TechPression

Tag: Namibia

  • Namibia’s ex-first lady Monica Geingos issues warning as scammers use AI photos of her face to deceive citizens

    Namibia’s ex-first lady Monica Geingos issues warning as scammers use AI photos of her face to deceive citizens

    On Thursday, Monica Geingos, Namibia’s former First Lady, took to X  via the account @FirstLadyNam3 to warn the public about an alarming rise in fraudulent schemes using her manipulated image and voice.

    In the video message, Geingos addressed the growing threat of AI-powered scams that have targeted both her and other high-profile figures, urging the public to stay vigilant.

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    AI-driven scams target Monica Geingos 

    Fraudsters have been using AI technology to create fake videos and social media accounts mimicking Monica Geingos. These scams often feature manipulated footage of the former First Lady, dubbed with a voice resembling hers, to promote fraudulent investment opportunities. In her video, Geingos recounted, “Recently, someone received a video call purportedly of me convincing them to invest in some kind of weird forex scheme.”

    She clarified her stance: “I’m not a forex person. I’m not on any social media platform asking for money, giving out loans, or whatever else you’re being told.” Despite her repeated warnings, the issue has worsened, with scammers increasing their activities in recent months. The accounts often use her profile images, slightly altered usernames, and Namibian bank account details to appear credible, targeting unsuspecting victims.

    Read also: Microsoft expands AI offerings with Copilot Chat launch

    The growing threat of celebrity impersonation scams

    This isn’t an isolated issue. Monica Geingos’ case highlights a growing trend of scammers using AI to impersonate celebrities and public figures worldwide. In South Africa, prominent individuals like Brad Pitt, President Cyril Ramaphosa, businessman Johann Rupert, and Patrice Motsepe have also been caught in similar schemes.

    Geingos ended her appeal with a strong message: “Don’t communicate with these fake accounts. Report them.” Her warning serves as a crucial reminder to verify online interactions, especially when money is involved, as scammers continue to exploit advancements in AI technology.

  • Namibian minister calls for urgent investment in Africa’s energy sector

    Namibian minister calls for urgent investment in Africa’s energy sector

    Tom Alweendo, Namibia’s Minister of Mines and Energy, has called for increased investment in Africa’s energy sector. Speaking at the 2024 Africa Energy Week in Cape Town this October, Alweendo urged international stakeholders and partners to prioritise funding and policy support to address the continent’s energy challenges.

    “Africa’s vast natural resources place us in an advantageous position, not only to decisively deal with energy poverty, but also to play a critical role in global energy markets,” Alweendo explained.

    Read also: Osinbajo advocates for human investment over technology in Africa’s climate crisis

    Harnessing Africa’s Renewable Energy Potential

    Alweendo underscored the immense potential of renewable energy in Africa, particularly in green hydrogen, solar, and wind power. He emphasised that sub-Saharan Africa alone has the capacity to attract billions in renewable energy investments, given its abundant natural resources and favourable environmental conditions.

    While acknowledging that Africa plays a significant role in global fossil fuel markets, Alweendo pointed out that the continent holds 7 percent of the world’s oil reserves and 7.5 percent of its natural gas reserves. However, he also stressed that Africa’s petroleum and natural gas assets should be viewed as transitional fuels in the journey towards more sustainable energy sources.

    Barriers to Investment: Policy and Infrastructure Gaps

    Despite the continent’s resource wealth, Alweendo warned that Africa’s development is being hindered by insufficient investment in energy infrastructure. He pointed to weak policy frameworks and the lack of fiscal incentives in many African countries as key obstacles.

    “To attract more investment, we need to have policies that are creative enough to incentivise the required investments. Unlike the global north that is able to provide fiscal incentives, we are unfortunately not able to do the same,” Alweendo stated.

    “The global north is cajoling Africa into embracing the energy transition, as if one can simply flip a switch. They are even discouraging investment in natural gas, which is found in abundance on the continent,” Namibia’s energy minister said.

