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Category: BUSINESS

  • Rystad Energy to Participate at Namibia International Energy Conference 2023 as Strategic Knowledge Partner

    Rystad Energy to Participate at Namibia International Energy Conference 2023 as Strategic Knowledge Partner

    Global research and business intelligence company Rystad Energy has joined the Namibia International Energy Conference (NIEC) 2023 as a strategic knowledge partner, advancing energy-related dialogue and engagement. Now in its 5th edition, the event represents the official energy conference of the country, serving to generate investment and kickstart new developments across the Namibian energy sector – an objective made more tangible with Rystad Energy’s participation.

    With recent oil and gas discoveries including TotalEnergies’ Venus 1-X and Shell’s Graff-1 in 2022 and Jonker-1X in 2023 turning Namibia into a global exploration and production hub for international majors and independents, Rystad Energy’s industry know-how will be crucial for driving NIEC 2023 dialogue around the partnership and investment opportunities within Namibia’s upstream industry. Since these discoveries, the market has seen heightened interest by a suite of regional and global players, with NIEC 2023 serving as the ideal forum to expand knowledge and insights regarding the Namibian E&P landscape. With its participation, Rystad Energy will advance knowledge sharing, laying the foundation for new deals to be signed and partnerships formed.

    While the Namibian government is seeking to boost energy access, socioeconomic development and economic growth by leveraging local resources, the hydrocarbons industry has a vital role to play in guaranteeing energy security for the southern African country as well as in driving gross domestic product growth through revenue generation for the government. While the availability of adequate investments continues to challenge the global oil and gas industry, platforms such as NIEC and the participation of Rystad Energy will be vital in shaping discussions around best practices for Namibia to adopt in order to attract foreign direct investments. With various factors such as increases in energy demand and geopolitical trends disrupting global energy security, Namibia’s oil and gas industry has a huge role to play in balancing global supply.

    On the renewables front, Rystad Energy’s participation at NIEC is instrumental for enhancing the exchanging of ideas around investment and partnership opportunities within the country’s solar, wind and green hydrogen industry. With the Namibian government accelerating diversification, the country’s untapped renewables and green hydrogen potential has turned the market into an investment destination for European and global clean energy investors. Large-scale green hydrogen projects positioning Namibia among Africa’s green energy capitals include Fortescue and Enersense’s Daures Green Hydrogen Village, RWE and HYPHEN Hydrogen Energy’s green ammonia initiative and German-backed Power-to-X green hydrogen pilots across the southern African country.

    “The African Energy Chamber (AEC), as the voice of the African energy sector and a strategic partner for NIEC 2023, looks forward to Rystad Energy’s participationg at this year’s NIEC 2023 conference. Rystad’s research and market intelligence has been crucial for maximizing Africa’s stance on the role local energy resources can play in addressing energy access, affordability, poverty and security matters. The presence of Rystad at NIEC will be vital for highlighting exploration trends and opportunities within Namibia’s energy industry for global energy services companies and investors,” states NJ Ayuk, the Executive Chairman of the AEC.

    Taking place under the theme ‘Shaping the Future of Energy towards Value Creation’ in Windhoek from 25 – 27 April, NIEC 2023 unites Namibian energy policymakers, companies and stakeholders from across the entire energy value chain with global investors to discuss Namibia’s energy future. As a strategic knowledge partner for NIEC 2023, Rystad Energy will join high-level institutions, global energy firms and financiers in shaping Namibia’s burgeoning energy industry through discussions, exclusive networking sessions and deal signings.

    Representing the leading investment platform for the energy sector, Energy Capital & Power (ECP) will also particiapte at this year’s edition of NIEC 2023, promoting its upcoming Namibian-focused market report, Energy Invest Namibia. Produced in partnership with Namibia’s Ministry of Mines and Energy, the publication serves as a framework and guideline on how to invest in the country’s energy sector. Join Rystad Energy, the AEC, ECP and many more high-level organizations at this year’s NIEC conference.

