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LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-National Bank of Malawi (NBM) plc has supported this year’s Public Relations Society of Malawi (PRSM) Lakeshore Conference with MK3 million.
Speaking during a symbolic cheque presentation in Blantyre on Tuesday, NBM plc Product Development and Strategy Manager Weruzani Kunkwenzu said this is one way of reaffirming the Bank’s commitment to promoting communication and development in Malawi.
“At NBM plc we believe that communication is key to enabling progress, building trust, and ensuring that important messages reach every corner of our nation.
“This support aligns with our commitment to promoting financial literacy which is essential to the well-being of individuals.”
“This sponsorship is going towards the workshop targeting the communities around Mangochi to educate and empower them to build secure futures for themselves and their families,” said Kunkwenzu.
In his remarks, PRSM Executive Committee Member, Wadza Otomani thanked NBM plc for the donation which will help in fulfilling the society’s objective.
“As communication experts it is our responsibility to tell financial literacy story which is not just about saving money but also promoting sustainable development.”
“Building relationships with various stakeholders for an organization is at the heart of Public Relations that is why it is a strategic function using various initiatives to make this possible,” said Otomani.
The conference will take place during the weekend starting October 5.
Karon Clare, Co-founder & Director at Ground Control Research
JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, 3 October 2024 -/African Media Agency(AMA)/- Radio stations intent on retaining their audiences and gaining new listeners should draw on all available resources to do so, with independent listenership and programming research being one of the most valuable and effective tools at their disposal. Drawing on data-based insights can support stations’ strategies for building growth and momentum, positioning them effectively for future success.
That’s according to Anina Maree, co-founder and director at Ground Control Research, a leading pan-African digital media and consumer research company that has helped the continent’s most successful radio stations expand their listenership and boost their advertising income by talking to independent audiences.
Findings of a recent Ground Control Research poll revealed that 11% of radio stations surveyed across Ghana, Kenya and Nigeria turn to external, independent research agencies to gain insights about their audiences and to help them strategise for future growth, while the vast majority trust an in-house team to do audience research.
Nearly a third of radio stations don’t set up formal conversations with their audiences – they have off-air conversations with listeners who call in for competitions. While this may make listeners feel trusted and important to the station, it only draws on existing fans’ opinions, and doesn’t benefit from the fresh insights that could be gained from audiences yet to be won.
“Independent researchers have spent years honing their skills, building focus groups and designing questions to get the most helpful insights from diverse participants,” adds Karon Clare, co-founder and director at Ground Control Research. “An inclusive approach to audience testing helps radio stations crystallise their identity, guiding them to make better informed decisions about their choices of programming, presenters, and content.”
Having meaningful insights about what their existing and potential listeners hope to hear also helps stations better understand switching behaviour – what causes their listeners to seek content elsewhere, and what would win new listeners in their target market over.
These insights could be as granular as revealing listeners’ likes and dislikes about presenters, including their perceived integrity at a time when celebrities often embrace their potential as social media brand influencers, either within or beyond the context of their station commitments.
“Being able to gather these kinds of insights for our clients has meant that we’ve been able to offer solutions that balance presenters’ evolving roles in society with their station’s profile and content,” explains Maree. “For example, some hosts build greater engagement with their audiences if they’re paired with another personality, or even if they’re part of a presenting team, while others are better suited to solo presenting. Drawing on research findings and our years of experience in the industry has seen Ground Control Research support radio stations in redesigning their talent profiles, with great success.”
With 75% of radio stations surveyed across the three countries not having allocated any budget for external research, Clare emphasizes independent researchers complement and add value to internally designed and funded research projects, adding deeper insights and broader experience.
“Whether a station is doing call out music research, market and audience research, music mapping, or wanting to assess current or future talent prospects, independent researchers have their fingers on the pulse of the constantly evolving media industry,” Clare says. “Radio stations that know who their audiences are and what they want are the stations most sought after by advertisers, who expect specific and concise feedback about who their advertising spend will reach.”
Ground Control Research surveyed radio stations across three countries to gain insights into stations’ approaches to audience research and strategies for growth. For more information about how Ground Control Research uses its technology platforms to engage with and gain valuable insights from target audiences through qualitative and quantitative research, visit www.groundcontrolresearch.co.za
We are a leading digital media and consumer research company in Africa, and we take pride in embracing the uniqueness of both Africa and its consumers.
