Standard Bank Expands Free Sustainability Training Program
Entrepreneurs can access new sustainability training modules through 2028 following an influx of international development funding.
Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Scholarships
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Standard Bank secured R3.8 million in German development funding to expand its sustainability training initiative through 2028. This partnership supports free training for entrepreneurs across 15 markets in Africa.
Why it matters
The funding helps African businesses build capacity in climate-smart practices as they face growing pressure to adapt to changing environmental conditions. It allows the program to scale its outreach and improve digital learning resources.
Standard Bank received R3.8 million in funding from DEG Impulse, supported by Germany's Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development. The program is free for all entrepreneurs, regardless of their client status with the bank.
The players
Standard Bank
A major African financial institution that offers banking services and manages a large-scale sustainable finance and training initiative.
DEG Impulse
A development finance institution supported by the German government that provides funding for international sustainability initiatives.
Stellenbosch University
A research-intensive South African university that provides academic content for professional training programs.
University of the Witwatersrand
A leading South African research university that partners with corporate entities to develop educational curriculum.
The details
The funding supports the expansion of the Sustainability Academy by financing new learning materials, digital platform upgrades, and enhanced outcome tracking. The training curriculum focuses on critical sustainability topics including renewable energy, water management, carbon emissions, and climate-smart agriculture. Content is developed in partnership with Stellenbosch University and the University of the Witwatersrand, with delivery managed through the Community Training platform.
Timeline
2026: The Sustainability Academy completed its first year of operation.
2027: The Academy will introduce additional training modules.
2028: The training program will be extended through this date.
Education Landscape
The program reflects a broader trend of financial institutions integrating sustainability training into their value proposition for business clients. This approach aligns with the wider commitment by banks to mobilize billions in sustainable finance by 2028.
Entrepreneurs can access free training modules on climate-smart agriculture and resource efficiency through the academy’s digital platform. Interested participants should visit the program website to register for upcoming 2027 modules.
The takeaway
Accessing specialized sustainability training can help business owners identify new growth opportunities in a shifting climate. Entrepreneurs should monitor the program platform for the release of new modules in 2027.
Further reading
Learn more about accessing educational support through our Scholarships section.
More information
To register for upcoming modules or view the training catalog, visit the standard bank sustainability academy registration.
Live Poll
Do you believe sustainability training programs effectively help small businesses improve their long-term economic prospects?