  • PIN’s Finding Diana wins the Best Human Rights Film Award in Berlin

    PIN’s Finding Diana wins the Best Human Rights Film Award in Berlin

    Paradigm Initiative’s (PIN’s) movie, Finding Diana, has won the Best Human Rights Film Award at this year’s Berlin Shorts Award.

    The international recognition comes five months after the movie premiered and after securing more than 175,000 views on the organization’s YouTube Channel, ParadigmHQ.

    Ms. Nnenna Paul-Ugochukwu, the organization’s Chief Operating Officer, lauded the win saying the movie is significantly contributing to Paradigm Initiative’s effort towards ensuring the continent is rights-respecting.

    “We are keenly aware of the need to mainstream digital rights conversations and are always exploring new and innovative ways to do so. We are thrilled that our films continue to introduce new audiences to digital rights issues, including access to technology, freedom of expression, press freedom, digital surveillance, and other key issues that we passionately advocate for on the continent,” she said.

    She expressed gratitude to PIN partners, Ford Foundation, Internews, Internet Society (ISOC) Foundation, Luminate and United States Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labour (DRL) for supporting the movie production.

    On his part, Idiare Atimomo, the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Up in The Sky, which was PIN’s movie production partner, welcomed the win, saying it was satisfying.

    “We are delighted by the news of this award! Being able to take pressing African human/digital rights issues and turn them into engaging cinematic content that can win in such a contested category is very satisfying. We have always trusted in the power of storytelling to mainstream these issues for wider consumption and appreciation,” he added.

    Finding Diana is executive produced by Paradigm Initiative in partnership with Up In the Sky Films. The film was directed by Tolulope Ajayi and produced by Benjamin Adeniran.

    The lead actress, Uzoamaka Onuoha plays 28-year-old Aisha Coker, a down-on-her-luck journalist. Also starring in the movie is Mike Afolarin who plays Izuore Duke, Rotimi Adelegan as the Governor, and Bade Smart in the role of James.

    The film follows Aisha as she investigates a story of debauchery in her state government. Will her dive into the underbelly of conspiracy finally put Aisha on the map, or will it serve a bigger purpose? Finding Diana is inspired by PIN’s 2021 Digital Rights and Inclusion Report- Londa. The report highlights the state of digital rights and inclusion in 22 African countries. This is the third short film released by Paradigm Initiative following the success of Training Day (2020) and Focus (2021).

    Londa 2021 examines privacy, freedom of expression, access to information, segmentation and execution, digital transformation, affordability, gender, and others within existing legislative frameworks and against the backdrop of a widening digital divide.

    It also assesses the state of digital rights and inclusion on the continent and provides recommendations on what each country must do to move towards realizing gains that rights-respecting and inclusive digital practices bring. Besides providing recommendations, the report also highlights gaps existing in the featured African countries.

  • AMWIK Condemns Police for Attack on Journalists

    AMWIK Condemns Police for Attack on Journalists

    By Sumaya Hussein.

    The Association of Media Women in Kenya (AMWIK) has become the latest group to condemn the attack on scribes witnessed today during the Azimio protests in Nairobi.

    AMWIK called out police for being part of the attack instead of protecting journalists on duty.

    Police, Goons Attacked Journalists

    In a statement on March 27, AMWIK called out police and “criminal elements” for attacking journalists covering the Raila-led Monday protests in various parts of the country.

    “We condemn their actions especially the police force who are expected as part of their mandatory duty, to provide security to journalists and ensure their safety without threats and violence.” read the statement.

    The association noted that the attacks on journalists are a violation of human rights, and a threat to public access to information and press freedom.

    Journalists from local and international media outlets were attacked by knife-wielding goons in Kibra. Several others were injured after rowdy protesters stoned their vehicles.