Our digital solutions provide responsive market research insights, facilitated by the increasing online engagement of consumers on mobile phones, tablets and laptops.
Technology has empowered us to connect with respondents worldwide, allowing us to collect and process insights instantly, and to gain real-time insights into respondent’s life, regardless of their location.
Our technology platforms open ever increasing opportunities to engage with and gain valuable insights from target audiences through both quantitative and qualitative interactions.
Our radio audience research solutions are designed to deliver tactical music and content insights, empowering radio station managers to create programming that precisely caters to diverse target audiences.
Dubai, UAE, 03 October 2024 -/African Media Agency (AMA)/- Yango Group, a global tech company headquartered in Dubai that creates everyday services, is gearing up to participate in GITEX Global 2024, one of the largest and most influential technology events in the world. The company, which operates in over 25 countries throughout the Middle East, Africa, Europe and beyond, is marking its sixth anniversary of growth and innovation.
At GITEX 2024, visitors to the Yango Group exhibit can experience Yasmina, a human-like bilingual AI assistant available on Bluetooth speakers and other smart home devices. They will explore how Yasmina interacts with smart home systems like climate control and lighting. In addition, Yango Autonomy’s last-mile delivery robots will be showcased at the event, representing an innovative delivery solution for everyday needs that operates in any weather, designed to enhance the efficiency and convenience of urban logistics.
Attendees can also learn more about Yango Ride’s newest corporate rides option in the UAE, YangoRides for Business, which provides companies with a seamless solution for managing their corporate transportation needs through a single, centralized platform. At the event, the company will also highlight its ongoing ride-hailing expansion into key markets such as Abu Dhabi in the UAE, Rabat and Tangier in Morocco, Beira in Mozambique, and several locations across Latin America, demonstrating how it continues to push the boundaries of technological innovation globally.
Other services that will be present at the main stand include Yango Maps, a GPS navigation solution that provides users with detailed maps and precise routes for driving, walking, and public transport; Yango Ads, which delivers innovative, tech-driven advertising solutions designed to enhance business growth; and Yango Tech, a provider of proprietary technologies and expertise tailored for the retail and e-commerce sectors. Additionally, Yango Robotics provides AI-driven robotics solutions that automate all stages of order fulfilment in warehouse environments. Yango for Education offers expertise in AI and machine learning through practical, hands-on study programs, and the recently launched Yango Commo features a diverse range of over 300 unique mobile electronic products.
Islam Abdul Karim, Regional Head, Yango Middle East, remarked: “At Yango Group, we are dedicated to supporting the region’s economic development by bringing a diverse range of innovative solutions. Our products and services are thoughtfully curated to resonate with local communities and reflect the government’s vision for enhancing quality of life through sustainable, technology-driven initiatives. At GITEX 2024, we are excited to present our latest innovations, share insights, and strengthen partnerships that will contribute to socio-economic growth across the region.”
GITEX attendees can also look forward to engaging discussions led by Yango’s leadership team. Adeniyi Adebayo, Chief Business Officer of Yango Ride, will participate in a panel discussion under the title “Public Transport, Digital Cities, Infrastructure, Public-Private Partnerships, and Future Mobility,” where he will discuss the role of public-private partnerships in fast-tracking the development and expansion. Other representatives from the company include Roman Karlash, Chief Executive Officer of Yango Ride, and Shashi Singh, Head of Operations, Yango Ride – MENAP & Africa.
Attendees can visit Yango’s booth at Hall 3, Stand H3-B20. As the company continues to expand its footprint across the MENA, Africa, Latin America, and other regions globally, its presence at GITEX 2024 underscores its dedication to driving innovation and creating smarter, more connected urban environments.
Yango Group is a tech company, headquartered in Dubai, that transforms global technologies into everyday services tailored for local communities. With an unwavering commitment to innovation, we reshape and enhance leading cutting-edge technologies from around the world into seamlessly integrated daily services for diverse regions.
Our mission is to bridge the gap between leading world innovations and local communities, fostering connections and enhancing everyday living experiences. In addition to ride-hailing, car rental, and public transport services, Yango Maps, Yango Delivery, Yango Play, Yango Tech, and Yasmina, an advanced Arabic human-like AI voice assistant, are also available in the UAE.
BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-Castel Malawi Limited has donated MK2 million to the Public Relations Society of Malawi (PRSM) for its annual lake conference scheduled for Mangochi this weekend.