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    Energy access is fundamental to the continent’s growth, yet according to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IREA), three-quarters of Africa’s population still lacks reliable access to electricity, despite the continent’s wealth of renewable resources.

    This assertion confirms the global reality as Africa is at a critical crossroads in its development. Energy is fundamental to the continent’s growth, yet according to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IREA), three-quarters of Africa’s population still lacks reliable access to electricity, despite the continent’s wealth of renewable resources.

    The region has received less than two percent of worldwide investments in renewable energy during the past two decades, exacerbating the situation due to inadequate investment.

  • E-Tech Partners Gecko, Flightec to intensify exploration in Namibia

    E-Tech Partners Gecko, Flightec to intensify exploration in Namibia

    E-Tech Resources Inc. has made public their decision to work with Gecko Namibia (Pty) Ltd. (Gecko) and Flightec Namibia (Flightec) in order to assist ongoing exploration and development efforts on their wholly owned Eureka project.

    E-Tech has analysed the findings of the ongoing exploration programme and has decided to expand its efforts to include a Phase 1 Ultra-high resolution UAV-borne magnetic survey. This decision was made after the company reviewed the data from the programme. In the latter part of this year, Flightec intends to carry out the poll in question.

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    Eureka Project and the Future of Exploration in Namibia

    According to Todd Burlingame, CEO of E-Tech, “As E-Tech ramps up our exploration activities, we are increasing our capacity by engaging the services of Gecko and Flightec to assist in the advancement of the Eureka project. Gecko’s technical strengths are complementary to our existing in-house expertise. Additionally, E-Tech’s corporate vision and objectives align with Gecko’s, namely to develop the resources of Namibia in an ethical, social, and environmentally responsible manner.” Burlingame further states, “Engaging Flightec to conduct an Ultra-high resolution UAV-borne magnetic survey supports our commitment to use innovative and best in class technology to unlock the value of the Eureka project.”

    The findings of the magnetic survey will be utilised in the planning process for the exploration and drilling programmes that will take place in 2024 over EPL 6762 and EPL 8748.

    The Eureka project represents a promising frontier for mineral exploration in Namibia. As E-Tech Resources Inc. partners with Gecko and Flightec, their combined efforts are poised to bolster the project’s capabilities significantly. This collaboration introduces innovative surveying methods that can provide enhanced insights into the project’s mineral potential.

    With the Phase 1 Ultra-High Resolution UAV-Borne Magnetic Survey set to launch later this year, E-Tech Resources Inc. is at the forefront of employing cutting-edge technology to drive the Eureka project’s success.

    South Africa announces 150 agreements with Namibia

    Concerning the Company E-Tech Resources, Inc.

    E-Tech Resources Inc. is a rare earths exploration company with its primary focus on developing its Eureka Rare Earths Project in Namibia. The firm trades under the symbol REE on the TSXV and K2I on the FSE. With an extraordinarily well-established national infrastructure and a clear and transparent mining legal and regulatory framework, Namibia is seen as one of the most politically stable countries in Africa. This is due to the country’s mining industry.

    The Eureka project may be found around 250 kilometres to the north-west of Namibia’s capital city, Windhoek, and approximately 140 kilometres to the east of the country’s most important industrial port, Walvis Bay. The construction site for the project may be found in the Erongo Region of Namibia, right close to the B1 national highway.

    The Eureka project consists of a cluster of subparallel carbonatite dykes that include monazite mineralization at a district scale. In the beginning, all of the drilling for exploration was concentrated on the Central Eureka deposit. After the interpretation of the soil geochemical studies and further geophysical surveys that are now being carried out, there are plans to do more drilling. The Exclusive Prospecting Licence (often abbreviated as “EPL”) number 6762 is a part of this project. E-Tech has also entered into a binding agreement to buy an 85% stake in the permit EPL 8748, which is located in close proximity to the Company’s EPL 6762 and encompasses the land on all sides.

    2017 marked the beginning of exploration activities including prospecting, mapping, trenching, geophysical and radiometric surveys, and drilling. The process of exploration is still ongoing, and preparations are currently being made for new operations such as expanding geophysical surveys, doing metallurgical test work, and revising the assessment of the mineral resource.

