI). The conference focused on the theme “Gender-Smart Finance for Climate-Smart Agriculture: Building Inclusive Rural Economies.” LAPO Microfinance Bank Managing Director Cynthia Ikponmwosa stated that the climate challenge is also a financing challenge, particularly for communities reliant on agriculture and informal economies.

She emphasized that financial institutions must design solutions tailored to the needs of underserved communities. WSBI representative Peter Simon discussed the importance of ensuring that climate finance reaches grassroots communities, stating that inclusive finance should be integral to Africa's climate resilience infrastructure.

Visa Senior Director Chidozie Arinze highlighted digital finance as a means to enhance access to financial services for underserved communities. Angela Omeiza, LAPO Microfinance Bank ESG Board Chairperson, noted that effective gender-smart finance requires understanding the specific risks women face in economic activities.