Sterling Bank, Water.org, Sterling One Foundation Partner to Provide Access to Clean Water for Millions

Oluchi Chibuzor 

To address the urgent challenge and strengthen the systems delivering WASH solutions, Sterling Bank, in partnership with nonprofit Water.org and Sterling One Foundation, has launched the Sterling WASH Business Loan, a catalytic financing solution that empowers WASH businesses and service providers to scale sustainable access to safe water and sanitation across Nigeria. 

According to the bank, the partnership signals a shared commitment to solving one of Nigeria’s most pressing development challenges: access to safe water and basic sanitation. 

Speaking at the launch in Lagos, recently. Abubakar Suleiman, Managing Director, Sterling Bank, highlighted the initiative’s role in fostering inclusive development.

According to him, “Sustainable development depends on collaboration and targeted investment in the people and businesses delivering solutions on the ground.

“By providing accessible financing to entrepreneurs in such a critical social sector, we ensure that progress reaches communities that need it most. This product aligns with our HEART strategy and our commitment to improving quality of life through impact-driven initiatives.” 

On his part, the Nigeria Senior Partnership Account Manager at Water.org, Gilbert Okpono, emphasised the transformative potential of financing WASH businesses, adding that financial inclusion is critical to solving the global water and sanitation crisis. 

“By expanding access to affordable financing, we enable households and WASH entrepreneurs to improve services, reach more communities, and transform lives.

“Our partnership with Sterling Bank and Sterling One Foundation reflects a shared belief that when communities have the means to secure safe water and sanitation, the benefits ripple across health, education, and economic opportunity.

“This launch is a major step toward scaling that impact sustainably,” he noted.

The Sterling WASH Business Loan is designed to support WASH entrepreneurs, small business owners, and community service providers with flexible financing to expand and sustain their impact, enabling improved health, livelihoods, and educational outcomes across communities. 

The initiative aligns closely with Sterling One Foundation’s mission to drive social impact and sustainable development across Africa. 

On her part, CEO of Sterling One Foundation, Olapeju Ibekwe, affirmed that the Foundation’s mission is to catalyse initiatives that deliver real, lasting change. 

According to her, “Access to safe water and sanitation is one of the most powerful investments in community well-being.

“Through this launch, we are opening doors for entrepreneurs, families, and communities to build healthier futures. We are proud to partner with Water.org and Sterling Bank to deliver solutions that are inclusive, scalable, and sustainable.”