    Concerning Gecko Namibia Ltd.

    Gecko Namibia (Pty) Ltd., is a privately owned Namibian business that specialises in offering a comprehensive range of exploration services.

  • South Africa announces 150 agreements with Namibia

    South Africa announces 150 agreements with Namibia

    South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced an array of agreements, numbering over 150, between South Africa and Namibia that aim to bolster the relations between these two Southern African nations.

    The announcement was made during the South Africa-Namibia Business Forum held in Namibia, underscoring the importance of regional cooperation in achieving common goals.

    President Ramaphosa pointed out that the foundation of these agreements was laid following Namibian President Hage Geingob’s state visit to South Africa earlier this year. The forum serves as a culmination of the collective efforts to establish deeper cooperation and understanding, and the magnitude of these agreements is a testament to the dedication of both countries. “To have had up to 150-something areas of agreement is a truly outstanding feat…that is a result of real good hard work,” President Ramaphosa expressed.

    Both nations have recognized the immense potential that can be harnessed through the African Continental Free Trade Area. This pact opens doors to establish South Africa and Namibia as industrializing powerhouses, not just within their borders but across the entire continent. The focus is on expanding trade between these two countries and with the rest of Africa, setting the stage for comprehensive economic growth.

    Read also: Namibia passes crypto regulation bill

    Four Pillars of Cooperation

    The agreements bring to the forefront four key areas of cooperation, including green hydrogen,cross-border value chains, investment promotion and deeper private sector relations.

    President Ramaphosa highlighted the collaborative efforts of both nations in pursuing Green Hydrogen projects. South Africa is in the final stages of crafting a Green Hydrogen Commercialisation Strategy, and Namibia is actively implementing its own green hydrogen strategy. The president underlined the possibility of positioning the west coast of the African continent as a pivotal green hydrogen region, presenting a unique opportunity for clean energy.

    The South African leader also emphasized the collaborative potential between the two countries, stating that both nations have the “key elements of success”.

    He said: “We have raw materials, ranging from critical minerals to agricultural raw materials. We have technology, capital, an increasingly skilled and educated workforce and infrastructure. A number of value chains can be identified.
    “One of these relates to our use of critical minerals to ensure that manufacturing takes place on the African continent,” Ramaphosa added.

    The leaders are actively encouraging higher levels of investment in each other’s economies. South Africa’s President called for Namibian businesses to expand into South Africa, and conversely, he extended an invitation to South African companies to explore opportunities in Namibia. The presidents further agreed to explore mechanisms to facilitate industrial and productive development projects in both countries, strengthening investment prospects.

    Both leaders acknowledged the significance of bolstering private sector engagement and stimulating joint ventures. It was highlighted that Namibian businesses should reap benefits from South African firms operating in Namibia and vice versa.

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    Promoting Dialogue and Joint Ventures

    President Ramaphosa stressed the importance of creating platforms like the South Africa-Namibia Business Forum to enhance dialogue and foster cooperation within the private sectors of both countries. He noted that these forums are pivotal in translating the agreements into practical actions, strengthening the relationships between South Africa and Namibia. Additionally, President Ramaphosa announced two key decisions made at the Binational Commission: the deepening of cooperation to attract private sector investment and the establishment of a South Africa-Namibia Business Council, serving as a public-private sector platform to coordinate and streamline collaborative efforts.

    Shaping a Bright Future

    The agreements between South Africa and Namibia reflect a shared vision for regional prosperity, leveraging their unique strengths and resources to chart a path towards sustained economic growth. These partnerships underscore the spirit of collaboration and the determination to create a brighter future for both nations and the broader African continent.

  • Namibia passes crypto regulation bill

    Namibia passes crypto regulation bill

    Namibia has joined the ranks of other African governments in their support of cryptocurrencies and digital assets through the passage of a bill in the country’s National Assembly,

    The measure to regulate digital assets, cryptocurrencies, and virtual asset service providers (VASPs) in Namibia was approved by the lower house of parliament on June 22. Its primary objective is to bring uniformity to the industry.

