In a bold demonstration of corporate environmental responsibility, NCBA Bank Tanzania led a major tree-planting initiative along River Mpiji in Bunju B, Dar es Salaam over the weekend.

The campaign, which involved planting 5,000 trees, was graced by the Bank’s Managing Director, Mr. Alex Mziray, alongside regional government officials, community leaders, and environmental stakeholders.

River Mpiji, a vital waterway in Kinondoni District, has suffered for years from environmental degradation caused by deforestation, waste dumping, informal settlements, and unchecked urban expansion. 

These activities have led to eroded riverbanks, reduced water quality, and compromised biodiversity. Recognizing the ecological urgency, NCBA Bank stepped in with this intervention to help rehabilitate the river’s fragile ecosystem and safeguard it for future generations.

Speaking at the event, Mziray emphasized that the Bank’s commitment to sustainability goes beyond rhetoric: “We believe in acting with purpose. By planting these 5,000 trees, we are helping to rebuild a critical water ecosystem, fortify community resilience, and underscore the role the private sector must play in climate action. It is not enough to talk about sustainability — we must live it.”

The initiative aligns with NCBA’s broader environmental goal of planting over 10,000 trees nationwide by the end of 2025, a target the Bank is steadily pursuing. 

Previous campaigns have seen trees planted in Zanzibar, Arusha, Mwanza, and Dar es Salaam’s Jangwani area, each initiative tailored to address different ecological needs such as coastal erosion, urban green cover, and hospital-area beautification.

At Bunju B, the planting included indigenous and climate-resilient tree species, selected specifically for their ability to stabilize soil, absorb excess water, and support native flora and fauna. Experts on-site also trained volunteers on post-planting care to ensure high survival rates and long-term growth of the saplings.

What set this campaign apart was the deep community involvement. Over 300 participants — including schoolchildren, local residents, and members of environmental clubs — took part in the day's activities.

“This is not just an event. It is a movement,” said one community elder. “We now feel responsible for protecting this river.”

The initiative further underscores NCBA Bank Tanzania’s commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 13 (Climate Action) and Goal 15 (Life on Land). It also reflects the Bank’s Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) priorities embedded across its operations and corporate citizenship programs.

Mziray further stated: “Today we have planted more than trees — we have planted hope, accountability, and a vision for a greener Tanzania. We urge other businesses to join us in transforming words into action. Together, we can leave a legacy of resilience, beauty, and balance.”

As the newly planted saplings begin to take root along River Mpiji, their growth will symbolize the power of collective action — and the potential for businesses and communities to come together to restore and protect the environment.