Since launching commercial services in 2005, Ncell has never been just a telecom company in Nepal. Over two decades, it has quietly built one of the largest corporate social responsibility programs in the country — investing more than Rs 2 billion in health, education, environment, disaster relief, and livelihood support, and touching the lives of over 13 million Nepalis across all seven provinces. In September 2024, that commitment was formalized with a single umbrella institution: the Ncell Foundation, backed by a Rs 200 million five-year pledge and the promise to leave no Nepali behind.
Ncell Foundation CSR — Key Numbers
What Is the Ncell Foundation — and Why Was It Created?
For nearly two decades, Ncell ran its social programs across a wide portfolio of initiatives — health camps, school computer labs, tree planting drives, disaster relief funds, and community grants — but with no single governing entity. On September 17, 2024, on the occasion of its 19th anniversary, Ncell formalized all of this under one roof: the Ncell Foundation.
Speaking at the launch event, former Ncell CEO Jabbor Kayumov explained the rationale: "Over the past 19 years, Ncell has contributed over Rs 2 billion on CSR activities in various areas — health, education, environment, and more, impacting over 13 million lives. We now believe it is important to bring all of our good work under one umbrella, one purpose."
"Our aim is to reduce the digital divide and promote a healthier, more sustainable, and prosperous Nepal."— Jabbor Kayumov, Former CEO & MD, Ncell, at the Ncell Foundation launch, September 2024
The Foundation operates under Nepal's Industrial Enterprise Act and its regulations, collaborating closely with government entities to address key societal challenges. Its brand promise is "Today. Tomorrow. Together." — and its governing vision is simple: Leave No One Behind.
🎯 Three Core Objectives of the Ncell Foundation
- →Supporting communities and driving initiatives that foster a more inclusive and connected Nepal.
- →Reducing the digital divide and promoting equitable access to technology and information.
- →Fostering a more healthy, sustainable, and enriching Nepal aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The 6 Pillars of Ncell's CSR Programs in Nepal
Ncell Foundation's programs are structured around six focus areas — three primary pillars that receive the most investment, and three secondary areas that complement them.
Education
- ✓Modern digital computer labs (35,000+ students benefited)
- ✓Community libraries and literacy programs
- ✓5,000+ educational kits to 42 government schools
- ✓STEM education and teacher training support
- ✓Inclusive education for people with disabilities
- ✓Digital literacy and out-of-school children programs
Health
- ✓Telemedicine serving 100,000+ individuals at 4 centres
- ✓Cervical cancer screening for 6,000+ women (Koshi)
- ✓Free health camps in Kapilvastu (cardiology, gynaecology)
- ✓WASH and nutrition programs in Hupsekot, Gandaki
- ✓Blood donation drives and awareness campaigns
- ✓Medicine distribution to remote health posts
Environment
- ✓Greening of the Ring Road — Kathmandu's iconic urban forest
- ✓Green Schools concept in community schools (Lumbini)
- ✓Plastic waste management projects (Bagmati Province)
- ✓Green Box environmental protection initiative (Gandaki)
- ✓Tree planting drives across all provinces
Disaster Response
- ✓Rs 100M to PM Disaster Relief Fund after 2015 earthquake
- ✓Rs 1.6B worth of free communication support (2015)
- ✓Rs 5M to Karnali Province after Jajarkot earthquake (2023)
- ✓10 school classrooms rebuilt after Jajarkot earthquake
- ✓Relief materials for 1,000+ flood and landslide households
Livelihood & Sports
- ✓Skill development programs in Madhesh Province
- ✓Rs 1M reward to Paris Paralympics gold medalist Palesha Goverdhan
- ✓Strategic partnership with National Paralympics Committee
- ✓NSL & NPL educational kits (1 kit per football goal scored)
- ✓Youth capacity development and livelihood support
Arts, Culture & Heritage
- ✓Promotion of Nepali Art and Culture through museums (Bagmati)
- ✓Support for Nepali literature and cultural education
- ✓Cultural outreach programs in local communities
- ✓Conservation of heritage sites and indigenous practices
5 Most Impactful Ncell CSR Projects in Nepal
💻Telemedicine & Health Informatics Programme
Implemented in collaboration with Dhulikhel Hospital, this flagship health initiative has brought specialist medical services to four remote outreach centres — Manekharka (Sindhupalchowk), Dorpu (Solukhumbu), Thangsin (Nuwakot), and Bolde (Kavrepalanchowk). By leveraging Ncell's telecommunications technology, doctors in Kathmandu can conduct remote consultations with patients in areas where no specialist care would otherwise be available. The programme has directly or indirectly served over 100,000 individuals, and stands as one of the most powerful examples of a telecom company using its core technology for social good.