    The purpose of the proposed legislation is to create a structure for the licencing and regulation of VASPs. In addition to this, it intends to appoint a regulatory entity that will be responsible for monitoring the activity of these service providers.

    The primary goals consist of assuring consumer protection, stopping market abuse, and reducing the risks of money laundering, supporting terrorist organisations, and proliferation activities related to digital asset exchanges. The law also addresses tangential concerns that are connected to these overall goals.

    Read also: Nigerian foreign investment in cryptocurrency decreases

    Further reports on crypto in Namibia

    Reports from the community’s various news outlets indicate that the bill is currently awaiting official publication before going into effect. It has been claimed that Iipumbu Shiimi, Namibia’s Minister of Finance and Public Enterprises, discussed the possibility of establishing a regulatory agency that would be responsible for supervising VASPs in the country and issuing licences to those businesses.

    According to reports, non-compliant service providers risk fines of up to 10 million Namibian dollars ($671,572) and a potential prison sentence of up to ten years. Despite this, the Bank of Namibia continues to uphold its position that cryptocurrencies do not meet the requirements to be considered legal cash in the country.

    In the report, Kazembire Zemburuka, director of strategic communications and international relations at the Bank of Namibia, stated the bank’s position. He indicated that once the risks associated with innovations such as virtual assets are better managed, the bank will evaluate and decide whether or not to accept them within the financial system.

    In 2017, the financial institution made public its adamant opposition to customers using cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum as a means of payment for products and services. It was reported that the decades-old law of the African country prohibits the use of the country for the trading of virtual currencies.

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    About Cryptocurrency 

    A cryptocurrency is a form of digital currency that is designed to operate as a means of exchange through a computer network. It does not rely on any central authority, such as a government or bank, to uphold or maintain it. Other names for cryptocurrency include crypto, crypto-currency, and crypto.

    Cryptocurrency can either be utilised as a replacement for traditional payment methods or it can be invested in. The word “cryptocurrency” comes from the cryptographic algorithms that make it possible for anyone to buy, sell, or exchange cryptocurrencies anonymously and securely without the need for a central authority such as a government or financial institutions.

    Utility, payment, security, and stablecoins are the four primary categories of cryptocurrencies. In addition to this, there are asset-backed tokens, NFTs, and DeFi tokens. Tokens designed for use as utilities or as mediums of exchange are by far the most widespread type of cryptocurrency.

    You can acquire Bitcoin through the use of a cryptocurrency exchange or through the services of selected broker-dealers. When making transactions using cryptocurrencies, you should pay close attention to the associated transaction costs because these fees might vary substantially between currencies. Because cryptocurrency investment has a high level of risk, it is essential to avoid putting in more money than you can comfortably afford to lose.

     By taking part in the direct lending process, the platforms that make up decentralised finance (DeFi) allow you the ability to earn money in a manner analogous to that of a bank. Users link their cryptocurrency wallets to this platform and contribute money and tokens to a shared pool along with other users. After that, the funds in that pool are used to make loans to other people in exchange for interest and fees.

  • Namibia’s banking regulator works with Nigeria’s Prembly

    Namibia’s banking regulator works with Nigeria’s Prembly

    The World Bank says that Namibia has a lot of potential for tech innovation and growth because 71.2% of its people are working and 91% of its people can read and write. 

    The country was placed 100th out of 132 economies in the global innovation index (GII) as of 2021.

    It’s possible that this is the reason Prembly, arguably Africa’s top supplier of compliance and digital security infrastructure, teamed up with the Namibia Financial Institutions Supervisory Authority (NAMFISA) to host the second and highly anticipated Fintech Square at the opening of the NAMFISA Regulatory Sandbox.

    The partnership will help find chances, encourage collaboration, and encourage new ideas to build a digital identity framework for the country, which will help the digital economy of the country as a whole.

