Tomorrow.io, a leader in weather intelligence and climate adaptation, has collaborated with MTN Group, Africa’s largest mobile operator, to introduce an innovative weather initiative.
The goal is to deliver crucial early warnings and weather information to over 300 million individuals across Africa.
This partnership also enables MTN’s extensive customer base to receive timely notifications regarding severe weather events.
These alerts will be generated through Tomorrow.io’s weather intelligence and Microsoft Azure, utilizing MTN’s comprehensive range of mobile services.
The initiative will further enhance preparedness by enabling swift evacuations and necessary actions in response to impending climate challenges.
The initiative’s foundation lies in integrating Tomorrow.io’s hyperlocal weather engine with cutting-edge satellite data, generative-AI, and deep learning modeling.
This collaboration utilizes Microsoft’s Azure cloud and MTN’s mobile network for seamless, impact-based weather information dissemination.
Their aim is to work with local meteorological departments, and provide users in participating countries with vital weather updates.
Rei Goffer, Co-founder and Chief Strategy Officer of Tomorrow.io, emphasized that the collaboration with MTN Group and Microsoft signifies a substantial step.
“This collaboration will help harness the power of mobile connectivity and cloud computing to help access to early warning information.
“By providing actionable weather intelligence, we are empowering communities to make informed decisions and thrive amidst an increasingly unpredictable climate.”
Juan Lavista Ferres, Vice President and Chief Data Scientist at Microsoft further added,
“Data and AI have the potential to unlock life-changing weather information for people around the world.
“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 events as a result of the changing climate.”
Expanding the Collaborative Weather Impact
Although the collaboration is set to commence in Western Africa, the expansion plans include all African countries where MTN operates.
Nompilo Morafo, Chief Sustainability & Corporate Affairs Officer, MTN Group also said,
“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 crucial.
“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 in Africa.”
Chika Ekeji, Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer of MTN Group, emphasized the intentional choice of a technological solution that reduces risk.
Ekeji highlighted the importance of providing life-saving information as a benefit of modern connected living.
He also mentioned that the initiative underscores MTN’s commitment to addressing pressing climate challenges through technology.
Over time, the collaboration plans to introduce subscription-based value-added services, specifically designed to support crucial sectors like agriculture.
These services align with the United Nations’ broader focus on leveraging technology for sustainable development, reflecting a forward-looking approach.