Connect with us

Uncategorized

MobileMoney and Future of Insurance in Nigeria

Published

on

Kindly share this post

With growing incidences of natural disasters, crop failures, investment uncertainty, growing population and dwindling natural resources, Africans are more than ever before exposed to the effects of global recessions, environmental degradations with negative effects on incomes during active duty and beyond.

Africans that are covered by any form of protection in form of insurance are minimal across the entire population of Africa.

Around Africa, mobile networks, governments, independent organizations, micro finance providers are joining forces to provide low cost insurance to millions of people through the ubiquitous mobile phone.

 In Most African countries, insurance penetration is low while mobile phone is available to more than half of the adult population across different segments of the economy.

Why mobile money is powered life insurance gaining momentum and appeal across Africa Mobilemoney powered life insurance is a quite easy to use with minimal form filling, cost effective, convenient, with flexibility and the trust in brand of the Mobile network and insurance partner.

Regulations
As mobile network and nontraditional micro insurance providers  and  innovators begin to see benefits of providing low value insurance services to currently underserved and uninsured low segments  of the society, how will the regulators deal with these innovations and players?

How is the insurance regulator positioned to understand the impact of mobile financial services on the industry? What is the wiliness of the insurance regulator to allow innovations influence new radical thoughts while balancing risk and ensuring certainty in the industry.

What level of cross regulation knowledge sharing is available for the insurance regulators across Africa from the primary mobile financial services regulator of Banking services and telecommunications?

Providing low value transaction systems and applications is a technology play for Mobile network operators but the major drawback for them is that they are not primarily providers of insurance services, with limited understanding of the processes of managing premium and investments.

While the traditional insurance providers are hampered with limited understanding and management of technologies and applications necessary for mass market products like micro insurance.

Developing the right partnerships and credibility are the foundation for building a successful mobilemoney based micro insurance product.

Mobile money micro insurance services adequately addresses the shortcomings of traditional channel of deploying insurance services since potential customers can be directly engaged and educated via the mobile phone, instant provisioning of services, payment systems that is efficient and available anywhere and anytime, cost effective methods of premium collections and  reduced policy enrollment  cost per cover.

South Africa
Over the counter availability like the Old Mutual’s offer though the shoprite stores is one of such initiatives that is bridging the gap between the mass market and the insurance cover.

KENYA – MICRO ENSURE, YuMobile
There is an on- going effort in Kenya where a “private-private-NGO” partnership between Safaricom (the parent company of Kenya’s mobile money transfer service M-Pesa), an insurance company, fertilizer and seed companies and an agricultural foundation has produced an innovative micro-insurance scheme in Kenya.

The crop insurance scheme, called “Kilimo Salama” (safe farming in Kiswahili), collects insurance premiums using M-Pesa when farmers purchase seeds and fertilizers, and in the event of adverse weather, makes payouts directly into the M-Pesa mobile phone accounts of the farmers which then visits any local agent to cash out the amount without visiting a Bank branch.

Last week in Kenya, a micro insurance product  called  Yucover,  launched  by  yuMobile and underwritten by Jubilee Insurance and powered by MicroEnsure in a country with current insurance penetration  rate that stands at 3.02 per cent and projected to double the cover likely within one year of deployment of this innovative product.

Ghana 
International insurance group Hollard Insurance, independent mobile financial services enabler MFS Africa and microinsurance intermediary MicroEnsure had also launched the West Africa’s first mobile money insurance service, mi-Life  in Ghana.

Mi-Life insurance provides money in the event of death of the subscriber or the next of kin. The Premium payment for insurance is deducted from the Mobile Money wallet once per month.

The subscriber will receive an SMS to inform when the monthly premium is deducted and insurance cover is renewed.

Once the premium is deducted, the insurance cover lasts for one month until the next monthly premium is deducted.

If there are insufficient funds in the wallet, Subscriber will receive an SMS reminder so that he / she can top up  wallet and keep  life insurance cover active.

Users will also be able to initiate claims, queries and make premium payments using their handsets.

Register and join us on Oct 4th and 5th for Mobile Money Agency risk management and a study tour of Tigo cash and Micro Ensure in Accra – Ghana.

Emmanuel   Okoegwale
Principal Asscociate – MobileMoneyAfrica
[email protected]


Kindly share this post

Dear Reader, Your support matters. But we believe that technology makes life more exciting and helps improve the lives of people around Nigeria and indeed the world. That is why, we have devoted our energy to independent reportage of technology and finance and how they affect lives. Our incisive and analytical view of how technology news affects the daily life help individuals and organizations make up their minds. Quality journalism costs money. Today, we're asking that you support us to do more. Kindly support our effort to deliver technology and finance journalism to everyone in the world. Donate as little as N1,000. Bank transfers can be made to: UBA Plc 1017156876 Communication Week Media Ltd

Uncategorized

Dufil Takes Donation of Indomie Noodles Cartons to Vulnerable Communities in Abuja and Environ

Published

on

Kindly share this post

In line with its commitment to provide critical support to indigent members of communities around the country in the face of the ongoing economic challenges, Dufil Prima Foods Limited, makers of Indomie Instant Noodles, in partnership with Golan Helps Abuja Food Bank Initiative (GHAFBI) and Meluibe Foundation on Wednesday, April 17 distributed Indomie noodles cartons to vulnerable communities in Kuje and Kubwa Local Government Areas in Abuja.