100,000+ people served 4 remote outreach centres Health & Digital Convergence🏻Modern Digital Computer Labs
Across Nepal's public school network, Ncell has established modern digital computer laboratories equipped with hardware, software, and internet connectivity. These labs have directly benefited over 35,000 students, providing access to digital tools that are otherwise inaccessible in government schools — particularly in provinces outside Bagmati. The initiative is directly aligned with Nepal's Digital Nepal Framework and the government's goal of expanding digital literacy to every corner of the country.
35,000+ students Multiple provinces Digital Nepal alignment🌿Greening of the Kathmandu Ring Road
One of Ncell's most visible long-term environmental commitments is the Greening of the Ring Road in Kathmandu, a project that has transformed segments of Nepal's busiest urban arterial road into a tree-lined corridor. By funding tree planting and green maintenance across this high-traffic route, Ncell has contributed to reducing Kathmandu's severe air pollution problem while creating a model for urban environmental sustainability in Nepal. The initiative is frequently cited in Ncell's sustainability reports as a signature environmental impact project.
Urban Greening Kathmandu Air Quality Long-term commitment⚽NSL & NPL Education Kits — Sports-for-Education
In 2024 and 2025, Ncell Foundation pioneered an innovative sports-linked education model: donating 25 educational kits for every goal scored during the Nepal Super League (NSL), and four kits for every boundary hit during the Nepal Premier League (NPL) cricket tournament. The initiative generated enormous public engagement — with over 5,000 educational kits distributed to 42 government schools across Nepal. Each kit includes school bags, notebooks, pencils, sharpeners, and erasers. The model has been widely praised for connecting sporting excitement with measurable educational outcomes.
5,000+ kits distributed 42 government schools NSL & NPL linked🏅Palesha Goverdhan & Para Athlete Support
When Ncell reached out to Nepal's National Paralympics Committee a year before the Paris 2024 Games, the committee reportedly couldn't believe a corporate partner was interested. That decision paid off memorably: para-taekwondo athlete Palesha Goverdhan won Nepal's first-ever medal at the Paris Paralympics 2024, and the Ncell Foundation honoured her with a cash reward of Rs 1 million, alongside Rs 300,000 for her coach Kabiraj Negi and smaller awards for four additional team members. The partnership with the National Paralympics Committee — for training, development, and recognition — continues as an ongoing commitment.
Nepal's first Paralympic medal Rs 1M reward Ongoing NPC PartnershipWhat Ncell Is Doing Province by Province
A defining feature of Ncell Foundation's approach is its commitment to geographic inclusion. Rather than concentrating investment in Kathmandu, the Foundation ensures that every one of Nepal's seven provinces receives active programming — from mountain communities in Koshi to the Madhesh plains.
| Province | Active CSR Projects (2024–2026) | Focus Area |
|---|---|---|
| Bagmati | Plastic Waste Management, Digital Literacy, Promotion of Nepali Art & Culture through museums, educational project | Environment & Education |
| Gandaki | School for Out-of-School Children (school dropout reintegration), nutrition & WASH programme in Hupsekot, Green Box environmental project | Education & Health |
| Koshi | Cervical cancer screening for 6,000 women, health awareness for trekking tourists and expedition communities | Health |
| Lumbini | Green Schools concept in community schools, free health camps alongside environment education | Environment & Health |
| Madhesh | Youth skill development and livelihood support programs, educational materials and school development | Livelihood & Education |
| Karnali | Jajarkot earthquake relief (Rs 5M), rebuilding of 10 school classrooms, ongoing disaster preparedness | Disaster Relief |
| Sudurpashchim | Community development and livelihood support programs, access to health and digital connectivity | Livelihood |
Ncell's Disaster Relief Track Record in Nepal
Whenever Nepal has faced a national crisis, Ncell has been among the fastest private-sector responders. The company's disaster relief contributions span over a decade and represent some of the largest single-event corporate donations in Nepali history.
Floods & Landslides — Rs 200 Million Relief
Ncell contributed Rs 200 million to the Prime Minister's Natural Disaster Relief Fund to support victims of devastating floods and landslides across multiple regions of Nepal. At the time, this was one of the single largest corporate disaster relief contributions in Nepal's history.
