February 2024 – Mayotte Wire

February 29, 2024

Fortifying Cyber Awareness: Konongo St. Gabriel’s Co-Operate Credit Union Welcomes Groundbreaking Cybersecurity Partnership With OMNICOMMANDER

KONONGO, GHANA / ACCESSWIRE / February 29, 2024 / Konongo St. Gabriel’s Co-Operate Credit Union takes a bold step forward in safeguarding its digital infrastructure by partnering with OMNICOMMANDER® to bring industry-specific cybersecurity education to the entire staff and board of directors at the credit union.

"We are thrilled to announce this transformative partnership with OMNICOMMANDER," stated Angela Arko Nyaneba, CEO of Konongo St. Gabriel’s Co-Operate Credit Union. "Cybersecurity is not just a technical challenge; it’s a strategic imperative for our credit union. By deploying OMNICOMMANDDER’s expertise and resources, we aim to raise the bar for cybersecurity standards at our credit union and to empower the entire organization to navigate the evolving threat landscape with confidence and resilience."

The Bank of Ghana, the Central Bank in Ghana, initiated a Financial Industry Command Security Operations Center in 2019 to help prevent and respond to cyber threats aimed at the financial services sector. These initiatives are helping to bring additional resources and awareness to the evolving threats facing financial institutions throughout Ghana. OMNICOMMANDER’s cybersecurity division, CYBERCOMMANDER, has also taken notice of the emerging needs in the region and sought a partnership with Konongo St. Gabriel’s as their commitment to the credit union movement aligned well with OMNICOMMANDER’s global mission.

"The initial collaboration will provide access to OMNICOMMNADER’s cybersecurity awareness training through its CYBERCOMMANDER division and will make available a wide range of services," said Eric Isham, Founder and CEO of OMNICOMMANDER. "Our cybersecurity suite, including Risk Assessment, IT Security Audit, Vulnerability Assessment, External Penetration Test, Security Awareness Training, and specialized Remote Social Engineering Tests, alongside Tabletop Testing for Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity Plans, offers credit unions a comprehensive strategy to fortify their defenses against cyber threats. Through these targeted services, we empower credit unions not only to identify and mitigate vulnerabilities before they can be exploited but also to ensure their teams are prepared against the evolving landscape of cyber threats. I am thrilled to partner with our first credit union in Ghana."

"Our partnership with OMNICOMMANDER represents a significant milestone in our mission to enhance cybersecurity resilience within the credit union and hopefully across Ghana. When I met Eric in Vancouver last summer, I knew he was the right partner to bring these services to Africa," said Peter Sula Esq, Board Chairman for Konongo St. Gabriel’s Co-Operate Credit Union.

About OMNICOMMANDER

OMNICOMMANDER is a global leader in Digital Technology, Marketing, and Cybersecurity services for small to medium-sized financial institutions. In today’s digital landscape, financial institutions face challenges from online competition, engaging younger demographics, and evolving cyber threats. OMMNICOMMANDER’s comprehensive suite of solutions is purposely designed to address these challenges. It includes a feature-rich website solution called a BRANCHCOMMANDER, Integrated Marketing that drives demand, and Cybersecurity for maximizing FI regulatory compliance and institution-wide protection. To learn more about OMNICOMMANDER, please visit https://www.omnicommander.com/

About Konongo St. Gabriel’s Co-Operate Credit Union Ltd.

Konongo St. Gabriel’s Co-operative Credit Union is a financial co-operative society established in 1968. Initially established to serve only Catholic school teachers, it has expanded over the years to serve the community’s growing needs beyond the teaching profession. Its mission is to provide quality services that improve the living standards of all members through mobilization of funds, granting and recovering loans, and continuous community education and engagement. To learn more about St. Gariel’s Co-Operate Credit Union, please visit https://stgcculgh.com/.
Media Contact

John Pennycuff
Email: pennycuff@omnicommander.com
Phone: (800) 807-3109

SOURCE: Konongo St Gabriel’s Co-Operate Credit Union Ltd

View the original press release on accesswire.com

February 29, 2024

St Kitts and Nevis unveils the Investment Gateway Summit

Basseterre, Feb. 29, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Government of St Kitts and Nevis proudly announces a landmark achievement in its ongoing commitment to realising the Sustainable Island State Agenda. In a ground-breaking move, the nation unveils an unprecedented initiative aimed at fostering collaboration and investment to propel the twin-federation into a prosperous future.

This pivotal moment not only signifies a significant stride towards sustainability but also underscores the Government’s visionary approach to uniting its global citizens. In an extraordinary display of inclusivity, St Kitts and Nevis extends its arms to every citizen worldwide, ushering them to partake in shaping the nation’s trajectory.