With the goal of alleviating hunger and supporting communities across Nigeria, Indomie Instant Noodles has committed to donating a substantial quantity of noodle packs to various NGOs working tirelessly to address food insecurity.

These organizations play a crucial role in reaching remote and underserved areas, ensuring that nutritious meals reach those who need them most.

“We are deeply committed to making a positive impact in the communities where we operate,” said Olusola Olayinka Idowu OON, former Permanent Secretary, Budget and National Planning, and the CEO/Founder of GHAFBI.

“At GHAFBI, we believe that everyone deserves access to wholesome and nourishing food. Our partnership with Dufil Prima Foods to donate Indomie Noodles packs is a big step towards addressing food insecurity and supporting vulnerable communities in Abuja”, said Idowu who was also the former National Conveyor, UN Food System Dialogues in Nigeria.

Speaking in the same vein, Obialunanma Nnaobi-Ayodele, Executive Director, The Meluibe Empowerment Foundation, expressed her gratitude to Indomie Noodles for the partnership. “Our vision as an NGO is to change the world one step at a time, by providing relief and support to vulnerable communities.

This is achieved through collaborations and partnerships, one of which is what we have done with Indomie Noodles. We remain grateful for their support through this food relief initiative”, she said.

By partnering with NGOs, Indomie Instant Noodles works closely with local leaders and community heads in directly engaging with rural communities to distribute noodle packs and provide immediate relief to families facing hunger and ensuring that food assistance reaches those who are most in need, especially in hard-to-reach areas.

“We are grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with NGOs and community leaders to make a meaningful difference in the lives of people facing food insecurity”, said Temitope Ashiwaju, Group Corporate Communications and Events Manager, Dufil Prima Foods Limited. “Together, we bring hope, love and relief for all”.

The community leaders and some of the beneficiaries also expressed their immense gratitude to Indomie for the support, stressing the impact the products donated will have in alleviating hunger in their communities.

Speaking at the outreach centre, His Royal Highness, Muhammed D. Jibril, Community Leader of Gbazango Community in Kubwa Local Government Area said: “I am very grateful to Indomie Noodles for coming to our aid in these challenging times. I pray for more expansion and growth for the business and may God bless Indomie Noodles”.

Other communities who benefited from the product donations include Wunmi, Tondo, Godoji and Shazhi communities in Kuje Area Council of Abuja.

Dufil Prima Food’s donation of Indomie Noodle packs underscores its commitment to corporate social responsibility and its dedication to supporting communities in need. By providing essential food relief, Dufil Prima Foods is contributing to the well-being and resilience of vulnerable populations in Nigeria.

Indomie Instant Noodles remains dedicated to bringing joy to mealtimes and making a positive impact in communities around the world.


Kindly share this post
Continue Reading

Uncategorized

Empowering Nigerian Retail: The Promise of Pay on Delivery

Published

on

Kindly share this post

E-commerce in Nigeria has evolved exponentially in recent years, transforming the retail landscape and reshaping consumer habits. From the early days of skepticism and distrust to today’s thriving online marketplaces, the journey has been marked by innovation, adaptation, and perhaps most importantly, the establishment of trust and security between buyers and sellers. At the core of this transformation, Pay on Delivery (PoD) has emerged as the unsung hero of e-commerce.

The premise is straightforward: customers could place orders online and pay for their purchases only upon receipt. This innovative approach not only addressed concerns about security but also provided tangible reassurance to hesitant buyers. In countries like India, Nigeria, and Indonesia, where a significant portion of the population remains unbanked or underbanked and where distrust in online transactions and fraudulent activities were once rampant, Pay on Delivery has emerged as a lifeline for both consumers and businesses. Many consumers were understandably hesitant to part with their hard-earned money before receiving their desired goods. Pay on delivery bridges this trust gap, offering reassurance to buyers and empowering them to transact with confidence.

In Nigeria, despite the adoption of a wide range of electronic payments, cash is still king. The results of a survey conducted in 2021 show that cash remains the dominant payment method, reflecting the ongoing preference for tangible transactions over digital ones. In addition, a recent report by ongoing preference for tangible transactions over digital ones. In addition, a recent report by Oxford Business Group found that 70% of Nigerians prefer to pay with cash on delivery, while 28% use credit or debit cards, and only 12% use mobile money platforms. This has challenged e-retailers, and some companies like Jumia, to adapt by prioritizing cash-on-delivery options to cater to this consumer preference.