    Moreover, two journalists were arrested by police in Mathare, Nairobi and others attacked while covering the invasion in former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s Northlands farm. One journalist was forced by police to delete their recordings.

    Patience Nyange, AMWIK Executive Director, took to twitter to express concern over the rising cases of attacks on journalists.

    Media Groups Condemn Attacks

    The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) had earlier issued a statement saying the attack on media by protesters “demeans the spirit of mass action as it betrays the foundations of democracy on which it is founded.”

    The council said it would work with law enforcement agencies to ensure those responsible for the attacks are brought to book, and such incidents are avoided in future.

    The Kenya Editors’ Guild also called out officers of the National Police Service for participating in lashing journalists instead of ensuring their safety as mandated by the law.

    The group demanded for journalists to be allowed to work without interference from police, and officers to accord journalists with the necessary security to carry out their duties.

  • Global Money Transfer Index: Kenya’s Consumers Champion for More Innovation in International Money Transfer Services

    Global Money Transfer Index: Kenya’s Consumers Champion for More Innovation in International Money Transfer Services

    • Index shows that 90% of Kenya’s consumers who receive money transfers want integrated mobile ‘super apps’ so they can manage remittances with other financial needs
    • Kenya’s receivers want choice in digital and in-person remittance platforms as they look to the future

    Kenya’s consumers are calling for greater innovation in international money transfer services so they can easily manage their personal finance needs. According to Western Union’s inaugural Global Money Transfer Index, 90% of Kenya’s receivers want providers to offer remittance services in an integrated mobile ‘super app’ so they can efficiently manage collecting remittances with other commitments, such as paying for utilities.

     

    The Global Money Transfer Index asks consumers how, when and why they use international money transfer capabilities today, as well as their expectations for tomorrow. The results bolster Western Union’s ‘Evolve 25’ strategy to combine high-value, accessible retail and digital financial services for all.

     

    Kenya has experienced remarkable growth in financial inclusion. This, in turn, creates greater awareness and expectation for innovation that could further support daily financial needs. As the country’s consumers consider what they would like more of in future, 82% would like to collect their funds in a pre-paid card or e-wallet, while the same number of receivers want providers to offer services with local language capabilities.

     

    “Kenya is a leader when it comes to financial innovation – especially in the world of mobile money. The country pioneered mobile money in Africa and is poised to become one of the most innovative and connected economies in the world,” said Mohamed Touhami El Ouazzani, Regional Vice President, Africa at Western Union. “This is reenforced by the country’s consumers, who are increasingly looking for more exciting and innovative services from money transfer brands.”

     

    Digital today, choice tomorrow

    Two in three receivers (66%) currently use only digital transfers, while 26% prefer both online and in-person platforms to be available. However, around double that proportion (53%) believe that in future all money transfer receivers should be able to choose, compared to 46% who will fully embrace digital.

     

    In contrast, Kenya’s senders name digital transfers as their first choice for the future (56% – rising to 61% of women) with 41% wanting a mix of online and in-person options. Some 61% of senders currently opt for digital-only services – rising to 67% of those aged 18 to 24.

     

    “At Western Union, we strive to listen to consumers and make strategic decisions so that we can be the money transfer provider they turn to for solutions. Whether it is sending or receiving money in person or through digital platforms, we are always looking for ways to innovate our platforms so that we never fall short of meeting consumer expectations as they manage their daily financial needs,” Ouazzani said.

  • Huawei rolls out Non-Stop Banking Initiative

    Huawei rolls out Non-Stop Banking Initiative

    Huawei today announced its ‘Non-Stop Banking’ initiative at the Intelligent Finance Summit for Africa 2023, to ramp up collaboration between the ICT and banking industries and facilitate a digital future characterized by ‘non-stop’ services, development and innovation. The Summit brought together more than 200 professionals, including key industry opinion leaders, and executives from major banks across Africa.

