News In Central Region (1334)
Loans Board Courts Universities
The Higher Education Students’ Loans and Grants Board (HESLGB) says improved collaboration with higher education institutions is key to improving loan issuance and recovery rate and ensuring more students benefit from the institution’s grants.
Man Jailed for 15 Years for Throwing his Kids in Well
A 32-year-old man in Lilongwe who threw his two kids into a deep well with the intention to kill them has been sentenced to 15 years in prison.
Malawi’s Import Cover Stuck at 2.5 Months
The Reserve Bank of Malawi (RBM) has stressed the need for the private sector to be proactive in helping to generate foreign exchange for the country to have enough import cover.
US Embassy Stands Malawian Journalists
United States Embassy Chief of Mission to Malawi Amy Diaz has offered her country’s infinite support to help journalists in the country to work in a safe environment, especially as the country heads towards the 2025 general elections.
Ntchisi Records High Crime Rate
Ntchisi Police Station has reporte an increase in crime rate in the district from January to June this year.
NEEF Worried with Ntchisi Loan Defaulters
The National Economic Empowerment Fund (NEEF) has lamented that its workers are being threatened when recovering money from people who borrowed from the institution in the Centre East Region especially in Ntchisi District.
Parliament Adopts Report on Fuel Hike
Parliament has adopted a report by the Committee on Natural Resources and Climate Changer for the Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority (MERA) to raise fuel prices, overshadowing resistance from the opposition.
Long Winded Road to Abolition of Death Penalty
Sitting close to Nasser Kara, a former law maker from Dowa narrating his ordeal behind bars, you nearly shade tears.
His account is sad and touching.
Kara was convicted and sentenced to death in 2002 for the murder of his driver, Alex Mbewe.
Old Mutual Malawi intensifies financial inclusion efforts through digital platforms
Old Mutual (Malawi) Limited is impressed with the impact its digital platforms, such as the WhatsApp chatbot and USD code, are making in improving customers experiences by eliminating barriers and simplifying financial transactions.
Speaking in an interview, the company’s Marketing and Corporate Affairs Executive, Patience Chatsika, said that Old Mutual (Malawi) Limited is committed to ensuring financial inclusion through the platforms that are user-friendly.
She added that the digital platforms are proving key in ensuring that Malawians have increased access to Old Mutual services irrespective of where they are.
According to Chatsika, the platforms that became effective in September 2023 are improving customer experience by interfacing a digital menu using their phones by dialing the USSD code *329# and contacting +265 (0) 883 329 329 via WhatsApp.
“Currently, the two platforms are allowing customers to initiate an application for Old Mutual products and request a call back for general inquiries. The good thing with these platforms is that when you engage by either dialing *329# or sending a “hi” message on the WhatsApp chatbot, and selecting your desired product.
“We are able to call you back, thereby reducing the need for customers to physically visit our branches or spend on calls for inquiries,” she said.
Chatsika added, “So far, we are seeing these platforms redefining how customers interact with our company, at the same time eliminating barriers and simplifying financial transactions.
“These platforms are allowing our customers to easily control their savings, insurance, and investment needs anywhere, through their mobile phones with access to TNM or Airtel network coverage, while the WhatsApp chatbot can be accessed anywhere in the world so long as you have an internet connection.”
Currently, customers can initiate applications for products such as Mthunzi Funeral Plan, Tsogolo Savings Plan, and Unit Trust, just to mention a few.
Old Mutual (Malawi) Limited offers services via a focused range of products, including life assurance, asset management, unit trusts, property management, pension services, and funeral services. Old Mutual has conducted business in Malawi since 1954.
Malawi Plane Crash: Pilot Fainted Midair
Minister of Tourism Vera Kamtukule says the government will ensure an independent investigation is instituted into the crash of a light aircraft which has claimed the lives of two tourists in Nkhotakota district.
