NCBA has partnered with Kivukoni School for the 2024 Kivukoni Eco Fest in an effort to celebrate environmental conservation, global citizenship and community engagement.

The annual festival was held in Kilifi County and saw seven businesses pitch their eco-ideas at the Lion’s Den Eco Project competition for chance to win Sh50,000 to actualize their idea.

NCBA is using the Kivukoni Eco Festival to amplify its sustainability agenda and showcase its Affluent Banking solutions, including Infinite Cards to Wealth and Digital Banking products.

NCBA Technical Advisor on Sustainability Yvonne Maingey challenged other businesses in the region to also play a pivotal role by using their powers to create sustainable change.

“NCBA champions inclusive growth by supporting communities, empowering women, and driving climate action with Sh100 million set aside yearly for sustainable projects,” said Maingey.

Maingey further challenged women across Kenya and the region to utilize their critical position in their respective communities to transform economies and fight climate change.

“At NCBA, we empower their businesses and amplify their conservation efforts,” she added.

The bank says its major support for the Kivukoni Eco Festival 2023 is a testament of what strategic partnerships can do to drive sustainability and create positive community impact.

NCBA added that the festival has also enabled it to deepen its connection with Kilifi County by boosting sustainable practices and empowering the community with financial solutions.

The bank says the initiative was part of its commitment to creating a lasting impact by empowering communities, championing green financing and environmental stewardship

At the Saturday event, seven businesses participated in “The Eco-Project Competition” with each person or group asked to pitch their business idea to a panel of potential investors.

The ideas pitched must be rooted in sustainability, regeneration and for the benefit of community, nature and/or place, with each getting a chance to win a Sh50,000 investment.

Each of the seven came up with a 5-15-minute presentation, showcasing designs and prototypes or shared their ideas and concepts that they wished to take to the next level.