    In a keynote speech announcing the initiative, Leo Chen, President of Huawei Sub-Saharan Africa Region spoke about the importance of going digital as a major imperative for the banking industry, in a bid to boost customer numbers, lower operational costs, develop new innovative products, raise revenue and deepen customer relationships.

    Locally, where 25 percent of Kenyans prefer banking applications, he stated that there’s an even greater need for banks to embrace digitization, as it allows for greater financial inclusion. Lauding the innovative work done by many local banks in embracing digitization, he pointed out that all players in the industry need to go further if they’re to embrace the ‘non-stop’ approach that will characterise the future of banking.

    “To accelerate digitalization of banking services, Huawei will facilitate to innovatively improve productivity in Africa by rolling out ICT infrastructure that delivers ‘non-stop’ financial services, and achieve ‘non-stop’ development alongside ’non-stop’ innovation,” said Leo, noting that the firm already serves more than 2500 financial customers in over 60 countries and regions, including 50 of the world’s top 100 banks.

    Numerous Huawei technologies, Chen added, are helpful on this front. Over the years, it has provided the foundation and backbone for the digitalization of the banking industry locally by supporting the construction of ICT infrastructure and digital connectivity in rural areas. Its extensive focus on research and development (R&D), meanwhile, means that it’s well-poised to help the industry shape its future too.

    Echoing his remarks, Jason Cao, CEO of Huawei Global Digital Finance pointed out that financial services are becoming mobile and intelligent at a blistering pace. The future of banking involves innovating ways to make a consumer’s daily life easier. Banks will have to create or select the right platforms that bring the most distinctive and personalized user experience.

    From a technical perspective, he pointed to the necessary multi-domain collaboration technology for banks as storage, fibre optic networks, IP networks and data communication. These for instance cover storage and optical connection coordination (SOCC) to reduce system switchover time from two minutes to two seconds after a network breakdown, ensuring zero transaction interruptions.

    It also includes a multilayer ransomware protection (MRP) that provides 6-layer protections enabling a reliable and secure ‘end-to-end’ protection to the whole bank’s system. He added that banks need an intelligent network that detects faults in 1 minute, diagnoses them in 3 minutes, and rectifies in 5 minutes.

    He noted that banks are accelerating usage of Cloud services, with hybrid multi-cloud services required by banks becoming the norm, complemented by digital energy that provide an uninterrupted and green power supply, thereby effectively addressing power deficit issues and supporting ‘non-stop’ banking.

    “The financial industry should pay acute attention to users and their demands, embracing changes,” he said. “Huawei is dedicated to helping its local banks address challenges and accelerate changes across six fields: shifting from transaction to digital engagement, cloud-native and agile businesses, data democratization, secure and reliable infrastructure, hybrid multi-cloud and Lego-style modular services, and automated and predictable operation.”

  • Samsung Electronics Tops The Global TV Market For 17 Consecutive Years

    Samsung Electronics Tops The Global TV Market For 17 Consecutive Years

    Samsung Electronics has been recognized for its global market leadership and excellence with its technical expertise and industry-leading innovation, According to market research firm Omdia, Samsung once again topped the global TV market in 2022, making it the 17th year in a row the company has ranked first in the TV industry. Locally the global electronics manufacturer was also the most preferred electronics brand according to an internal brand awareness survey conducted.  All these accomplishments can be attributed to the company’s commitment to premium viewing experiences and user-centered design.

    Head of Consumer Electronics at Samsung Electronics East Africa Ltd, Mr. Sam Odhiambo had the following to say about the global recognition, “Samsung’s commitment to innovation and technology has enabled the brand to deliver superior products and services to our customers, while continuing to drive the industry forward. The business has consistently delivered groundbreaking products that have revolutionized the TV industry, offering consumers an ever-expanding selection of features and functions. As a custodian of the Samsung brand in the East African market, we are honored to have the brand recognized by the global community for this achievement and we can assure the market that Samsung will continue to strive to provide innovative solutions that meet the needs of our customers to continue to be the world’s top TV brand for years to come.”