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    This groundbreaking event, Fintech: The Africa Experience, showcases pioneering ideas and mitigates financial services business risks.

    Niyi Adegboye, co-founder and chief operating officer of Prembly, says that the relationship shows how committed the company is to fostering innovation and promoting safe, digitally sound economies in Africa.

     We’re excited to work with NAMFISA to create a digital identity system for Namibia. This partnership shows more clearly that we want to strengthen innovation and inclusion in Africa, and we’re committed to using our expertise and resources to move this goal forward.

    Pembly is a major provider of identity verification, compliance, and online security solutions in emerging markets. It has worked with governments and regulatory bodies in more than 40 African countries. With custom solutions, the company has helped developing markets come up with policies, make sure they are followed, and meet their security needs.

    NAMFISA wants to use Prembly’s experience in digital identity solutions to make a system that is open to everyone and works with other systems. This system will support innovation and meet regulatory compliance needs.

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    Prembly’s search for identity and digital security

    The fintech industry in Africa has seen a remarkable surge in growth over the past eight years as businesses have rapidly embraced new technologies and shifted to digital platforms. 

    To get the most out of this changing market, it’s important to figure out what limits it has and come up with ideas that affect digital identity systems.

    Since it started in 2020, Prembly has been helping to power the infrastructure that helps businesses and their customers trust each other online. Its goal is to make the internet safe for everyone, and it works with companies in many different fields, not just fintech.

    The partnership with NAMFISA is a strong sign that they are committed to building a large-scale global digital security infrastructure that economies can use to improve their ecosystems. Maybe it will also help create a safe, long-lasting place to spend time.

    According to StartupBlink, the country got 0.4 points on the startup ecosystem index, which is interesting. With this measure, Namibia was ranked 91st out of 100 countries in the world.

    The CEO of NAMFISA, Kenneth Matomola, was excited about the relationship and said it solidifies the organization’s goal to oversee and regulate the fintech sector of the country and make sure everyone is safe.

     “The relationship with Prembly gives us knowledge about compliance and digital security. We’re very thankful for their help, which fits with NAMFISA’s goal to control and oversee Namibia’s financial sector in a way that encourages innovation, financial inclusion, and stability.”

  • Technip Energies Projects Optimise Namibia’s Energy Mix

    Technip Energies Projects Optimise Namibia’s Energy Mix

    Technip Energies, a French engineering and technology corporation, has emerged as the preferred partner for African oil and gas producers, deploying cutting-edge technologies and creating a number of large-scale projects across Africa.

    Given this experience, Technip Energies is a significant driver of large-scale hydrocarbon projects in Africa, and the business is currently concentrating its efforts on Namibia’s potential industry.

    While Technip had had a presence in Namibia since 2008 when it was awarded a contract for a uranium treatment plant in the country’s west (which closed in 2012), large-scale oil and gas discoveries by Shell and TotalEnergies in 2022 signalled new opportunities in the country’s energy sector for the French firm.

    To date, the business has completed over 100 projects throughout Africa, offering technological solutions, goods, and services, as well as turnkey contracting and building expertise in the downstream, LNG, gas-to-power, mining and metals, and offshore industries.

    As a result of substantial oil and gas finds in 2022 and 2023, as well as significant potential for green hydrogen, Namibia is predicted to witness unprecedented expansion in the oil, gas, and renewable energy industries.

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    Benefits of Technip Energies/Namibia Collaboration

    The partnership between Technip Energies and Namibia represents new opportunities for the accelerated development of oil and gas. The country is well positioned to usher in a new era of market growth powered by hydrocarbons by leveraging the firm’s expertise in LNG and offshore solutions, as well as experience as a successful project developer both in Africa and globally. 

    Namibia’s burgeoning oil and gas developments are in capable hands, thanks to Technip Energies’ expertise in engineering and building all types of LNG plants, including large-scale, onshore and offshore, as well as in remote and harsh environments. 

