NCBA Group has taken a significant step in sustainability reporting by releasing its inaugural Sustainable Development Impact Disclosure (SDID) report on 7th February 2025. This report marks the first instance of an African financial institution adopting the new Impact Disclosure Guidance issued by the Impact Disclosure Taskforce in October 2024. The initiative was developed with support from investment banks J.P. Morgan and Blaylock Van.
As a member of the Impact Disclosure Taskforce—a network dedicated to helping financial institutions and capital markets participants build robust impact measurement and monitoring frameworks—NCBA Group’s report outlines a structured approach to tracking and reporting its contributions toward sustainable development goals.
The SDID report emphasizes NCBA Group’s commitment to going beyond rhetoric by establishing a legacy of sustainability founded on accountability, transparency, and consistent reporting. The institution aims to transform the way financial services contribute to Africa’s sustainable development by leading with innovative practices and measurable impact.
Building on the momentum from its sustainability programme “Change the Story,” which celebrated its first anniversary in August 2024, NCBA Group has reinforced its commitment to community development. The programme, structured around five strategic pillars and 15 bold commitments, has already facilitated community support initiatives such as the provision of scholarships totaling KES 11.1 million to underprivileged students.
The report details NCBA’s strategy to contribute to 10 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Kenya, including:
- No Poverty
- Quality Education
- Gender Equality
- Clean Water and Sanitation
- Affordable and Clean Energy
- Decent Work and Economic Growth
- Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
- Responsible Consumption and Production
- Climate Action
- Life on Land
In addition to outlining contributions toward these goals, the SDID specifies plans to promote financial inclusion, boost green and sustainable financing, enhance operational sustainability, and support community engagement and employment. Key targets include mobilizing KES 30 billion for green financing, planting 10 million trees, eliminating single-use plastics, and achieving 100% waste recycling by 2030.
The report serves as a comprehensive framework detailing NCBA’s strategy for driving transformative change in Kenya through local economic development and improved access to financial services, while also laying out an impact reporting template for ongoing monitoring and accountability.
Future plans include extending the SDID framework beyond Kenya to encompass operations in Tanzania, Rwanda, Uganda, and Ivory Coast, ensuring a consistent and measurable approach to sustainable development across the Group’s markets.
The initiative is viewed as a significant milestone that sets a new benchmark for transparency and accountability in sustainability reporting. By providing a detailed account of its strategies and impact, NCBA Group aims to enhance investor engagement and support progress toward the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The new Impact Disclosure Guidance, developed by the Impact Disclosure Taskforce, employs principles of impact measurement and monitoring to ensure that companies can reliably disclose their contributions to sustainable development, thereby empowering global capital markets to make informed decisions.
