National Bank of Commerce (NBC) has stepped up its support for Tanzania’s clean cooking agenda after participating in a photography auction in Kizimkazi, Zanzibar, an initiative that also sought to promote environmental conservation, tourism and youth creativity.
The bank, led by its Chief Executive Officer, Mr Theobald Sabi, participated in the special auction held at Kwanza Hotel, where photographs showcasing Zanzibar’s natural beauty, tourism attractions and cultural heritage were displayed.
President Samia Suluhu Hassan, who led the event, presented NBC with a special award in recognition of the bank’s contribution to the initiative.
The auction was organised by Mwanamke Initiative Foundation (MIF) in partnership with creative company Waba Group.
It brought together art, tourism and environmental conservation while using photography to create opportunities for young people to showcase their talent.
Funds raised through the auction are expected to support the clean cooking energy agenda, which seeks to increase the adoption of safer and more environmentally friendly cooking solutions across Tanzania.
The initiative comes as the country continues to push for a transition from traditional cooking fuels that can expose households to smoke and contribute to environmental degradation.
For ordinary households, the shift to clean cooking can mean safer kitchens, reduced exposure to harmful smoke and greater efficiency in the use of cooking energy.
NBC’s participation highlights the role financial institutions and other private-sector players can play in supporting national development priorities beyond traditional banking services.
The initiative also demonstrates the potential of combining social investment with Tanzania’s creative economy, particularly by creating platforms through which young photographers can earn from their work while promoting the country’s tourism attractions.
The Kizimkazi event therefore linked three areas of growing importance to Tanzania’s development agenda clean energy, tourism and youth entrepreneurship while raising resources for a cause with direct benefits for households and the environment.