    “Technip brings to Namibia a strong track record of industry success and Namibia stands to learn a great deal from the company. The MoU signed between the country and Technip in 2022 represents a critical step towards getting these large-scale discoveries off the ground and ushering in a new era of project success in Namibia,” said NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the AEC. 

    Technip’s expertise and footprint in Namibia, on the other hand, extends beyond the oil and gas industry, with the company making a strong push for the development of green hydrogen. Namibia, representing a highly promising green hydrogen market due to significant potential for solar and wind deployment, is embarking on an ambitious green hydrogen agenda with several regional and global partners. Technip is currently working on a conceptual study for green ammonia production with a capacity of 200 to 400 MW from solar and wind. Technip is expected to play a key role in driving developments in the country’s green hydrogen market as it grows. 

    Shell, TotalEnergies, and Qatar Energy announced two oil and gas discoveries in the Graff and Venus discoveries just weeks apart in February 2022. According to global market intelligence firm Wood Mackenzie, Namibian deepwater discoveries contributed to the highest value of global finds in 2022, alongside discoveries in Guyana and Brazil, demonstrating the critical role these discoveries will play in kickstarting the country’s long-term socioeconomic growth. 

    During the 2022 edition of the continent’s premier oil and gas industry event, African Energy Week (AEW), in which both Namibia and Technip Energies played key roles, the French firm signed a collaboration agreement with the country’s national oil company NAMCOR for the development of the two discoveries.

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    About Technip Energies

    Technip Energies is a world-leading engineering and technology player in the energy transition. They bring their customer’s game-changing initiatives to reality and are devoted to boosting their performance.

    The tech player experience spans a full spectrum of design and project development services, from early involvement through delivery.

  • MTC Begins Voluntary SIM Registration in Namibia

    MTC Begins Voluntary SIM Registration in Namibia

    Mobile Telecommunications Limited (MTC ), has announced that its voluntary sim-card registration campaign, which will run until the 1st of January 2023, has begun. The campaign is targeting more than 2 million subscribers.

    This development came to be as a result of the country’s adoption of mandatory Sim card registration regulations this year. This comes into effect on 1 January 2023.

    The Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN) warned citizens to register their SIM cards in the coming 12 months or face service provider termination.

    During the regulator’s awareness campaign, CRAN Chief Executive Officer, Emilia Nghikembua said; “Operators will have a period of 12 months to conclude the registration of existing customers. The information of new customers must be registered within 3 months from the date of sale. Unregistered SIM cards will be deactivated.”

     

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    Nghikembua also said Mandatory SIM registration was in line with international best practices, with about 157 countries in the world currently implementing SIM registration.

    “Namibia is one of two African countries that do not have SIM registration and we are therefore delighted to finally reach this milestone. The six-month-long awareness campaign follows consultation between CRAN and all relevant stakeholders. Mobile operators will be required to communicate to their existing customers on the registration modalities, which may in certain instances include registration through online platforms”, she said.

     

    On the Importance of SIM Registration

    Highlighting the importance of the SIM Registration exercise, Nghikembua said that having a secure authorized digital identity has become increasingly important in a democratic society in the interest of national security, public safety, and for the prevention of crime.
    “SIM registration can enable many consumers to access value-added mobile and digital services that would otherwise be unavailable to them as unregistered users.

    Namibia must leverage on the use of safe and secure mobile technology to enjoy the benefits of the Fourth Industrial Revolution and meet the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals,” she said.

     

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    She also said that the sim registration will help security agencies to track down some members of the public who use mobile phones for criminal activities; “through the registration of all active SIM cards, security agencies will be able to track criminals after following the procedures as set out in the applicable laws.

    On Privacy Concerns

    Speaking on privacy concerns regarding subscribers’ conversations and information, Nghikembua said the exact details of interactions will not be recorded, as only records of the daily interactions are recorded.

    “And all data that is stored will only be released to a law office with direct orders from a judge or magistrate as the laws in place guarantee the right for privacy and freedom of speech. If there are any infringements, they must be addressed through the court of law.”