    By prioritizing its premium product lineup, Samsung has upheld its unparalleled leadership in the TV industry for an impressive 17 years, exemplified best by its NEO QLED lineup. In 2022, Samsung sold a staggering 9.65 million units of QLED and NEO QLED TVs globally, bringing cumulative sales to 35 million units since its launch in 2017. Samsung also dominated the ultra-large TV market segment in 2022, reporting a 36.1% and 42.9% market share for TVs over 75-inches and 80-inches respectively on the global market. For the premium TV market priced over $2,500, Samsung retained the largest market share by revenue at 48.6%.

    “Our track record of industry leadership over the past 17 years was made possible by our consumers’ continued loyalty and trust in our products,” said Cheolgi Kim, Executive Vice President of Visual Display Business at Samsung Electronics. “We will continue to pave the path to create the most premium device experiences that go beyond premium picture quality.”

    Moreover, Samsung’s leadership in the TV market for 17 consecutive years is a testament to the company’s commitment to providing the most innovative products with consumer-centric designs and upgraded user experiences. The launch of the Bordeaux TV in 2006 marked the mainstream adoption of LCD TVs with sophisticated designs and light-weight form factor. It was also the first time for Samsung to rank number one in the global television market. The company continued to bring groundbreaking technologies closer to consumers by launching its first LED TV in 2009 and Smart TV in 2011, holding the top position in the market throughout each of those launches and after.

    Samsung continued to push the boundaries of picture quality and innovation by introducing products with the latest technologies as well. In 2017, Samsung defined the term “next-generation display” by unveiling the first QLED TV, which utilized quantum dot technology to achieve 100 percent color volume for the first time in the industry. In 2018, the company launched the groundbreaking QLED 8K, followed by the Quantum Mini LED-backed NEO QLED and the self-illuminating MICRO LED in 2021. This collection of innovative technologies redefined the standard for TV picture quality and continued to set new industry benchmarks each time.

    Additionally, Samsung has been at the forefront of pioneering new categories such as the Lifestyle series. Starting with the iconic design of The Serif in 2016, Samsung has continued to evolve its product lineup with designs to enhance the user experience through products such as The Frame, The Sero, The Terrace, The Premiere and The Freestyle.

    In 2023, Samsung’s commitment to innovation continues with the development of intuitive technology designed to meet the needs of users. SmartThings will enable seamless integration and connectivity of multiple devices with security remaining a top priority, empowering users to create deeply personalized experiences that accommodate both their unique preferences and needs.

  • LG Unveils Innovative 2023 Home Entertainment Solutions to Enhance User Experience

    LG Unveils Innovative 2023 Home Entertainment Solutions to Enhance User Experience

    LG Electronics is set to transform the Middle East and Africa Entertainment market with an upgraded line-up of home entertainment products, which range from its televisions to audio and gaming products by December 2023.

    The move is aimed at underscoring the brand’s approach to creating customer-centered innovations for a better life for all.

    At the top of this product line-up sits the 97-inch LG SIGNATURE OLED M (model M3), the world’s-first consumer TV with Zero Connect technology which enables wireless transmission of real-time 4K 120Hz video and audio. The recipient of CES 2023 Innovation Awards, this revolutionary OLED TV is the pinnacle of television innovation, delivering stunning audio-visual quality and flexibility to install.

    Commenting on the event, LG Electronics East Africa Managing Director Dong Won Lee said “Our products are designed to enhance the lives of our customers. Each home entertainment product brings practical innovations centered on the lives of our customers. This is part of our goal of creating a better life by elevating everyone’s entertainment experience and the interior of their homes.”

