responsAbility Backs NSIA Banque Benin with USD 15m Green Finance Facility

Zürich/Cotonou, 8 January 2026 – Swiss impact asset manager responsAbility Investments AG, through its Climate Finance strategy, has supported NSIA Banque Benin, a leading commercial bank in Benin, with a USD 15 million green loan facility. The transaction marks one of the first bilateral green loans to Benin’s private banking sector and supports the development of structured green finance solutions in the country.

In Benin, access to dedicated green finance remains limited, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises seeking to invest in clean energy and efficiency solutions. Through this facility, responsAbility is supporting NSIA Banque Benin in building a structured green lending offering that can channel climate finance to local businesses and help unlock private-sector investment in the energy transition. The transaction supports the NSIA Group’s regional strategy to scale sustainable finance across West Africa by leveraging its banking subsidiaries as catalysts for the energy transition and inclusive economic growth.

Supporting SMEs and climate-positive investments

The funding will enable NSIA Banque Benin to expand climate finance solutions for local businesses, particularly SMEs, with a focus on clean energy, energy efficiency in commercial and industrial operations, and green agricultural projects. The initiative aims to lower energy costs, improve competitiveness, and accelerate the adoption of climate-positive investments.

Strengthening green lending capabilities

Beyond capital, the facility includes technical assistance to strengthen NSIA Banque Benin’s internal capacity to originate, structure, and monitor green projects. The support is designed to help establish a scalable climate finance portfolio with measurable environmental impact.

Building a long-term partnership in West Africa

The transaction builds on responsAbility’s existing collaboration with the NSIA Group and follows a previous green finance transaction with NSIA Banque Côte d’Ivoire in 2024. strengthening the group’s climate finance capabilities. The expansion to Benin reflects a long-term commitment to strengthening local financial institutions as catalysts for sustainable finance and inclusive economic growth across West Africa.

“Partnering with NSIA in Benin is another milestone in scaling climate finance in West Africa through strong local institutions,” said David Diaz Formidoni, Head of Financial Institutions Investments at responsAbility. “Supporting banks at the start of their green lending journey is where catalytic capital delivers the greatest impact.”

Anicet Patrick Okoma, Managing Director of NSIA Banque Benin, said: “This facility is more than financing. It marks the beginning of our green finance journey. With responsAbility’s financial and technical support, we are well positioned to build a responsible financing offering and deliver long-term value for our clients and communities.”

The transaction reinforces the NSIA Group’s ambition to make sustainable finance a cornerstone of its regional growth strategy, supporting businesses, communities, and the energy transition across West Africa.

About NSIA Benin: NSIA Banque Bénin S.A. is a subsidiary of “Groupe NSIA” a pan-African Group that is present in 12 countries and recognized as a leader in insurance and banking. NSIA Banque Benin is part of the Group’s banking division, which includes four banks and one branch across West Africa, along with a representative office in Paris dedicated to the diaspora. Operating in Benin and Togo, NSIA Banque Benin S.A. has a robust network of 36 service points and more than 40 ATMs. The bank positions itself as a trusted partner for individuals, businesses, and institutions, contributing significantly to the development of Benin’s economy through the financing of government projects and programs. With more than 500 employees across both markets, NSIA Banque Benin continues to strengthen its role as a driver of growth and innovation.