The Government will host their inaugural event, “The Investment Gateway Summit” in May, marking a historical moment in the country’s journey towards fulfilling the Sustainable Island State Agenda. This momentous event presents an unparalleled opportunity to collaborate and invest in shaping the future of the twin-federation.

It’s a personal invitation from the Prime Minister of St Kitts and Nevis, Honourable Dr. Terrance Drew, and his Government to engage citizens and investors to come to the country for this exclusive inaugural Investment Gateway Summit taking place from 11 to 15 May 2024!

Through this forward-thinking endeavour, the Government unites individuals under a common banner – that of being a proud citizen of St Kitts and Nevis, while fostering opportunities for success as entrepreneurs, investors, and innovators.

Each day of the five-day Summit promises unique events and interactions with the leaders of the country and global experts to ensure an engaging and interactive experience in the twin-island federation.

Who will attend the Summit?

This Summit is all about the St Kitts and Nevis citizens. The event also promises a mix of discerning investors, and high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) seeking prospects; prospective Citizenship by Investment (CBI) applicants and entrepreneurs, CEOs and C-Suite businesspeople and the wider investor immigration community.

Why is this Summit not to be missed?

This is an opportunity to connect with like-minded global citizens, investors, HNWIs and special guests, as well as identify potential new business opportunities in the idyllic twin-island federation. This unique platform will unlock new ventures for growth throughout various sectors of the country’s economy, including agriculture, information technology, renewable energy and tourism.

From diverse panel discussions and networking opportunities to exclusive investment highlights and site visits, the Summit is crafted to connect, collaborate and celebrate the country and its global citizens.

Investment Opportunities in St Kitts and Nevis

To showcase St Kitts and Nevis’ commitment to the Sustainable Island State Agenda, the Summit will highlight initiatives that global investors can participate in to nurture community development, empower businesses and foster growth and development.

The Government of St Kitts and Nevis together with the Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU) look forward to hosting this riveting event and opening their nation‘s doors to explore the twin federation’s active investment projects, spectacular beaches, distinct tourism amenities and luxury accommodation.

Please click here to secure your exclusive spot at the Investment Gateway Summit.

This is not just a unique investment opportunity in a tropical Caribbean country, it is a meeting of minds to form meaningful connections, through engaging workshops and insightful panel discussions. Additionally, the Government aims to build strong communities with shared values of excellence.

Get Involved

Should you like to promote your brand, business services or enquire about sponsorship opportunities, you can leave your comment here with your interest in the contact form, and you will receive a response with available packages.

Attachment

St Kitts and Nevis

Secretary of St Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Programme
Government of St. Kitts and Nevis
00 (1-869) 467-1474
communications@skn-ciu.com

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 9055739

February 29, 2024

Reduction in public debt stock recorded

The government’s public debt stock has decreased to 60.1 per cent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) during the 2024/25 financial year from 62.5 per cent recorded at the end of the preceding financial year.

The reduction was announced by Minister of Finance Iipumbu Shiimi when he tabled the national budget for the 2024/25 financial year on Wednesday.

‘The public debt stock is estimated at N.dollars 165.8 billion or 60.1 per cent of GDP during FY2024/25, a reduction from an estimated 62.5 per cent of GDP at the end of the preceding financial year,’ Shiimi said.

He said the government has budgeted N.dollars 12.8 billion to meet debt servicing obligations in the 2024/25 financial year, equivalent to 14.2 per cent of revenues and 4.7 per cent of the GDP.

‘The debt servicing metrics, although stabilising, still remain above the desired benchmark of 10 per cent of revenues, therefore, the fiscal framework provides for specific measures to maintain public debt on a reduction path and ensure that debt is raised
in the most cost-effective manner.

He further said government is estimating to realise a positive primary budget balance of 1.4 per cent of the GDP, which subsequently projects an estimated N.dollars 8.9 billion as a deficit budget in nominal terms.

Shiimi tabled a N.dollars 100 billion national budget for the 2024/25 financial year.

Source: The Namibia Press Agency

February 29, 2024

Economist applauds government on tax reform

WINDHOEK: First National Bank (FNB) economist, Helena Mboti, has applauded the government on the newly announced tax relief, saying it supports the late President Hage Geingob’s legacy of being the people’s president.

She said this in an interview with Nampa on Wednesday following the tabling of the 2024/25 National Budget by Ministry of Finance and Public Enterprises, Iipumbu Shiimi in the National Assembly.

In particular, the tax threshold has been raised from N.dollars 50 000 to N.dollars 100 000.

Mboti also highlighted the N.dollars 2.1 billion to be received by the vote of water including N.dollars 1.1 billion in beneficiary project loans for the refurbishment of the Oshakati and Rundu water treatment plants as well as the development of the Ohangwena 2 Aquifer.

