Ncell, Nepal’s first private-sector GSM mobile service provider, celebrated nearly two decades of serving the country and its people with an important announcement: the launch of the Ncell Foundation to continue its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives.

“Over the past 19 years, Ncell has contributed over Rs2 billion to CSR activities in health, education, environment, and more, impacting over 13 million lives directly and indirectly. We now believe it is important to bring all of our good work under one umbrella, one purpose, and that is the Ncell Foundation,” said Jabbor Kayumov, chief executive officer and managing director of Ncell, during a special event organised to mark the 19th anniversary of the company.

At the event, Ncell said the Foundation’s vision is to foster a more inclusive, connected and sustainable Nepal and contribute to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) with 3 clear objectives: Supporting those who need it the most, bridging the digital divide and fostering a more healthy, sustainable and enriching Nepal.

During the 2015 earthquake, Ncell contributed Rs100 million to the Prime Minister Disaster Relief Fund to support families affected by the devastating earthquake and another Rs1.6 billion worth of communication support was extended to help families stay connected.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, Ncell contributed Rs100 million to support the government’s procurements of protective gear, PCR testing kits.

And in Jajarkot after the earthquake last year, Ncell supported the Karnali provincial government with immediate support of Rs5 million for rescue, treatment, and relief of earthquake victims and also helped build classrooms in 10 government schools so children could go back to school.

In 2014, Ncell contributed Rs200 million to the Prime Minister Disaster Relief Fund to help flood and landslide victims in different parts of the country.

Ncell honoured Para-athlete Palesha Goverdhan, who recently made history at the Paris Paralympics 2024 by winning Nepal’s first-ever medal.

A new initiative, ‘19 for 19,’ under the Ncell Foundation, was also announced. This project will provide financial support of Rs1 million each to 19 social projects across the country’s seven provinces.