Speaking during the cheque handover ceremony in Blantyre, Castel’s Head of Corporate Marketing and Communication, Lavern Chitakata, appreciated the society and acknowledged that the donation is enriching to drive sustainability and underscores Castel Malawi’s commitment to supporting the development of public relations in the country.
“At Castel Malawi, we understand the crucial role that communication professionals play in shaping public perception and driving national development. By supporting this conference, we aim to strengthen the professional capacity of public relations practitioners in Malawi.”
“One of our pillars is CSR and we believe in sustainable and fruitful Public Relations engagements that enhance the growth of the communities and foster change of mindset. Additionally, Castel Malawi recognizes the role of transparent and accountable communication in fostering a healthy democracy,” said Chitakata
PRSM Executive Committee Member, Wadza Otomani, expressed gratitude to Castel Malawi for the generous support, highlighting the importance of corporate partnerships in advancing the Public Relations profession.
“We are thankful for this timely donation from Castel Malawi, which will go a long way in ensuring the success of our conference. It’s encouraging to see companies like Castel Malawi recognize the value of effective communication and how it contributes to national progress,” said Otomani.
The conference will be held under the theme ‘Managing Narratives for Enhanced Democracy and Development’.
WASHINGTON-(MaraviPost)-President Lazarus Chakwera on Tuesday met World Bank Management team in Washington DC.
Confirming the meeting via his Facebook page the president said was happy that World Bank was committed to help Malawi improve its macro- economic landscape.
“The World Bank says it is committed to help Malawi accelerate economic growth and transform livelihoods of its citizens,” said the Malawi leader.
Chakwera has since hailed World Bank team for ensuring that funds collected are used for poor purposes.
Chakwera said, “During an interaction with Managing Director for World Bank responsible for operations, Anna Bjerde, at the bank’s headquarters in Washington DC, we agreed on the importance of utilising the bank’s fund for poorer countries, International Development Association (IDA),”
He said among the priority issues was the inclusion of Malawi as one of the 15 pioneering African economies to benefit from an ambitious project designed to provide electricity access to 300 million Africans by 2030.
He said the World Bank understands that Malawi requires tailor-made interventions to bolster investments in clean energy as a catalyst to sustainable development
BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-Reunion Insurance Company and its Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dr. Dorothy Chapeyama have donated MK11 million to Nation Publications Limited (NPL) in support of the Mothers Fun Run Sleepover Challenge.
In this donation, Dr Chapeyama contributed MK6 million while the company aided MK5 million as a recognition of Dr. Chapeyama’ s leadership and commitment to social causes totaling to MK11 million.
Chapenyama’s gesture marked the culmination of her personal fundraising efforts after spending a night in the maternity ward of Makhwira Health Centre in Chikwawa District, on August 18, 2024 to raise funds.
The campaign was part of a larger campaign aiming to raise MK300,000,000 to improve healthcare facilities in Chikwawa District.
Eventually, the funds were symbolically handed over by Reunion Insurance board Chairperson, Frank Muula.
In her remarks, Dr. Chapeyama stated, “As a mother, I felt deeply connected to the struggles faced by mothers, newborns, and healthcare staff in these facilities.
“It was an emotional and eye-opening experience, and I am profoundly grateful to everyone who contributed to this vital cause.”
She also extended her gratitude to Muula and the company’s board for their generous contribution of MK5,000,000 towards the initiative.
Dr. Chapeyama added, “It’s impossible not to empathize with the challenges women endure in such conditions. Experiencing it firsthand gave me a deeper understanding of the urgent need for action.
“I hope that these funds, along with the contributions from others, will significantly improve healthcare in Chikwawa District.”
Muula therefore commended Dr. Chapeyama for her passion and dedication.
He also applauded her not only for her exceptional leadership within the company “but also for her compassion and commitment to uplifting the vulnerable in society, while eflecting on her experience”.
Muula therefore highlighted the significance of corporate engagement in social initiatives, emphasizing that Reunion Insurance’s support for Dr. Chapeyama’ s participation in the Mothers Fun Run reflects the company’s values.
“This contribution is not just a testament to Dr. Chapeyama’ s personal commitment but also demonstrates Reunion Insurance’s dedication to making a meaningful impact in the communities we serve,” Muula said.
He added, “With the symbolic handover of these funds, Reunion Insurance reinforces its position as a key player in driving social change.
Business is not solely about profit—it’s also about contributing to the welfare of the community”.
