Firm Target N2bn In Solar Financing With New Retail Hubs Nationwide

Sterling Bank and StarTimes Nigeria have launched Sterling Solar Financing Hubs inside StarTimes retail outlets across the country, targeting N2 billion in renewable energy financing by the end of 2026.

The move, which builds on over N600 million already disbursed in the past year, is aimed at helping thousands of households and small businesses access solar power without paying prohibitive upfront costs.

The new 2026 target represents more than a threefold expansion, aimed at enabling thousands of Nigerian households and small businesses to transition to reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy.

By embedding Sterling’s financing expertise directly within StarTimes’ retail network, customers can now walk into participating outlets, select their preferred solar solution, receive financial guidance from dedicated Sterling Solar Financing Advisors, and begin the financing process immediately, subject to the Bank’s credit assessment.

Speaking on the partnership, the divisional head, Renewable Energy and Mobility at Sterling Bank, Darlington Nwankwo said, “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 vice president of StarTimes Nigeria, Eric Xiao added, “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.”

As the partnership scales nationwide, Sterling Bank and StarTimes will continue working together to democratise access to clean energy financing, empowering more Nigerians to solarise their homes and businesses while contributing to a greener future.

As one of the pioneering financial institutions in Nigeria with a dedicated Renewable Energy division, Sterling Bank reflects a long-term commitment to financing solutions that drive sustainable development and improve quality of life. Through innovative partnerships such as this, Sterling continues to bridge financing gaps while accelerating the adoption of clean energy across Nigeria.