Tomorrow.io, a weather intelligence and
climate adaptation leader, and MTN Group, Africa’s largest mobile operator have
announced a partnership to deliver lifesaving weather early warnings in Africa
powered by support from Microsoft.
Signed on the sidelines of COP 28, the
collaboration aims to harness satellite monitoring, AI, mobile connectivity,
and cloud computing to provide critical early warning information to millions
across the continent.
In a
statement, it noted that through the partnership, MTN’s vast customer base will
be able to receive early warning notifications about severe weather events,
generated through Tomorrow.io’s weather intelligence and Microsoft Azure, via
MTN’s broad set of mobile services facilitating timely evacuations and
preparedness actions.
At the
core of the initiative is the integration between Tomorrow.io’s hyperlocal
bespoke weather engine – which include cutting-edge satellite data,
generative-AI, and deep learning modeling capabilities – Microsoft’s Azure
cloud computing platform, and MTN’s mobile network services, enabling the
infrastructure for seamless dissemination of localised, impact-based weather
information to communities with limited accessibility across the continent. By
establishing the service, the partnership will seek to collaborate with local
meteorological departments in participating countries to enable users with
access to additional critical weather information.
“This
collaboration with MTN Group and Microsoft is a significant stride towards
harnessing the power of mobile connectivity and cloud computing to help
democratise access to early warning information to all at risk,” said Rei Goffer,
Co-founder and Chief Strategy Officer at Tomorrow.io. “By providing
actionable weather intelligence, we are empowering communities to make informed
decisions and thrive amidst an increasingly unpredictable climate.”
“Data
and AI have the potential to unlock life-changing weather information for
people around the world,” said Juan Lavista Ferres, Vice President and Chief
Data Scientist, Microsoft “and this work will help to get that information
in the hands of those most impacted and allow them the opportunity to take
action in advance of extreme weather events as a result of the changing
climate.”
While
the partnership will initially launch in Western Africa, the plans for growth
include all African countries where MTN operates.
Signing
the agreement on the sidelines of COP28, MTN Group Chief Sustainability &
Corporate Affairs Officer, Nompilo Morafo remarked: “Our partnership with
Tomorrow io. and Microsoft is a significant step in the realisation of UN’s
drive to ensure early warning systems for all by the end of 2027.”
“With
human-induced climate change leading to more extreme weather conditions, the
need for early warning systems is more crucial than ever. Early warning systems
like this can play a meaningful role in decreasing the number of deaths and
reducing the losses and damages resulting from hazardous weather, water or
climate events in Africa,” she said.
“As a
pan-African mobile operator, a technological solution that reduces risk and
co-creates value with our partners for our customers was a deliberate decision.
The dissemination of life-saving information should be a benefit of a modern
connected life,” said Chika Ekeji, MTN Group Chief Strategy and Transformation
Officer. “This initiative underscores MTN’s commitment to leveraging
technology in addressing the most pressing climate challenges facing our
communities.”
Over
time, the collaboration will also introduce a range of subscription-based
value-added services, tailored to support crucial sectors such as agriculture,
and aligning with the broader United Nations’ focus on leveraging technology
for sustainable development.