Gorkha Earthquake — Rs 100M Fund + Rs 1.6B Free Services
After the devastating April 2015 earthquake that killed nearly 9,000 people, Ncell provided Rs 100 million to the Prime Minister's Disaster Relief Fund and extended Rs 1.6 billion worth of free communication services so that earthquake victims across Nepal could contact their families. Ncell also collaborated with Help Nepal Network on a Post-Disaster Rebuilding Support initiative, constructing infrastructure and running five health camps in affected areas.
COVID-19 Pandemic — Rs 100 Million in PPE & Testing Support
Ncell was among the first private companies to donate when COVID-19 struck Nepal, contributing Rs 100 million to the government's procurement of personal protective equipment (PPE) and PCR testing kits during the height of the pandemic crisis.
Jajarkot Earthquake — Rs 5M + 10 School Classrooms Rebuilt
After the Jajarkot earthquake (November 2023) devastated Karnali Province, Ncell provided Rs 5 million to the Karnali Provincial Government for rescue and relief. The Foundation also funded the reconstruction of 10 school classrooms so that affected children could return to learning without delay.
Flood & Landslide Relief — 1,000+ Households Supported
The Ncell Foundation provided emergency relief materials to over 1,000 households across multiple local levels affected by Nepal's recurring monsoon floods and landslides, continuing the company's tradition of rapid mobilization when disaster strikes.
Total disaster relief contribution since 2014: Ncell has committed over Rs 300 million in direct cash and fund contributions to Nepal's national disaster relief efforts — not including the Rs 1.6 billion in free communication services provided during the 2015 earthquake. This makes the company one of Nepal's most consistently active private-sector disaster responders over the past decade.
How the Ncell Foundation Grant Process Works
The Foundation's annual community grant programs — "18 for 18" and now "19 for 19" — represent a structured, transparent approach to grassroots development. Here's how the process works:
Open Call Published
Ncell Foundation announces the grant cycle with a deadline and eligibility criteria — limited to not-for-profit organisations with demonstrated community development track records.
Proposals Received
NGOs and community organisations from all 7 provinces submit proposals. The "18 for 18" cycle alone received over 165 applications — reflecting enormous grassroots interest.
Selection Criteria
Each proposal is evaluated on community impact at the local level, sustainability of the intervention, scalability, and alignment with Ncell Foundation's primary focus areas.
Implementation & Monitoring
Selected projects receive Rs 1 million each and are monitored by the Foundation throughout implementation to ensure accountability, transparency, and measurable outcomes.
Awards & Recognition for Ncell's CSR Work
Ncell Foundation's CSR programs have been recognized at both national and international levels — validating the company's approach and inspiring its continued commitment.
DRRM & BCM Award
Disaster Risk Reduction and Business Continuity Management
Global Mobile Awards
International recognition for mobile industry social impact
World Communication Awards
Global recognition for excellence in telecom social programs
ASOCIO Awards
Asian-Oceanian Computing Industry Organisation recognition
WITSA Global ICT Excellence
World Information Technology & Services Alliance award
Best Woman Sustainability Leader — Telecom
Women's Tabloid Awards 2024, awarded to Bishakha Lakshmi Khadka, Head of CSR
Ncell Foundation CSR Nepal — FAQs
The Bottom Line
The Ncell Foundation represents something genuinely significant in Nepal's corporate landscape: a private company that has spent two decades investing not just in telecommunications infrastructure, but in the human infrastructure around it. From telemedicine centres in Solukhumbu to cervical cancer screenings in Koshi, from rebuilding classrooms after earthquakes in Karnali to gifting educational kits to children in Madhesh — the breadth, consistency, and scale of Ncell's social programs has few parallels in Nepali corporate history.
The formalization of these efforts under the Ncell Foundation, backed by a Rs 200 million five-year commitment, signals that this isn't legacy charity — it's a structured institutional commitment to Nepal's development that Ncell intends to carry forward regardless of the ownership changes that continue to dominate its corporate headlines.
For a country of 30 million people spread across some of the world's most challenging terrain, the Foundation's model — local grants, grassroots NGO partnerships, province-by-province coverage, and technology-for-good initiatives — is exactly the kind of private-sector social engagement Nepal needs more of. Today. Tomorrow. Together.
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