Sterling Bank Plc has reaffirmed its dedication to its HEART strategy, which emphasizes Health, Education, Agriculture, Renewable Energy, and Transportation, by supporting agricultural innovation at the Agric Summit Africa (ASA) AgroPitch 2023. At this event, Sterling Bank awarded N25 million to five outstanding agro-innovators, highlighting its ongoing commitment to the agricultural sector.

The overall winner, Green Republic Farms Limited, a women-led enterprise promoted by Baliqees Salaudeen, received a N5 million grant and a fully funded scholarship to Lagos Business School. Other winners included Eden-Acres Integrated Farm, Kernelinc Resources Limited, Duketrah Fisheries, and OG Capital, all of which received N5 million each for their innovations.

Dr. Shola Obikanye, Group Head of Agric and Solid Minerals at Sterling Bank, emphasized the bank’s focus on agriculture, noting that it plays a central role in the HEART strategy. He highlighted the bank’s growth in agricultural financing, from 0.2% of its portfolio 11 years ago to 15% today.

ASA AgroPitch 2023, themed “Empowering Innovations: A Confluence of Capital, Vision, and Agribusiness Enterprise,” continues to be a cornerstone event for agriculture in sub-Saharan Africa, with the goal of fostering innovation and financing to advance the sector.