    Besides the OLED M, LG has also lined up its OLED evo series, which provides high-quality audio-video outputs, thanks to the new α9 AI Processor Gen6 that uses sophisticated AI-assisted Deep Learning for improved upscaling for better clarity and enhanced dynamic tone mapping. LG’s new range of Lifestyle TVs, including the LG OLED Object, collection Easel, and LG OLED Object Collection Posé, were also showcased. These premium TVs, while being technologically advanced, deliver on aesthetics adding style and function to the user’s living rooms and giving it a tailored look.

    LG’s Home Entertainment line-up also includes audio solutions, among which the LG TONE Free ® true wireless earbuds were showcased at the LG MEA showcase 2023. LG displayed the TONE Free ® and the newly introduced TONE Free ® fit line-up during the event, highlighting its commitment to on-the-go audio. The earbuds provide the ultimate in sound experience thanks to its advanced audio technologies paired with a more comfortable fit. In fact, the T90 is the world’s First Dolby Atmos wireless earbuds with Dolby Head Tracking across all content and devices. The TONE Free earbuds come with active noise cancellation and ship with an UVnano™ charging case with ultraviolet light to help keep the earbuds hygienically clean while charging. LG also displayed its range of XBOOM speakers, including the XBOOM Go and XBOOM 360, which deliver high-quality audio at home or events.

    The line-up continues with the LG Cinebeam 4K laser projector, the ultimate in-home entertainment, which can produce stunning and sharp images at 90-inches when placed just 5.6 centimeters from the wall or a massive 120-inch picture at a distance of only 18.3 centimeters. The projector comes with LG’s intuitive webOS smart platform onboard allowing users to watch all their favorite shows from streaming services such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, YouTube, and Apple TV without an additional device. They can also wirelessly stream content via Screen Mirroring, Apple AirPlay 2, and Bluetooth. For audio, it comes with a built-in 2.2 Channel and 40W speaker system with the capacity to connect to two LG Bluetooth speakers at once.

    Topping it all off, LG proudly showcased its latest in the PC world, with the new models of the famed LG Gram line-up with the new gram Ultraslim and gram Style, which provide both power and portability, packing premium specs into sleek, ultra-lightweight form factors delivering take-anywhere convenience and exceptional user experiences.

    One of the thinnest models yet of the LGE range is the LG gram Ultraslim which weighs just 998 grams and is 10.99mm when closed. Meanwhile, it still supplies impressive image quality and processing power, packing a 15.6-inch OLED display with Anti-glare Low Reflection (AGLR) coating and a 13th Gen Intel® Core™ Processor. The LG gram Style, which delivers more on the aesthetics, is available in both 16 and 14 inches and features a 13th Gen Intel® Core™ Processor and a Gen4 NVMe™ solid-state drive (SSD).

    LG’s foray into gaming was also exhibited with the latest line-up of premium UltraGear™ OLED gaming monitors, complete with the world’s first 240Hz OLED panel, exclusively manufactured by LG, the new 27-inch and 45-inch models deliver a response time of 0.03 milliseconds Gray-to-Gray (GTG). The 27-inch OLED monitor offers a QHD resolution and covers 98.5 percent of the DCI-P3 color gamut, ensuring vibrant graphics and colors.  The larger display is LG’s first-ever 45-inch curved OLED gaming monitor with a 21:9 aspect ratio, WQHD (3,440 x 1,440) resolution screen, and an 800R curve which offers 1,500,000:1 contrast ratio, and 98.5 percent coverage of DCI-P3, producing the bright colors, deep blacks, and crisp images, making it the ultimate addition to any gaming setup.

  • Important Tips to Improve Your Oral Health

    Important Tips to Improve Your Oral Health

    The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that oral diseases affect nearly 3.5 billion people globally. That’s close to half of the world’s estimated 7.7 billion people. Dental caries, also known as tooth decay or dental cavities, is the most common untreated health condition in the world, according to the Global Burden of Disease 2019 Report.

    The rise in cases of tooth decay has been linked to changes in feeding and snacking habits, which have evolved due to factors such as higher disposable incomes, tighter work routines, and cultural changes that have come with urbanization and globalization. People are feeding and snacking more frequently and often on the go. Without proper oral health practices, this increases the risk of plaque build-up and can be bad for your teeth by predisposing you to tooth decay.