Receiving the donation, NPL deputy Chief Executive officer Alfred Ntonga lauded Dr. Chapeyama for embracing the challenge and raising a substantial amount.
Ntonga also commended Reunion Insurance for continued support.
He therefore assured Reunion Insurance of proper usage of the funds in alleviating the hardships faced by mothers, newborns, and healthcare personnel in Chikwawa District, making a lasting difference in their lives.
Ntonga lauds, “The success of the Mothers Fun Run Sleepover Challenge is a testament to the power of solidarity, compassion, and the shared belief that everyone can contribute to improving the lives of others.
“It also underscores the critical role that partnerships between the corporate sector and the community can play in driving meaningful change”.
NAIROBI, Kenya, 02 October 2024 -/African Media Agency (AMA)/- Africa’s thriving telco sector continues to go from strength to strength. From a base size of $63.17-billion in 2024, the sector is expected to reach $82.34-billion by 2029 as the continent’s youthful population continues to adopt mobile tech at an astonishing rate.
While the heydays of voice revenue are behind them, telcos are increasingly pivoting to mobile financial services as the next phase of their growth.
Mobile financial services such as mobile money, insurance, healthcare and banking hold the promise of bringing a greater share of Africa’s unbanked population into the formal economic fold, unlocking significant benefits for countries and their citizens.
Mobile money alone grew by 17% year-on-year across sub-Saharan Africa, reaching 763 million live accounts in 2022 and processing 45 billion transactions to the value of $832-billion, according to the GSMA.
The growth in mobile money accounts also coincides with rapid growth in subscriber numbers, with mobile subscribers expected to cross the 800 million mark by 2025.
Security concerns mounting
While larger, more established telcos already have a track record in combatting security concerns, emerging telcos will need to take extra care to ensure their financial services are secure and don’t put their swelling numbers of subscribers at risk, especially as fraudsters continue to adapt their strategies.
Banks and large insurance companies have extensive systems, processes and policies in place to protect their customers against fraud and other financial crimes. As a growing number of telcos wish to tap into the lucrative mobile financial services sector, they must make the protection of customers a top priority.
According to one report, mobile money fraud alone exceeded $1-billion in 2021, raising concerns over the security of this new breed of mobile financial services.
Several African nations are also implementing new regulations aimed at boosting tax collection, clamping down on criminality, and boosting their economies.
This is resulting in a tricky situation for telcos, who need to balance an increasingly complex regulatory environment with powerful customer-protection measures while still maintaining high levels of profitability and growth.
Measures and technology to safeguard subscribers
In response, many telco operators now limit customer registration to their stores, which allows a greater measure of control and ensures only trusted agents are involved in the customer registration process.
However, this does have an impact on the speed at which new customers can be registered compared to the use of third-party field agents.
It’s vital that telcos find a balance between efficiently registering customers and maintaining compliance with broader regulatory requirements, while safeguarding customers from fraud and other risks.
Working with partners that understand the local regulatory landscape and customer preferences may offer the shortest route to achieving this balance. Itemate’s user-friendly technology solution that is designed for African telcos gives customers a choice between registering via an agent with a full audit trail, or self-registering to avoid having to provide personal details to agents.
The solution combines deep insight into local customer preferences with powerful AI capabilities that validate customer details, while integration with government systems ensures full compliance with local regulatory requirements.
For more information about Itemate Solutions, please visit www.itemate.com
For more information about Itemate Solutions, please visit www.itemate.com
About Itemate Solution
Itemate Solutions is a leading provider of customised digital solutions and software platforms, serving clients across ten countries in Africa and the Middle East for over 18 years. With a track record of helping telco operators such as MTN solve business problems throughout the African continent, the company offers a constantly-evolving technology stack that helps telcos stay abreast of operational challenges while driving lasting business value.
Itemate’s mission is to provide reliable and cutting-edge digital solutions that increase our clients’ customer base profitably.
BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-The Malawi Gaming and Lotteries Authority (MAGLA) has given MK5 million to the Karonga-Chitipa Cultural Festival scheduled for October 18-19 at Mbande Hills in Karonga.
The event aims to preserve and promote the culture and traditions of the two districts.
Director of Operations at MAGLA, Lawrence Chikoko presented the cheque to the festival organisers in Lilongwe on Friday where he said the authority is committed to supporting artistic and cultural initiatives in the country.
“We are delighted to support this upcoming festival, as it not only promotes our cultural heritage but also contributes to tourism, which is a key part of our national identity.”
