As one of the leading financial institutions in East Africa, NCBA Group is aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 5 which champions women’s rights.
The Group which manages NCBA Bank not only focuses on women under the SDG5 but also the youth as it launches and manages projects that positively impact vulnerable communities, reduce inequalities, promote gender equality and equity, and youth empowerment and inclusion.
In its 2023 Integrated Report and Financial Statements NCBA Group which manages NCBA Bank notes that last year, it signed a USD 50M facility with Proparco, a development finance institution, to mobilise funding towards green & sustainable platforms, women in business and Small and midsize enterprises (SMEs).
Group chairman, James Ndegwa says that the funding was part of the bold sustainability commitments launched last year as the group balanced between urgent business demands and broader social responsibilities.
“The bold sustainability commitments will continue to support and define our continued growth strategy while empowering the communities in which we operate.”
To enhance the milestones achieved last year the board also supported the launch of the Group’s Sustainability platform “Change the Story” comprising various commitments under five sustainability pillars.
Change the Story advocates for a sustainable future which starts by doing good today. The five sustainability pillars are;
- Minimise NCBA’s Direct Impact On the Climate and Amplify Tree Planting Programme
- Ignite NCBA’s Customers Transition to a Low-Carbon Operating Model
- Mitigate the Impact of Climate-Related Risks to NCBA’s Long Term Performance
- Enhance the Impact of NCBA’s Community Engagement Model
- Optimize NCBA’s Corporate Governance
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Through these pillars, NCBA has continued to empower the women and the youth as follows:
Minimize Direct Impact on the Climate and Amplify Tree Planting Programme
Women farmers have continued to play a key role in NCBA Group’s climate action programmes.
Last year, the Group launched a pilot tree-growing project with the Boreka Group which is a strategic partner.
The pilot onboarded 402 farmers in Kitui County (82 per cent of which were women farmers) and provided in-depth training on climate change impacts, climate action, climate resilience,
carbon credits, benefit sharing and Free Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) in the context of carbon markets, and reducing emissions from deforestation.
Following the training, 49,700 seedlings were potted in Boreka’s onsite nursery and all seedlings were 100 per cent indigenous to Kitui (12 seedling species).
Out of which, 44,000 seedlings were planted in collaboration with the local farmers across sites in Kitui–Mutumo and Ikutha. NCBA’s Executive Committee and Senior Leadership Teams also joined Boreka and local farmers in a major tree-planting event in November.
In line with the pillar, NCBA targets growing 10 million trees by 2030 through strategic partnerships with private actors and the government.
NCBA collaborates with Boreka Group and Kitui County to sensitize stakeholders on environmentally responsible practices
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Enhance the Impact of NCBA’s Community Engagement Model
As a bank, NCBA encourages individuals and organisations to take an active role in creating positive social and environmental change through a programme known as Citizenship Agenda.
“This not only helps to create a better future for all, but it can also help to build a stronger sense of community and foster a shared commitment to making the world a better place,” the Group says in its 2023 Integrated Report and Financial Statements.
Through partner engagements, NCBA has supported the communities through four pillars.
- Youth Education and Enterprise Pillar
- Financial Innovation Pillar
- Environment and Natural Resources Pillar
- Preventative Health and Wellness
Under the youth education and enterprise pillar, NCBA is sponsoring 100 students with scholarships worth Ksh11.1 million.
It also mentors and trains 3,000 high school students from 150 secondary schools and over 100 teachers to enhance leadership development, diversity and inclusion as the students are from diverse backgrounds.
In 2023, the Group partnered with Daraja Academy for a groundbreaking ceremony, marking the first time the academy has a permanent residence at Endana, Nanyuki.
The academy will accommodate 120 extra students.
Palmhouse Foundation send-off and mentorship of 350 students from all 47 counties in Kenya also received guidance on self-awareness, self-esteem, confidence and understanding.
Braeburn Garden Estate School also organised a fashion show where all proceeds go towards the Kibera Pride Organisation whose main objective is to assist many young students being affected by cholera as the water quality is insufficient in Kibera.
Under the financial innovation pillar, through NCBA’s partnership with Junior Achievement(JA) Kenya, the Group empowered over 1,500 high school students from more than 150 secondary schools and over 100 teachers through the Social Innovation Relay.
Under preventative health and wellness, the NCBA group joined hands with the Wangu Kanja Foundation(WFK) Strategic Plan Launch to create a more inclusive and equitable society by helping the foundation raise awareness address and address systemic issues that contribute to sexual violence.
It also sponsored The African Women’s Orchestra, which is a collective of talented female musicians from across the continent, dedicated to celebrating the power of music and highlighting the stories of African women.
NCBA further sponsored the annual Diversity and Inclusion Awards and Recognition (DIAR) to support a cause that champions the inclusion and empowerment of persons with disabilities, women and girls, youth and ethnic minorities.
NCBA attends the National Diversity and Inclusion Awards and Recognition Event
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The Citizenship Agenda
NCBA also re-purposed its Change the Story tagline, to encompass the Group’s sustainability strategy that captures the NCBA Citizenship agenda.
This includes its approach to Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) and Climate-related Financial Risk topics.
The NCBA Citizenship agenda is categorized into two; sponsorships and community engagement.
Under sponsorship and donations, NCBA supported the Billie Jean King Cup Sponsorship – The World Cup of Tennis where 12 African countries were represented.
Former CS Youth Affairs, Sports and Arts Ababu Namwamba officiated the event.
