Sterling Bank and StarTimes Nigeria have launched Sterling Solar Financing Hubs inside StarTimes retail outlets in the country.
The aim is to provide on-the-spot solar financing and hit ₦2 billion in renewable energy financing by the end of 2026.
The new hubs build on a partnership that already delivered over ₦600 million in solar financing in the past year.
The two companies said customers can walk into any participating StarTimes store, choose a solar product, get advice from a Sterling Solar Financing Advisor, and start their loan process immediately after a credit check.
Speaking on the partnership, Darlington Nwankwo, Divisional Head, Renewable Energy and Mobility at Sterling Bank, said the first phase of the rollout commences this July with five Solar Financing Hubs across Lagos, located in Lekki, Ikeja, Festac, Surulere, and Victoria Island.
He informed that the network will expand rapidly to 46 StarTimes outlets nationwide before the end of the third quarter of 2026, with a view to extending the model to more than 200 StarTimes locations nationwide.
He added: “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.”
Eric Xiao, Vice President of StarTimes Nigeria, 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.”