Mobile Telecommunications Limited (MTC) has donated four Automated Weather Stations and one Automated Rain Station to the Namibia Meteorological Service Centre.

The stations, valued at a total cost of N$ 800,000, will serve as Early Warning Weather systems and are earmarked for the Kunene region - in Sesfontein, Fransfontein, and Warmquelle areas, respectively.

The donation, which demonstrates MTC’s ESG commitment, particularly the socio-environmental sustainability element, was effected in partnership with Environmental Investment Fund (EIF), Green Climate Fund, IREMA Project, and the Ministry of Works and Transport.

“Namibia is susceptible to natural disasters, particularly flood and drought. Hence the need to use the latest technology to accelerate our resilience, innovation, and adaptation against recurring and other possible climate calamities. These Early Warning Weather stations will thus be instrumental, especially to farmers in the Kunene region. We must design and employ smart interventions and transitions from traditional ways of farming to more innovative smart ways that accommodate technology-driven solutions,” said MTC’s Executive, Tim Ekandjo, highlighting that the country needs to leverage technology to mitigate climate change effects.

Pauline Mugore of EIF said Namibia's commitment to implementing early warning systems is a crucial means of alerting our communities to climate changes and enabling them to respond effectively.

“Early warning information empowers communities to take timely action in the face of potential disasters such as droughts and floods. It serves as a safety net, allowing communities to proactively plan for disasters, thereby saving lives,” she said.

The Meteorological Services of Namibia will be the custodian managing the highly technical Automated Weather Stations donated.

The Early Warning System will be instrumental specifically in helping to address adaptation needs of smallholder farmers through access to accurate and up-to-date information on climate to enhance adaptation responses; alerting the people of an imminent disaster; hazard detection; monitoring and forecasting; analyzing risks and incorporation of risk information in emergency planning and warnings; disseminating timely and “authoritative” warnings; and community planning and preparedness.

While thanking MTC for the donation, Acting Executive Director in the Ministry of Works and Transport, Joyce Mukubi said, “In order to achieve the development of Early Warning System, there is a need for meteorological equipment to enable the Namibia Meteorological Service to provide weather and climate information well in advance to communities for preparation and planning purposes.

 

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As the world moves into a new era of globalization, Africa is gradually emerging as a hub of economic activity. With a population of over 1.3 billion people, Africa has a massive youth population, with Gen-Z being a dominant demographic.  

The Gen-Z demographic is more digitally savvy than any previous generation, with technology being an essential part of their daily lives. As such, financial services and insurance providers must embrace digital transformation to cater to this market. However, cracking the code of successfully providing financial services and insurance to Africa's Gen-Z is no easy feat. Here are some insights on how to achieve success. 

Embrace technology

As previously mentioned, Gen-Z is a generation that has grown up with technology as an integral part of their lives. To cater to this demographic, financial services and insurance providers must adopt digital technologies that facilitate convenience, speed, and flexibility. This includes having mobile apps, online portals, and chatbots that provide 24/7 access to services. 

Offer affordable and accessible financial services

Gen-Z is a generation that has grown up with the experience of financial instability, particularly in developing countries. As such, they are inclined towards affordable financial services that provide them with a sense of security.  

Create a seamless customer experience

Gen-Z is a generation that values convenience and speed. As such, financial services and insurance providers must provide a seamless customer experience that is both fast and efficient. This includes having a simple and easy-to-use user interface and providing fast processing times. 

Engage with Gen-Z on social media

Social media is a powerful tool for engaging with Gen-Z. Financial services and insurance providers must leverage social media platforms such as Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook to engage with their customers. This includes creating informative and engaging content, responding to customer inquiries, and using social media analytics to gain insights into customer preferences. 

In conclusion, cracking the code of successfully providing financial services and insurance to Africa's Gen-Z requires a deep understanding of their needs and preferences. Financial services and insurance providers must embrace technology, offer affordable and accessible financial services, provide customized solutions, create a seamless customer experience, and engage with Gen-Z on social media. By doing so, providers can tap into this vast and lucrative market and achieve success in the African financial services industry.

 *Mignon du Preez is Group Marketing, Public Affairs and Sustainability Executive at Old Mutual Namibia.

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The Government Institutions Pension Fund (GIPF) has announced a 5.46% increase in pension benefits for all GIPF pensioners, effective from 1st April 2023.

 Germany says it is willing to assist Namibia, among other nations with vast lithium reserves, to set up a local lithium processing infrastructure.

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The Namibia Students Financial Assistance Fund (NSFAF) says it has a N$400 million funding shortfall from the required N$2-billion budget.

The Namibia Wildlife Resorts (NWR) is forecasting a breakeven position for the 2023/24 financial year, as it seeks to redeem itself from a history of losses.

Haib Minerals, the fully-owned Namibian subsidiary of copper explorer and developer Deep-South Resources, has met with Mines Minister Tom Alweendo, Mines Ministry mining commissioner Isabella Kandjii-Chirchir, and Mines Ministry deputy executive director Erasmus Shivolo.

 Nedbank Namibia has awarded 11 employees and three university students with bursaries worth N$350,000 as part of its annual bursary programme.

Namibia Breweries Limited (NBL) has appointed Petrus Maria Johannes Simons as its new Managing Director with effect from 14 April 2023.

NamPower says it has signed a Power Purchase and Transmission Connection agreement with CERIM Luderitz Energy for the development of the 50 megawatts Luderitz wind power plant on a Build-Own-Operate Basis.

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