“By investing in sports and empowering communities, we contributed to the development, well-being and overall empowerment of individuals and society as a whole,” NCBA says.
It also sponsored the launch of the Wazalendo Hockey Club Ladies’ Team kicked off by participating in a two-day tournament at Mombasa Sports Club.
“The partnership alleviated gender disparity in a male-dominated sports industry in alignment with our principles of gender equality and empowerment. By investing in the development of the Ladies’ Team, our sponsorship contributed to breaking down barriers and stereotypes, promoted female participation in sports, and empowered young ladies to excel in a traditionally male-dominated field,” NCBA says.
Under community engagement, NCBA invests in Nature & Biodiversity, Youth Employment, Women Economic Empowerment, Innovation and Technology and Community Development through Sport including the NCBA Golf Series
Investment in Youth Employment
NCBA mentors participated in a three-day Edumed Trust mentorship retreat held at St. George’s Girls Secondary School in Nairobi, with the theme “My Journey In His Plan,” aiming to mentor, motivate, inspire, shape character, and assist 80 beneficiaries in their educational and career aspirations.
The Edumed Trust Charity Dinner further brought together various partners and individuals to showcase the impact that Edumed Trust has had in the lives of young Kenyans over the years.
“Supporting the Creative Economy is key to sustainable development where we operate. 673 art pieces were on display from over 300 creatives. 259 art pieces were sold with a sales increment of 38.5% compared to the last show in 2022.
It also supported the Celebration Concert -15 Years of Art Music by Ghetto Classics & Jef Neve.
“This initiative is in line with our Sustainability pillar; Investing in Youth Employment through the creative industry,” NCBA says.
Innovation and Technology
NCBA collaborated with JA Kenya and the Global Entrepreneurship Network to create a dynamic platform that played a pivotal role in fostering economic and cultural exchange throughout Africa.
The event provided attendees with access to a wide range of masterclasses and meaningful discussions, all aimed at nurturing entrepreneurs on their journey to initiate and expand new ventures.
The University Innovation Challenge (UIC) winner, Rethread Africa, secured an incredible opportunity to present their pitch at the 2024 Global Entrepreneurship Congress (GEC) in South Africa in March.
“This is in line with our Sustainability pillars on Innovation & Technology. We were honoured to witness the presentations of seven outstanding ideas from the finalists from all regions in Kenya.”
“The winning team was from Kisumu Senior School who came up with the Innovative Foot Mouse for people with disabilities,” NCBA says.
Women Economic Empowerment
NCBA partnered with Ushiriki Wema and Ahadi Kenya to commemorate International Day of Persons with Disabilities under the theme “ United in action to rescue and achieve the SDGs for, with and by persons with disabilities” in Dagoretti North constituency, Nairobi County.
1,000 Hass avocado seedlings, wheelchairs, walking aids and assorted foodstuffs were donated to more than 400 beneficiaries.
“We also partnered with Business Engage in support of the East Africa Gender Mainstreaming Awards to leverage our sustainability commitments, including our pledge to steer at least 30% of our General Services procurement spend to women and youth as well as promote diversity, equity and inclusion,” NCBA adds.
The Awards aimed at highlighting the importance of gender mainstreaming in various sectors, such as business, government, education, healthcare, and civil society. The awards recognised the significant strides made by organisations and individuals in creating a more inclusive and equitable society for all genders in East Africa.
NCBA also sponsored The Women on Board Network Awards to celebrate the achievements of individuals and organisations that have made significant contributions to gender diversity and inclusion.
This awards programme aims to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in the boardroom, as well as to recognize and celebrate the diverse contributions of women and men toward this goal.
NCBA’s Corporate Governance
This year NCBA will steer at least 30 per cent of its General Services procurement spend to women and youth.
NCBA believes that its procurement process represents a huge opportunity to build a more inclusive business and contribute to a more inclusive economy that ensures equitable opportunities and promotes gender equality through increased participation of women-owned businesses.
It will also provide targeted mentorship and skills-building for women and youth.
The provision of targeted mentorship and skills-building for women and youth embodies NCBA’s steadfast commitment to fostering inclusivity, empowerment, and sustainable development.
“By offering personalised guidance and support tailored to the unique needs and aspirations of women and young individuals, we unlock their full potential and pave the way for their professional and personal growth.
“In doing so, we not only contribute to narrowing gender and generational gaps but also foster a more diverse, resilient, and prosperous society where everyone has the opportunity to realize their dreams and contribute meaningfully to the advancement of our collective future. This year we have focused on the following skills-building activities,” NCBA says.
Notable Achievements
In Tanzania, NCBA’s dedication to supporting women and youth is evidenced by sponsorships totalling TZS 7.9 million, ranging from innovative events like the Her Initiative Panda Event to contributions to the Tanzania junior golf team.
Through initiatives like the International Women’s Week – Women Profiling project, conducted in collaboration with esteemed partners, NCBA continues to champion inclusion, diversity, and gender equality.
In Rwanda, NCBA Rwanda was recognized in 2023 by the prestigious Gold Gender Equality Seal 2022, awarded by the Gender Monitoring Office, Private Sector Federation, under the guidance of UNDP & UN Women.
“By investing in our people, we invest in our future, making NCBA Rwanda a truly enriching place to work and grow,” NCBA says.
At NCBA Rwanda, the Group champions diversity, inclusion, and continuous learning, evidenced by our balanced representation with 42% women in leadership roles, and a 49-51 male-to-female gender ratio.
