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…Begins nationwide rollout
Sterling Bank and StarTimes Nigeria have unveiled a nationwide solar financing initiative aimed at unlocking N2 billion in renewable energy financing by the end of 2026, as both organisations deepen efforts to expand access to clean and affordable energy across Nigeria.
The initiative, known as the Sterling Solar Financing Hubs, will see dedicated financing centres established inside StarTimes retail outlets, allowing customers to purchase solar solutions and begin the financing process at the point of sale.
The partners said the programme builds on an existing collaboration that has already facilitated more than N600 million in solar financing transactions over the past year. They noted that the new N2 billion target represents more than a threefold increase and is expected to help thousands of households and small businesses switch to reliable and sustainable energy.
Under the arrangement, customers visiting participating StarTimes outlets will be able to choose their preferred solar products, receive guidance from Sterling Solar Financing Advisors and commence financing applications, subject to the bank’s credit assessment.
Speaking on the initiative, Divisional Head of Renewable Energy and Mobility at Sterling Bank, Darlington Nwankwo, said the partnership aligns with the bank’s commitment to making clean energy accessible to more Nigerians.
He said, “Sterling exists to enrich lives, and we believe that access to clean, reliable energy should be within everyone’s reach. Through this partnership with StarTimes, we are democratising access to solar by bringing financing directly to the point of need, enabling more families and businesses to transition to sustainable energy without the burden of prohibitive upfront costs. This is about unlocking opportunity, improving livelihoods, and powering Nigeria’s future.”
The first phase of the rollout will begin this month with five Solar Financing Hubs located in Lekki, Ikeja, Festac, Surulere and Victoria Island in Lagos.
According to the partners, the network will expand to 46 StarTimes outlets across the country before the end of the third quarter of 2026, with plans to eventually cover more than 200 StarTimes locations nationwide.
Vice President of StarTimes Nigeria, Eric Xiao, described the initiative as a major step towards building a sustainable energy ecosystem.
He said, “With the rollout of the Sterling Solar Financing Hubs, we are doing more than just selling solar products; we are building a sustainable energy ecosystem. By integrating StarTimes’ extensive service network with Sterling Bank’s professional financial services, we are significantly lowering the barrier for Nigerian households and small businesses to access clean energy.”
He added that both organisations would continue to deepen their collaboration to ensure more Nigerians have access to reliable, affordable and smart energy solutions.
The partners said the nationwide expansion is expected to accelerate solar adoption by bridging financing gaps that have traditionally limited access to renewable energy, while supporting Nigeria’s transition to cleaner sources of power.
Sterling Bank noted that the initiative forms part of its broader renewable energy financing strategy, which seeks to improve access to sustainable energy solutions for homes and businesses while contributing to the country’s clean energy and economic development goals.
