Partnership expands point-of-sale financing initiative to help more households and SMEs adopt solar solutions.
Sterling Bank and StarTimes Nigeria are deepening their collaboration to expand access to clean energy, unveiling Sterling Solar Financing Hubs across StarTimes retail outlets with an ambitious goal of facilitating N2 billion in renewable energy financing by the end of 2026.
The initiative is designed to make solar energy more accessible by allowing customers to obtain financing at the point of purchase, reducing the financial barriers that have slowed the adoption of renewable energy among households and small businesses.
The new target builds on an existing partnership that has already delivered more than N600 million in solar financing transactions over the past year. With the expansion, both organisations aim to help thousands of Nigerians transition from unreliable grid electricity and expensive fuel-powered generators to affordable and sustainable solar energy solutions.
Under the arrangement, Sterling Bank's financing services are now integrated directly into selected StarTimes retail outlets. Customers visiting participating stores can choose a solar product, receive financial guidance from dedicated Sterling Solar Financing Advisors and immediately begin the loan application process, subject to the bank's credit assessment.
The initiative comes as demand for alternative energy sources continues to rise amid persistent power supply challenges and increasing energy costs across Nigeria.
Speaking on the partnership, Darlington Nwankwo, Divisional Head, Renewable Energy and Mobility at Sterling Bank, said the programme reflects the bank's commitment to making clean energy accessible to more Nigerians.
"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."
According to him, embedding financing directly within retail locations removes one of the biggest obstacles facing prospective solar users—the high upfront cost of installation—while making the purchasing process more convenient.
StarTimes Nigeria also described the initiative as a significant step toward building a broader clean energy ecosystem that combines technology, product availability and accessible financing.
Vice President of StarTimes Nigeria, Eric Xiao, said the partnership goes beyond the sale of solar products by creating a platform that enables more Nigerians to embrace renewable energy.
"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. Moving forward, we will continue to deepen this partnership, ensuring that more Nigerians can enjoy reliable, affordable, and smart energy solutions, ultimately turning our vision of energy accessibility into a reality for all."
The partners said the financing hubs will be rolled out across the country as part of efforts to increase access to renewable energy solutions and support Nigeria's transition to cleaner sources of power.
Sterling Bank noted that the initiative aligns with its long-term strategy of financing sustainable development through its dedicated Renewable Energy division. The lender has increasingly focused on providing innovative financing models that bridge funding gaps for renewable energy projects while improving energy access for households and businesses.
As the partnership expands nationwide, both organisations say they will continue working together to make solar financing more accessible, helping more Nigerians power their homes and businesses with cleaner, more reliable energy while contributing to the country's broader sustainability goals.