The growing role of telco operators in driving financial inclusion through accessible mobile-first financial services.

The growing role of telco operators in driving financial inclusion through accessible mobile-first financial services.

By Robert van Breukelen, COO at Itemate Solutions Africa remains a hotbed of mobile innovation. Telco operators across the continent are stepping in to fill gaps left by lower levels of development in key areas, including banking and financial services. A 2022 report estimated that just over half of Africa's population remained unbanked. The same report found that banks across the continent are investing in digital transformation […]

February 8, 2024 22

Sport

Gamble pays off to leave Qatar on verge of Asian Cup glory again

Qatar took a big gamble replacing coach Carlos Queiroz with Tintin Marquez just one month before the Asian Cup but they are now one win away from retaining their title. The hosts booked their place in Saturday's final against Jordan after beating Iran 3-2 in a breathless semi-final in Doha on Wednesday. Spaniard Marquez only started working with the squad in late December but a decade-long association with […]

February 8, 2024 7

Local

Bank Windhoek support schools with basic needs

Between January and February 2024, Bank Windhoek’s Marketing and Corporate Communication Services Department donated toiletries and stationery items to the Baumgartsbrum Farm School and the Rocky Crest High School in Windhoek. The initiative is part of the Bank Windhoek’s Empathy Project. Situated about 20 kilometres from Windhoek towards the Daan Viljoen dam, Baumgartsbrum Farm School is a government boarding school accommodating 280 learners from less privileged backgrounds, mainly […]

February 8, 2024 17

Sport

Asian Cup braces for one last surprise as Qatar face Jordan in final

An Asian Cup full of late goals and surprises reaches a climax on Saturday when hosts and holders Qatar face a Jordan side looking to make yet more history. The 88,000-capacity Lusail Stadium, where Lionel Messi's Argentina beat France in the World Cup final 14 months ago, will stage the final act of four weeks of Asian football. Few would have predicted it would come down to a decider […]

February 8, 2024 6

Sport

Wiggins leads NBA Warriors over injury-hit 76ers, Celtics win

Golden State won back-to-back NBA road games for the first time since November as Andrew Wiggins delivered 21 points and 10 rebounds on Wednesday in a 127-104 victory at Philadelphia. While two-time NBA Most Valuable Player Stephen Curry managed only nine points, the Warriors led by as many as 30 points, their most in any game this season. "It's a team effort," Wiggins said. "We're all a factor […]

February 8, 2024

Sport

Crusaders lose Halfpenny for months with chest injury

British and Irish Lions fullback is expected to miss most of the Super Rugby season with a chest injury, his new club Canterbury Crusaders said Thursday. Fullback Halfpenny damaged a pectoral muscle during his debut for the Super Rugby champions in a 21-19 defeat to Ireland's Munster on the New Zealand side's pre-season tour. Halfpenny needs surgery and will be sidelined for the next three to four months, the Crusaders […]

February 8, 2024 3

World

In Today’s Troubled World, Building Peace ‘Humanity’s Greatest Responsibility’, Secretary-General Stresses, Outlining Organization’s Priorities for 2024

UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ briefing to the General Assembly meeting on the priorities of the Organization for 2024, in New York: Let me begin by extending my very best wishes for 2024. I wish health and happiness for you and your families — and peace for our world. Our Organization was founded on the pursuit of peace. Peace is our raison d’être. Yet as I scan the landscape of today’s […]

February 8, 2024 5

Sport

Son heads straight from Asian Cup heatbreak back to Spurs

Tottenham captain could be available for Saturday's Premier League clash against Brighton after flying straight back to England from South Korea's Asian cup exit. The 31-year-old suffered major disappointment with his nation on Tuesday after a shock 2-0 defeat to Jordan in the semi-finals. While the majority of the South Korea squad have returned home from Qatar, along with manager Jurgen Klinsmann, Son headed straight to the UK and […]

February 8, 2024 4

Sport

Third successive world title for Wang in 3 metre diving

Chinese diver Wang Zongyuan took gold in the 3 metre springboard for the third time in a row on Wednesday at the world aquatics championships in Doha. Wang, who had already taken the synchronised event with Long Daoyi on Sunday, won with a cumulative score of 538.70 points after six jumps. It was the 26-year-old's eighth world gold medal of his career and marked a hat-trick in the event […]

February 8, 2024 1