Sterling Bank, Water.org Launch WASH Business Loan to Expand Access to Clean Water in Nigeria

Sterling Bank, Water.org Launch WASH Business Loan to Expand Access to Clean Water in Nigeria

Sterling Bank, in partnership with global nonprofit Water.org and Sterling One Foundation, has launched the Sterling WASH Business Loan, a financing initiative aimed at empowering water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) entrepreneurs to expand access to clean water and safe sanitation across Nigeria.

The initiative was unveiled on Monday, November 24, 2025, at The Wheatbaker Hotel, Ikoyi, Lagos, bringing together development partners, policymakers, WASH service providers, entrepreneurs, and community organisations.

The financing solution is designed to address one of Nigeria’s most pressing development challenges, as millions of citizens continue to lack access to safe water and basic sanitation, with serious implications for public health, education, and economic productivity.

Speaking at the launch, Managing Director of Sterling Bank, Abubakar Suleiman, said the product reflects the bank’s commitment to inclusive development and targeted investment in impact-driven sectors.

“Sustainable development thrives on collaboration and deliberate investment in businesses that deliver solutions where they are most needed. By providing accessible financing to WASH entrepreneurs, we are ensuring that progress reaches underserved communities,” Suleiman said.

He added that the initiative aligns with the bank’s HEART strategy, which focuses on Health, Education, Agriculture, Renewable Energy, and Transportation.

Also speaking, Nigeria Senior Partnership Account Manager at Water.org, Gilbert Okpono, described financial inclusion as a critical tool in solving the water and sanitation crisis.

“Expanding access to affordable financing enables households and WASH entrepreneurs to improve services, reach more communities, and transform lives. Our partnership with Sterling Bank and Sterling One Foundation reflects a shared commitment to scaling sustainable impact across Nigeria,” Okpono said.

The Sterling WASH Business Loan provides flexible financing to WASH entrepreneurs, small business owners, and community service providers, enabling them to scale operations, improve service delivery, and support better health, educational, and livelihood outcomes in their communities.

Chief Executive Officer of Sterling One Foundation, Olapeju Ibekwe, said access to clean water and sanitation remains one of the most powerful investments in community wellbeing.

“This initiative opens opportunities for entrepreneurs and communities to build healthier futures. We are proud to collaborate with Sterling Bank and Water.org to deliver solutions that are inclusive, scalable, and sustainable,” Ibekwe stated.

Participants at the launch discussed how coordinated financing, enabling policies, and market-driven solutions can help bridge Nigeria’s WASH access gap.

Water.org is a global nonprofit organisation focused on expanding access to safe water and sanitation through innovative financing and partnerships, while Sterling Bank is a full-service commercial bank in Nigeria committed to purpose-driven banking and social impact through its HEART strategy.

Sterling One Foundation is a registered nonprofit organisation working to address the root causes of poverty in Nigeria and across Africa through interventions in health, education, and climate action and food security.