These sessions attracted strong engagement from key stakeholders and offered a valuable platform for experts to explore how climate considerations can be woven into financial strategies. The discussions laid the groundwork for deeper dialogue at the upcoming conference on August 27th.

The first webinar featured Efua Nyamekye Appiah, an expert in energy and just transition, who spoke on the topic “Just Energy Transition: Who wins and who loses.” She unpacked the complexities of shifting from fossil fuels to clean energy in a way that is fair and inclusive.

The transition promises major benefits, such as the creation of millions of new jobs, improved public health through reduced pollution, and expanded access to affordable energy, particularly for underserved communities.

However, it also presents challenges, including job losses in traditional energy sectors and the risk of increased energy costs for vulnerable populations. Appiah emphasised that achieving a just transition requires coordinated efforts, thoughtful policies, and a strong commitment to equity and sustainability.

In another session, Gerhard Muda, CEO of Climate Risk Services and a seasoned climate finance expert with over 25 years of experience across both public and private sectors, led a discussion on “Climate Proofing Portfolios.” Muda stressed that climate change is no longer a distant threat but a present-day reality with tangible impacts on businesses and daily life.

He highlighted Ghana’s particular vulnerability to climate risks such as droughts and extreme rainfall, which pose serious challenges to key sectors like agriculture. His presentation underscored the urgency of integrating climate resilience into financial planning to safeguard investments and ensure long-term stability.

“Emerging markets like Ghana face a climate finance gap of $350–400 billion annually. Banks have a unique role to play in mobilizing this capital, building resilience for businesses, and generating new streams of green revenue,” Gerhard noted.

The discussion explored practical adaptation solutions such as drip irrigation, hail nets for farms, and the integration of climate risk assessments into loan approval processes, a practice Fidelity Bank has already begun implementing for farmers.

The final webinar, titled “Net Zero Concepts and Business Implications,” was led by John Tawiah, Africa Lead for Sustainable Finance Advisory at KPMG Africa. The session focused on how businesses across Africa are planning their transitions toward net zero emissions, drawing on real-world case studies to highlight strategies, innovations, and challenges faced across various sectors. Tawiah introduced the “triple bottom line” framework, urging companies to move beyond financial metrics and incorporate environmental and social responsibility into their core operations.

He provided a clear breakdown of greenhouse gas emissions into Scope 1 (direct emissions), Scope 2 (indirect emissions from purchased energy), and Scope 3 (all other indirect emissions across the value chain), stressing the importance of mapping and measuring these emissions as a critical first step.

The discussion emphasised that effective and resilient transition pathways require context-specific approaches, alignment with policy frameworks, and scalable solutions tailored to industry realities.

The insights from these webinars have provided a strong foundation for the main conference, which will be held on August 27th, streamed live to a global audience. The event will convene some of the most respected voices in finance and sustainability to dive deep into these critical issues.

The upcoming conference will feature two dynamic panel discussions. The first panel, moderated by Dr. Abena Nyarkoa Asomaning of Ghana EXIM Bank, will explore “The Current State of Sustainable Banking: Mobilising Private Sector Capital for Climate Action in Ghana.” The second panel, titled “Climate Finance and the Real Economy,” will be moderated by Mina Agyemang, Manager for UN Global Compact’s Participants Engagement and Outreach.

A diverse range of experts will grace both panels, diving deep into the discussions and offering practical insights on how Ghana can accelerate its climate finance agenda through strategic partnerships and innovative financial solutions.

The conference serves as the culmination of Fidelity Bank’s Sustainability Month, reinforcing the bank’s role as a leader in not just promoting awareness but also providing the financial tools and strategic guidance necessary to build a climate-resilient economy in Ghana.