NCBA DIAR Awards 2025 recognizes NCBA Bank for sustainability, ESG reporting, impact investing, climate action, youth employment, education, innovation, and financial inclusion.
NCBA Bank Kenya is counting win after win, with the latest one being at the National Diversity and Inclusion Awards & Recognition (DIAR), where it emerged as the second runner-up for Best Company in Sustainability/ESG Reporting and first runner-up for Impact Investing Initiative. Just the other week, the bank’s Group Managing Director was crowned CEO of the week by InstinctBusiness for his contribution to making the bank thrive and shaping the future of banking in the region.
This was the seventh edition of the annual event, and this year’s theme was “Awarding Investors in People, Planet Guardians, and Champions of Prosperity for Posterity.”
DIAR is an annual contest that recognizes companies and organizations embracing sustainable business practices and resilience within workplaces and society. NCBA has driven massive social and environmental impact through the #NCBAChangeThestory initiative to champion for and propel action against climate change.
For years, businesses have been called upon to drive more than just profitability and economic growth and participate in addressing issues like climate change, youth unemployment, gender inequality, and financial inclusion among others. NCBA heeded to the call years ago and embraced this challenge, weaving sustainability into its core business strategy and committing to 80+ sponsorships and partnerships in 2024 for long-term meaningful change.
Through bold initiatives, NCBA has been a catalyst for change, driving progress in key areas. In this article, we will mention a few to demonstrate the impact that the bank’s efforts are creating on ground.
Climate change
One of the most pressing environmental issues in Kenya is deforestation. To address this, NCBA Bank has pledged to plant 10 million trees by 2030 through the NCBA Change The Story initiative. This is a huge contribution to the Kenyan Government’s aim to raise tree cover from the current 12.13% to at least 30% by 2032. Last year, NCBA planted an impressive 426,678 trees, all while fostering staff and community engagement.
NCBA is also greening its supply chain and eliminating single-use plastics, with a plan to recycle 100% of its waste by 2030.
Youth Employment & Education
Recognizing that education is the gateway to opportunities and more grounded communities, NCBA is heavily invested in education and youth mentorship. Late last month, for instance, as part of a Ksh.100 million pledge towards education and empowerment, the bank allocated Ksh.12 million to support over 150 students through education. I was elated to be present at the launch event of this year’s program and to capture impact stories from beneficiaries, some of which I have published here.
We believe in the power of education to shape the future, and to top it up, we want to strengthen our mentorship initiatives to ensure that the students are well rounded individuals who will be confident leaders in their communities, as we work towards having them paying their knowledge forward – NCBA Group Managing Director, Mr. John Gachora.
Read also – Change The Story – NCBA Bank’s Initiative For A Sustainable Kenya
Another very impactful initiative by the bank is NCBA Go-Getter, a program that provides young graduates in Kenya with hands-on corporate experience, bridging education and employment through structured mentorship and training. With Kenya facing an unemployment rate forecast of 7.23 by 2025, this is a valid contribution towards youth employability by NCBA.
Innovation & Technology
Nearly every aspect of our lives is now powered by technology. In support of entrepreneurship and digital transformation, NCBA empowered 2,979 startups and entrepreneurs last year, engaged 158,760 students, and generated 1,241 innovative ideas through mentorship, funding, and incubation programs. The bank has reached 79 high schools and 43 universities. These are beneficiaries who will prosper, pay it forward, and create a ripple effect of socially and economically empowered communities.
Women empowerment
One of the biggest barriers that women entrepreneurs face is access to finance to start and run their businesses. Through 6 strategic partnerships, NCBA has empowered women entrepreneurs with not only funds but also other gender diversity programs like business development training, financial literacy programs, and professional mentorship. Last year, for instance, NCBA secured a Ksh. 6.7 billion loan from Proparco, to provide SME financing to customers, including women and youth. Women bring unique perspectives and solutions to the table and empowering them therefore enhances innovation in entrepreneurship.
NCBA is also impactful in other programs like community sports, where 12,000 plus players were engaged last year, and over 500 staff members participated.
Congratulations are in order for NCBA for the win. The DAIR award is well deserved for a bank that has a clear lead in sustainability and inclusion in the banking sector, and one that continues solidifying its dedication to driving lasting change. NCBA is proving that business and social impact go hand in hand, and we will be covering many of these powerful stories here.
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