NBC backs Samia’s clean cooking agenda, earns recognition
ZANZIBAR: The National Bank of Commerce (NBC) has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing Tanzania’s clean cooking agenda while supporting environmental conservation, tourism promotion and youth innovation as part of efforts to promote sustainable and inclusive economic development.
The commitment was highlighted yesterday by NBC Managing Director, Mr Theobald Sabi, during a special photography art auction presided over by President Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan at the Kizimkazi celebrations in Zanzibar.
The event, organised by the Mwanamke Initiative Foundation (MIF) in partnership with creative company Waba Group, brought together public and private sector stakeholders, artists and young photographers in an initiative linking art, tourism promotion and environmental conservation.
The exhibition featured photographs taken across Zanzibar, showcasing the islands’ landscapes, cultural heritage, tourism attractions, marine ecosystems and everyday community life. Through photography, the initiative provided young creatives with an opportunity to tell Tanzania’s story while highlighting the importance of protecting its natural and cultural assets.
President Samia commended the participating young photographers for using their creativity to present Tanzania’s beauty, culture and way of life. She encouraged more young people in the photography industry to explore commercial opportunities emerging from tourism.
“I particularly commend the young people who participated in producing these photographs for their creativity and ability to use photography to tell the story of Tanzania’s beauty, culture and way of life. Their work can play an important role in promoting the country while also becoming a source of income,” President Samia said.
She also thanked stakeholders who contributed to the initiative’s success, including NBC, one of its key sponsors.
Speaking for MIF, Chairperson Ms Wanu Hafidh Ameir said the auction was intended to demonstrate how art can become a practical instrument for generating social and environmental impact.
She explained that proceeds would support efforts to expand access to clean cooking energy, reduce pressure on forests caused by reliance on traditional cooking fuels, and strengthen environmental and biodiversity conservation.
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“Art and the environment go hand in hand. We can use art to raise awareness and mobilise resources for environmental conservation. The funds raised through this auction will support efforts to expand access to clean cooking energy, protect the environment and promote tourism,” Wanu said.
For NBC, the initiative reflects the bank’s broader approach of connecting financial support with issues affecting communities, businesses and Tanzania’s long-term development.
In recognition of its contribution, NBC received a special award presented by President Samia.
Sabi said the bank’s commitment to clean cooking extends beyond individual projects, focusing instead on supporting the wider clean cooking energy ecosystem.
“At NBC, our approach is to finance the entire clean cooking energy value chain. For us, this is more than just participation, it is part of our commitment to building sustainable communities, protecting the environment and supporting innovation that delivers solutions for both the present and future generations,” he said.
He stressed the importance of collaboration among financial institutions, government, businesses, innovators and other stakeholders to accelerate the transition towards cleaner and more sustainable cooking solutions.
According to Sabi, investment across the clean cooking value chain can also create new business opportunities, strengthen local enterprises and generate employment, particularly for young people and entrepreneurs.
The initiative therefore demonstrated how financial institutions can support environmental priorities while opening opportunities for innovation, enterprise development and youth participation.
The event also provided a platform for young photographers to demonstrate their creativity and commercial potential. More than 200 young people participated, while works by 15 photographers were selected for exhibition and auction.
A total of 10 photographs were successfully sold during the auction, generating resources for the initiative’s environmental and clean cooking objectives.
The event ultimately brought together several interconnected priorities: empowering young people through creative enterprise, promoting Tanzania’s tourism attractions, protecting the environment and expanding access to cleaner cooking solutions.
For NBC, supporting such initiatives represents part of its wider commitment to financing activities capable of delivering sustainable benefits to communities and contributing to Tanzania’s inclusive economic development.
Pic: Samia
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