NCBA Group has taken a pioneering step in sustainability reporting by publishing its first Sustainable Development Impact Disclosure (SDID) report. This move establishes NCBA as the first African financial institution to adopt the newly introduced Impact Disclosure Guidance, released by the Impact Disclosure Taskforce in October 2024.
Developed with the support of global investment banks J.P. Morgan and Blaylock Van, the SDID report underscores NCBA’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and sustainability. As a member of the Impact Disclosure Taskforce, NCBA aligns itself with a network of financial institutions and capital market participants focused on creating an impact measurement and monitoring framework.
A Commitment Beyond Rhetoric
Speaking on the milestone, NCBA Group Managing Director John Gachora emphasized the institution’s dedication to sustainability beyond words. “We collaborated with J.P. Morgan and Blaylock Van so that we could draw from their wealth of experience. We are committed to acting beyond the rhetoric so that we can build a legacy of sustainability that will resonate for generations to come. Accountability, transparency, and consistency in our reporting are essential in driving this commitment. We are determined to adapt, innovate, and lead to demonstrate that Africa can be the source of transformative solutions,” he stated.
Sustainability Programme and Impact Areas
The SDID report builds on NCBA’s broader sustainability agenda, including the ‘Change the Story’ programme launched in August 2023. This initiative is structured around five strategic pillars and 15 bold commitments aimed at creating meaningful social and environmental impact. In 2024, under the programme, NCBA provided KES 11.1 million in scholarships to support underprivileged students.
Through its impact disclosure, NCBA is focused on making significant contributions to ten UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including:
- No Poverty (SDG 1)
- Quality Education (SDG 4)
- Gender Equality (SDG 5)
- Clean Water and Sanitation (SDG 6)
- Affordable and Clean Energy (SDG 7)
- Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8)
- Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure (SDG 9)
- Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12)
- Climate Action (SDG 13)
- Life on Land (SDG 15)
The institution’s SDID further lays out its commitments to financial inclusion, green and sustainable financing, operational sustainability, employment support, and community engagement.
Sustainability Goals and Future Expansion
Key sustainability goals outlined in the report include NCBA’s pledge to mobilise KES 30 billion towards green and sustainable financing, as well as planting 10 million trees by 2030. Additionally, NCBA aims to eliminate single-use plastics and achieve 100% waste recycling by 2030.
The SDID serves as a structured framework for ongoing impact reporting, ensuring transparency and accountability in NCBA’s development goals. Future plans include expanding the SDID framework to NCBA’s operations in Tanzania, Rwanda, Uganda, and Ivory Coast, reinforcing a consistent and measurable approach to sustainability across all its markets.
Endorsements from Industry Leaders
The SDID has been widely acknowledged by key stakeholders in the financial sector. Nyagaka Ongeri, President of Blaylock Van, hailed NCBA’s leadership in sustainability reporting, stating, “NCBA’s leadership in publishing the SDID marks a significant milestone, establishing a new benchmark for transparency and accountability in advancing measurable sustainability goals. This initiative provides investors with a further tool to deepen their understanding of NCBA’s impact strategy, ultimately helping to scale engagement that drives progress toward the UN Sustainable Development Goals.”
Sailepu Montet, Chief Representative Officer at J.P. Morgan, echoed similar sentiments: “NCBA is a pioneer for producing a Sustainable Development Impact Disclosure (SDID) for its business in Kenya. The SDID reveals how NCBA plans to contribute to the country’s economic development and establishes its commitment to report progress against such plans. NCBA may use the SDID to enhance its dialogue with impact-focused investors in global capital markets.”
A New Era of Transparency in Sustainability Reporting
The Impact Disclosure Guidance, developed by the Impact Disclosure Taskforce, is designed to enhance the transparency and accountability of companies advancing the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. By adopting this framework, NCBA reinforces its role in fostering sustainable economic development and empowering capital markets to make informed investment decisions based on reliable, publicly disclosed data.
NCBA’s commitment to impact-driven sustainability is evident in its structured approach to sustainability reporting, ensuring its operations drive lasting economic, environmental, and social change.