    Requirements For The SIM Registration

    Also speaking at the awareness campaign, MTC’s Chief Human Capital, Corporate and Marketing Officer, Tim Ekandjo stated that; “A registered card comes with security benefits – it helps prevent identity theft; forms the basis for systems that combat phone-based fraud, and it aids in combating cybercrime.

    Moreover, this is particularly essential given the high rate of this form of crime. It also generally comes with convenience value of accessing electronic services, especially now that more companies are upgrading their service offerings to digital platforms.”

    According to Ekandjo, the launch of the national SIM card registration awareness by the regulator Communication Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN) on June 6, 2022, resulted in MTC taking a proactive voluntary SIM registration campaign for its over 2 million customers as supplementary to the regulator’s Efforts. He said customers can register at any MTC Mobile Home outlet countrywide.

    “At this stage, it’s a pro-active exercise we initiated to offer sufficient time and convenience for our subscribers to register early before the mandatory registration kicks off in January 2023 as envisioned by the regulator CRAN.

    Additionally, we are or will be having points of registration in all 14 regions, so that we offer our customers enough time to register way before it is legally enforced.

    Registration will also take place at the various shows, where MTC team will be present. Registration is free and done in contact/person – meaning that a person must be present at a registration point and must bring along identity documents i.e. ID card/passport/new driver’s license/valid voter’s card.

    They must also bring a police declaration that you are the rightful owners of the number that you are registering in your name.

    They must also bring proof of residence which can be a municipal statement or a letter from your nearest church, school, constituency councilor, or police declaration of where you reside. Lastly, also bring along your device.”

     

    About MTC

    Mobile Telecommunications Limited is a mobile telecommunications company and internet service provider in Namibia. It is the largest mobile carrier in Namibia with over two million active subscribers. MTC was established in 1995 and was the only cellular provider in Namibia at that time.

  • PayPulse Reported Nearly One Million Transactions in Namibia in One Year

    PayPulse Reported Nearly One Million Transactions in Namibia in One Year

    PayPulse, Standard Bank’s cashless transaction app, has achieved substantial popularity in the Namibian market since its inception in 2018, completing slightly under a million transactions worth N$ 442 million ($29.7 million) from 1 January 2021 to 31 December 2021.

    The PayPulse app was built by Standard Bank, a South African bank and financial services company, and allows anybody, regardless of bank, to create a virtual wallet from which to pay for bills and services and send and receive money.

     

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    According to Rejoice Itembu, Standard Bank’s Head of Client Solutions, the app is unique that it is the first of its type in that it allows customers to join up to three different credit or debit cards from various commercial banks. , Itembu claims that the app is necessary for Namibians, who are primarily multi-banked, and that this has contributed to its success.

     

    What Customers Can Do With PayPulse

    Throughout 2021, Standard Bank improved the PayPulse App and included many new features such as Bill Splitting, Money Request, self QR code production, and a Pay-by-Link option, which it claims is excellent for small enterprises. Businesses can use PayPulse’s Pay-by-Link feature to send a link request to their customers, who subsequently pay, and the company receives their money.

    Another tool that helps folks who need money from friends or relatives right away is the Money Request option. Customers can ask for money from PayPulse users the same way they would make a ‘CallMe Request’ on their telephone. When the request is received, the PayPulse user can accept or deny it and determine how much to transfer.



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    Another feature is the option for consumers to generate their QR codes, which can be used to make payments by multiple users. Customers no longer manually enter their cell phone numbers when using this QR code to transmit money. According to Standard Bank, this payment option is easy and ideal for fast-paced small businesses.

    Customers can also use PayPulse to rapidly cash out their money at any WiCode shop, including Woermann Brock, Pick & Pay, Shoprite, Checkers, USave, and top up on electricity, airtime and pay for bills such as DStv/GOtv accounts.

    As more consumers embrace digital solutions and technology to conduct everyday activities like banking, Standard Bank remains strongly dedicated to offering digital banking solutions and realising the cashless society.” “We intend to make our services more accessible to more individuals with such solutions,” Itembu stated.