John Akinnawonu

Results-driven Renewable Energy and finance professional with a decade of expertise in clean energy financing, project structuring, portfolio management, and corporate strategy. Proven success in identifying and developing high-value renewable energy projects, complemented by a strong ability to build bankable portfolios and secure funding from commercial and concessional sources. Strategic thinker committed to driving growth and advancing sustainable energy solutions through innovative financing approaches. Passionate about leveraging extensive industry knowledge to contribute to impactful renewable energy initiatives.

• Successfully built and managed a ₦2.5 billion portfolio of bankable renewable energy projects within six months at FCMB.
• Increased renewable energy lending pipeline by 40%, directly contributing to institutional clean energy financing targets.
• Spearheaded the creation of Sterling Bank’s first Renewable Energy Desk, including strategy design, stakeholder engagement, and process development.
• Secured partnerships with major renewable energy developers to enable co-financing of large-scale clean energy projects.
• Facilitated client access to over $5 million in concessional loans and grants from DFIs and development partners.
• Co-developed Sterling Bank’s Power-as-a-Service (AltPower) model, pioneering innovative renewable energy financing solutions.
• Negotiated and secured access to a $15 million Deutsche Bank on-lending facility for agriculture and renewable energy financing.
• Reduced project approval timelines by 20% through process optimization and improved due diligence frameworks.
• Managed the development and implementation of energy-efficient systems and off-grid BIPV solutions, including the first-of-its-kind installation at Sterling Bank Head Office in West Africa.
• Onboarded over 200 renewable energy companies, providing advisory services that fostered business growth, technology transfer, and job creation.