    As the world marks World Oral Health Day, observed annually on March 20, below are top tips to improve your oral health courtesy of the Wrigley Oral Healthcare Program, a global oral health initiative by Mars Wrigley.

    1. Brush your teeth regularly and correctly

    Dentists recommend brushing your teeth twice a day with a fluoride-based toothpaste to keep tooth decay at bay. The process of brushing your teeth should take at least two minutes. The technique of brushing also matters and there are plenty of free online videos from dental associations demonstrating how to brush correctly.

    It’s important for adults to lead by example in households, as many children imitate what they see grownups doing. Kids are seven times more likely to skip toothbrushing if their parents do too, according to the FDI World Dental Federation. The adult population therefore has a responsibility to take up the challenge and encourage children to pick up the right habits.

    1. Understand the science behind sugar free gum

    Did you know that chewing sugar free gum helps prevent tooth decay?  Most people chew gum to freshen breath before an important meeting, to burn up some nervous energy, or just because they like the taste. Few realize there’s extensive good science backing up the benefits of chewing sugar-free gum.

    If you feed regularly, chewing sugar free gum for 20 minutes after snacks and meals can help protect teeth. The oral healthcare benefits of chewing sugar- free gum brands like Orbit are today recognized and supported by regulatory authorities, an increasing number of governments, FDI World Dental Federation and nearly 20 national dental associations worldwide.

     

    1. Visit a dentist regularly

    Poor oral health seeking behaviors are partly to blame for the high prevalence of oral diseases such as tooth decay. Most people often seek treatment for oral diseases when complications arise or worsen, instead of seeing a dentist regularly as recommended by health experts.

    Early detection of oral health issues can help reduce the risk of serious complications in future. If left untreated, oral diseases can have further consequences on your general health. Good oral health not only enables you to functionally perform as a human being (speaking, smiling, smelling, eating), but is also important for communication and human relationships. Our vision of ourselves and how we are seen by others are all influenced by our oral appearance. Oral health outcomes can have implications for one’s mental health and ability to socialize.

     

     

     

    1. Discuss your health insurance options

    Paying for dental visits out of pocket can strain household budgets. It is therefore important to discuss your health insurance options with your employer or insurance provider. There are various options in the Kenyan market tailored to the needs and budgets of different households. Having a cover not only eases the financial burden associated with accessing oral healthcare but can also help improve oral health seeking behaviors as people will more readily see a dentist if they know they are insured.

    There is, however, still a huge financing gap as many people in low-income areas and rural economies cannot access insurance covers. This leaves them at great risk. That is why the Wrigley Oral Healthcare Program recently partnered with the Kenya Dental Association to bring free oral healthcare to communities in Lamu and raise awareness about good oral health practices.

    “Our dentists and medical team screened patients, performed minor oral surgeries, and distributed medicine all through the week of March 20. We reached a total of 917 patients in the islands of Lamu, Faza and Mpeketoni,” said KDA Secretary General Dr. Douglas Oramis.

    “We continue to support oral health in Kenya and globally through our Wrigley Oral Healthcare Program, partnering with dental professionals to drive positive societal impact and raise awareness about the oral health benefits of chewing sugar free gum.  We thank our partners at KDA for working with us on this important initiative,” said Ismael Bello, General Manager Sub-Saharan Africa, Mars Wrigley.

    The company’s 2023 outreach with KDA builds on the success of a similar program in 2022 which impacted 537 patients in Lamu. The island is one of the regions impacted by poor oral health seeking behaviors due to socioeconomic factors, making the interventions in 2022 and 2023 by KDA and partners such as Mars Wrigley timely and impactful to the local community.

