The GreenBanker Africa Initiative has proposed the development of 230 green infrastructure investment zones across Rivers State's 23 local government areas. This initiative aims to unlock a $230 billion net-zero economy and create 230,000 employment opportunities. The proposal was made in a statement to mark the 2026 World Habitat Day, which is being observed on October 5 under the theme, "Adequate Housing for All."
The World Habitat Day highlights the need for inclusive housing policies, secure land tenure, and well-serviced, climate-resilient, and environmentally sustainable neighbourhoods. GreenBanker's proposed 230 development zones will provide a framework for coordinating investment in housing, infrastructure, and productive economic activities according to community needs and circumstances. The zones represent an average planning benchmark of 10 zones per local government area.
The 230,000 employment target represents approximately 1,000 jobs per proposed zone. However, GreenBanker stressed that these figures are proposed ambitions and not guaranteed outcomes. Actual project sizes, employment figures, delivery timelines, and housing targets will be determined through feasibility studies and phased implementation. The initiative identified 13 interconnected investment areas for the proposed programme.
These investment areas include ecomobility, ecoliteracy and advocacy, green building infrastructure, clean energy, clean cooking, ecosystem conservation, climate-smart agriculture, green technology hubs, circular economy, ecotourism, green impact investment, green jobs, and green smart data infrastructure. GreenBanker said investments in green building would promote affordable and climate-resilient homes designed for local conditions.
The organisation proposed a combination of renewable energy, distributed generation, storage, and energy-efficiency measures to improve electricity supply to homes, schools, health facilities, markets, and productive businesses. Cleaner and safer cooking solutions supported by appropriate technology, financing, reliable supply chains, and user education were also proposed, with women-led distribution and servicing businesses identified as potential beneficiaries.
GreenBanker said the proposed programme was expected to deliver six broad benefits, including improved housing and neighbourhoods, more reliable household services, stronger livelihoods, greater participation by women and young people, healthier ecosystems, and more resilient communities. The organisation called for public reporting of capital mobilised, infrastructure delivered, household access to services, affordability, employment, and environmental outcomes.
Various stakeholders have expressed support for the initiative, emphasising the need for green development to translate into better living conditions and practical economic opportunities for Rivers residents. The programme aims to connect infrastructure investment with education, training, and public participation, particularly for young people and communities. Investment-ready projects will be developed through feasibility studies, environmental and social assessments, community consultations, and clearly defined financing and implementation arrangements.
Key points
- GreenBanker Africa Initiative proposes 230 green infrastructure zones in Rivers State to unlock $230bn economy and create 230,000 jobs.
- The proposed programme aims to deliver six broad benefits, including improved housing and neighbourhoods, and more resilient communities.
- The initiative seeks to connect private and public capital with projects capable of improving living conditions while creating sustainable economic opportunities.