“Festivals like these bring different people together, even people from outside the country. This is a big gesture that directly impacts on the economic activities of the country,” said Chikoko.
In his remarks, Karonga-Chitipa Cultural Heritage chairperson, Marumbo Mwasinga hailed MAGLA for the contribution which he said will go a long way in meeting their budget deficit.
“The donation will help us plan some of the things for the festival. It will go a long way,” he said.
Mwasinga said the event is budgeted at K50 million.
Under the theme ‘Unity in Diversity-Respect and Justice for All,’ the event will be graced by Paramount Chief Kyungu XXIV and will feature traditional dances, urban entertainment, local cuisine, a market for local products, and other activities.
BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-Listed National Bank of Malawi (NBM) has committed to continue providing reliable and secure digital banking services in the country as they celebrate 16 years of its flagship Mo626 existence.
Head of Digital Financial Services at the Bank, William Kaunda made the assurance on Friday in Lilongwe when the ‘Bank of the Nation’ celebrated the digital platform’s milestone at a cocktail party.
Graced by the Reserve Bank of Malawi (RBM) deputy governor McDonald Mafuta-Mwale, NBM’s former Chief Executive Officers George Partridge and McFussy Kawawa, former employees, business gurus, government institutions representatives, and customers, the event highlighted the growth path of the innovation since its inception in 2008.
Kaunda said Mo626 processes about six million financial transactions each month, with a total value exceeding K600 billion.
“From what started as an SMS banking platform, today it is encompassing mobile and E-money services and has continuously evolved becoming a household name. We keep upgrading so as to remain relevant and give our customers good and secure services in the comfort of their homes,” said Kaunda.
In his remarks, Mafuta-Mwale commended NBM plc for being the digital banking pioneers through the introduction of the platform, which he said has played a big role in complimenting their efforts to promote financial inclusion in the country.
“The coming of digital banking platforms like Mo626 has not only reduced the demand for physical cash, but also provided a more stable alternative. People no longer have to seek the banking services in banking halls. They can now conclude a transaction from their homes without using cash,” he said.
As part of the celebrations, NBM plc credited the oldest, and frequent users of Mo626 with K16,000 as a token of appreciation.
One such customer, Susan Loga, conceded that the digital platform has simplified life as she makes payments of goods and services digitally.
“I am now a big member of the cashless society, courtesy of NBM’s Mo626,” she said.
Apart from crediting customers, the Bank also recognised the roles played by some of its staff in developing and growing the platform.
Some of the people awarded at the event included Partridge, Kaunda, Brian Bobby, Annie Magola, John Mitchell, and Wilkins Mijiga.
LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-Malawi Stock Exchange-listed NBS Bank has disclosed that it has offered K40 billion in guarantees and loans to Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) this year as strategic components of the economy.
The Bank’s Chief Wholesale Banking Officer Alfred Nhlema said this on Friday when he opened an SMEs clinic for Lilongwe entrepreneurs to interact and share notes about their business journey.
“In the same spirit of ‘I care’, at NBS Bank plc we have chosen to side with the many. This year we have offered over K40 billion in guarantees and loans to SMEs who account for 40 percent of the GDP of Malawi and 24 percent of the workforce. These are not mere statistics that is why at NBS Bank we take SMEs seriously,”
“One of the key products that we want these SMEs to benefit from is the ‘Zayera’ loan which is subsidized at nine percent,” said Nhlema.
The clinic was led by Sycamore Consult Limited Managing Director, Audrey Mwala as the guest speaker.
In her presentations, Mwala said lack of financial knowledge is one of the factors hindering SMEs from growing.
“So, the SMEs here have been challenged to know that they are an important player in the sector, they are contributing to 40 percent of our GDP and we need to embrace and help them grow.”
“There is a mentality in the minds of SMEs that I will be small, but we expect that through the credit facilities coming from NBS Bank plc, they should use that as an advantage to scale up. Scaling up and growth will not happen fast with internal resources, you are supposed to leverage and use external resources like loans to help you grow,” said Mwala.
One of the Bank’s loan beneficiaries, Sphiwe Msiska of MCM Investments hailed NBS Bank plc for financial advice that has helped in her cooking oil manufacturing and construction business.
“NBS Bank plc helped us on how best to register collateral, valuation, and access a loan facility. By the end of the day, we have benefitted more,” said Msiska.
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