     

  • The rotary club of Hurlingham and the county government of Nakuru Holds a free medical camp in Kikopey, GilGil

    The rotary club of Hurlingham and the county government of Nakuru Holds a free medical camp in Kikopey, GilGil

    The Rotary Club of Hurlingham will on Saturday, 25 March 2023, hold a free medical camp in Nakuru county, in conjunction with the County Government of Nakuru, at Kikopey Medical Centre.

    Rotary Club of Hurlingham president, Hilda Gikera says, “We are happy to be back in Kikopey. This is not the first time for the Rotary Club of Hurlingham. This time around, we are focusing on eye health and we will be distributing frames. Eye diseases are rampant in this part of Nakuru county so we will have specialists for that. We will also have general practitioners and a host of other specialists. We are expecting over 600 people and we have worked very well with the Nakuru County Government and the Rotary Club of Gilgil, to arrange this medical outreach. We would like to urge residents of Nakuru County to turn up in large numbers for this free medical camp. It will start at 8 a.m.”

    Rotary Club of Hurlingham has been in existence for 33 years and is proud to continue being of service to Kenyans. The last medical outreach was in December 2021 and was attended by 600 residents of Kikopey and neighboring areas.

  • How Emerging Markets are Reaping From Crypto

    How Emerging Markets are Reaping From Crypto

    When you think about developed markets, there are established traditional finance operators whose services are accessible to millions.

     However, Web3 technology can still play a critical role in these markets by helping smaller investors hedge against inflation or invest in art in a way that was never possible before.

    It also enables law enforcement in numerous ways by helping to track down illicit funds and activities online because of the transparent and open nature of blockchain technology.

    Smaller entrepreneurs in developed markets who are often overlooked can now raise funds in ways that were impossible just ten years ago. The developed world has certainly reaped the benefits of crypto.

    Unleashing Opportunities in Developing Markets

    While the value of crypto is very clear for developed markets, people often overlook the fact that its main benefits are reaped in developing countries.

    Financial infrastructure, remittances, funding, charity, and education – how we view these topics in the developing world is shifting thanks to the introduction of blockchain and digital assets.

    Access to platforms and education in most developed markets is quite common. But enabling this in developing countries like Kenya can help people previously devoid of access to such opportunities build wealth and create the next wave of business leaders and entrepreneurs.

    The lack of access to traditional financial services and features can often leave behind underserved communities.

    This is where crypto technology can play a key role. Think about the older generation who rely on remittances from their children abroad.

    In some cases, almost 10% of the money sent is lost to fees, and transfers take a long time.

    Contrast that to crypto, where the fees are minute and transfers are nearly instantaneous. Take a look at the Binance ecosystem.

    With products like Binance Pay, cross-border transfers are now instant and very cheap. With stablecoins, users can manage the often inordinate inflation in their nations’ fiat currencies.

    With Binance Earn, users can make their idle crypto assets work for them. And with Binance Academy, there’s access to education to increase financial literacy, which is a necessary prerequisite for making the most from our industry-leading trading products in the safest way possible.

    When it comes to charity and donations, crypto can be more efficient than traditional banking. During the recent earthquakes in Turkey and Syria, Binance was able to act swiftly to help out. In the aftermath of natural disasters, people often lose access to traditional banking at the exact moment when extra funds are needed to help cover medical supplies, food, and other essential needs.

    Crypto assets are now increasingly being used to deliver financial aid to disaster victims as they provide fast, low-cost, borderless, and transparent transactions.

    The Future With Crypto

    The surprising adoption curve in this industry is unlike any other. There has been mass adoption in several countries and crypto is already changing how users think of financial services, education, and wealth.

    Due to this, the blockchain industry’s demand for talent is expanding, creating more opportunities across the globe.

    Just like the concept of the internet was novel and outlandish at its inception, so is the notion of crypto and Web3 technology.

    But by stripping away the fear and doubts, we can start to see how real humans are impacted and benefit at the end of the day. The more of these examples we can show, the brighter our future will be.