The Promise of Pay on Delivery in Nigeria

With consumers in mind, Jumia, the leading e-commerce platform in Nigeria, has made Pay on Delivery a cornerstone of its business model. Understanding the local market dynamics and the importance of trust and convenience, the company has invested heavily in ensuring a seamless Pay on Delivery experience for its customers.

One of the key benefits of Jumia’s Pay on Delivery service is its flexibility. Customers have the option to inspect their purchases before making payment, ensuring satisfaction and reducing the risk of fraudulent transactions. This added layer of security not only enhances the overall shopping experience but also builds long-term trust and loyalty among customers.

Moreover, Jumia has implemented rigorous quality control measures to ensure that products meet customer expectations upon delivery. This includes partnering with reputable brands and implementing stringent verification processes to prevent counterfeit goods from entering the marketplace. By prioritizing customer satisfaction and product quality, Jumia has solidified its reputation as a trusted online retailer in Nigeria.

Beyond enhancing trust and security, Pay on Delivery has also played a crucial role in driving financial inclusion in Nigeria. By providing an alternative payment method for those without access to traditional banking services, Jumia has expanded the reach of e-commerce to a broader segment of the population. This not only benefits consumers by providing greater access to goods and services but also stimulates economic growth by fostering entrepreneurship and driving demand for products and services.

In all, the future of e-commerce in Nigeria looks promising, with Pay on Delivery poised to remain a key enabler of growth and expansion. As technology continues to advance and consumer preferences evolve, innovative solutions like Pay on Delivery will continue to drive the transformation of the retail landscape, empowering Nigerian consumers and businesses alike.

 


Kindly share this post
Continue Reading

Uncategorized

Verra Certifies d.light’s Clean Cookstove Projects in Sub-Saharan Africa

Published

on

Kindly share this post

A series of pioneering projects by d.light, the global provider of transformational household products and affordable finance for low-income households, to distribute 600,000 energy-efficient clean cookstoves in Kenya, Nigeria, and Uganda have been officially certified by global verification body Verra.

This certification confirms the d.light projects as trusted, verified sources of high-quality carbon credits in the voluntary carbon markets (VCMs).

The d.light projects aim to simultaneously reduce carbon emissions, tackle indoor air pollution, and reduce deforestation through the sale of highly efficient biomass cookstoves subsidized by the revenues from the sale of carbon credits.

Since their launch in late 2022, the projects have positively impacted more than one million lives and are projected to transform more than three million lives by 2025.

Commenting on the news, Karl Skare, d.light’s Chief Product and Strategy Officer, emphasized the projects’ positive impact, “With these projects, we’re not just addressing environmental concerns but also enhancing quality of life for millions.

“Each project underscores d.light’s commitment to practical, innovative solutions that address both environmental and social challenges, as part of our mission to transform the lives of one billion people by 2030.”

Each year, domestic cooking emissions contribute more than two percent of total global GHG emissions and up to 25 percent of anthropogenic black carbon emissions.

Highly energy-efficient cookstoves solve this problem by reducing biomass use by up to 70 percent compared to traditional cooking methods, cutting emissions of both carbon dioxide and black carbon.

The d.light projects are expected to reduce emissions by up to 12 million tons, contributing to climate change mitigation. These emissions reductions will be registered as carbon credits in the voluntary carbon market.

As well as reducing emissions, clean cookstoves are also a benefit to public health. According to the World Health Organisation, exposure to smoke from cooking fires causes an estimated 3.2 million premature deaths worldwide each year and is still one of the predominant causes of pollution-related illness and death in Africa.

In Uganda, for example, less than one percent of the population has access to clean cooking, household air pollution is the one of the largest risk factors for death and disability.

In addition, switching from traditional three-stone open fires to cleaner, energy-efficient cookstoves significantly reduces deforestation and reduces threats to wildlife and biodiversity caused by habitat loss.

Skare explained, “By subsidizing energy-efficient cookstove costs through carbon financing, d.light makes clean cooking accessible to more households, which in turn leads to healthier living conditions and conserves natural resources as well.

“Our projects in Kenya, Nigeria and Uganda are models of how sustainable investments can yield multiple co-benefits, aligning with global efforts to combat climate change and also promoting socio-economic development.

Skare added, “d.light now has projects certified by both Gold Standard and Verra, the world’s two leading certifiers of carbon credits. Organizations looking for ways to offset their own emissions can be confident that when they purchase carbon credits in d.light’s clean cooking projects in sub-Saharan Africa, they are investing in transformative initiatives that reduce harmful emissions, improve people’s health and quality of life, and help conserve the environment as well.”

 


Kindly share this post
Continue Reading

Trending