This funding has been availed for drilling of boreholes, expansion of pipelines and various rural water supply projects to improve access to water within communities, especially considering the increased drought incidences.

‘When you invest
in infrastructure you avail electricity and water accessibility, as well as housing, all this stimulates business because now people can make use of these things in order to carry out various business activities,’ Mboti stated, further expressing her excitement for this and how it will impact entrepreneurial spirit in these areas.

She also mentioned how through tax relief for SMEs, business owners have more cash flowing in the business.

‘By paying less taxes SMEs have more money to work with to reinvest in their businesses as they are giving less to the government and keeping more for themselves,’ said Mboti.

She further expressed that although the budget did not directly mention anything about availing grants for SMEs, these new policies will greatly impact small business in a positive manner.

Source: The Namibia Press Agency

February 29, 2024

Shiimi dedicates 2024/25 budget to former President Geingob

WINDHOEK: Finance and Public Enterprises Minister Iipumbu Shiimi said the national budget for the 2024/25 financial year is dedicated to the late President Hage Geingob to honour his legacy.

Shiimi tabled a historic N.dollars 100.1 billion budget in the National Assembly on Wednesday under the theme ‘Continuing the legacy of His Excellency Dr Hage G. Geingob by caring for the Namibian child.’

The minister further paid tribute to the late president for ‘the confidence and honour he bestowed upon me to steer our public finances.’

He said the budget was crafted with the aim of supporting domestic demand and stimulating economic activities.

‘At the same time, we remain keenly aware that the government cannot achieve sustainable job creation without the support of private businesses, including small and medium enterprises. As such, the fiscal framework considered the requisite interventions to create a conducive operating environment to enable the private sector to expand domestic investments,’ Shiimi said.

T
he budget is built on three pillars, among others, to prioritise stimulating domestic demand through a variety of policy actions to boost household incomes and create a conducive environment for businesses to thrive and expand investments.

Secondly, Shiimi said the budget seeks to accelerate investments in productive public infrastructure through an increase in the development budget to upgrade infrastructure that has become a hindrance to economic activities.

Thirdly, the minister noted that the fiscal framework continues the path to cultivate fiscal prudence to contain the public debt, which stands at N.dollars 151.3 billion, equivalent to 61.3 per cent of GDP.

‘While pursuing the above policy objectives, we remain cognisant of our social and everyday lived realities, including poverty levels, high unemployment, and frequent incidences of drought. Accordingly, specific provisions have been made in this budget to safeguard livelihoods and guard against excess reversals on gains made in the social sector,’
Shiimi said.

The minister noted that the N.dollars 100.1 billion budget includes N.dollars 3.2 billion in development projects funded through external loans and grants. It also includes a N.dollars 12.8 billion in interest payments.

Source: The Namibia Press Agency

February 29, 2024

Strategic plan for Otjiwarongo Municipality officially launched

OTJIWARONGO: The Otjiwarongo Municipality on Thursday launched its five-year strategic plan at the town.

Minister of Urban and Rural Development, Erastus Uutoni, launched the document in the presence of several regional and local authority councillors from Okahandja, Otavi, Grootfontein, Otjiwarongo and Okakarara.

‘This strategic plan document should not collect dust in your offices. Instead, use it as a guiding tool in developing this town as well as in rendering quality municipality services to the residents,’ urged Uutoni.

The minister reminded the Otjiwarongo local authority councillors of their five-year term, saying that in that period, they should deliver serviced land, houses and clean drinking water amongst others to the residents.

He also called on the municipality to allocate funds and utilise competent minds that would drive the aims and objectives of the strategic plan.

In his closing remarks Uutoni requested the municipality to look around town for a piece of land where the Ministry of Urba
n and Rural Development would spend money to service land for residential purposes, saying there is N.dollars 700 million budgeted by his ministry for land serving across the country during this financial year.

Otjiwarongo Mayor, Gottlieb Shivute, on his part promised to deliver the piece of land, as such a request provides a solution to objective one of the newly launched strategic plan on spatial planning and infrastructure development.

The five other objectives of the strategic plan include the sustainable working environment and public safety; socio-economic advancement of the town; business innovation and financial sustainability; as well as the operational efficiency of the workforce.

‘Our main aim in the next five years is to develop this town into a smart city of excellence,’ said Shivute.

The municipality’s acting chief executive officer, Erickson Mwanyikange, said the Otjiwarongo municipality in the next five years intends to improve its financial capacities.

‘We are owed more than N.dollars 57
million in rates and taxes. Therefore, our aim is to collect this money and use it in implementing our strategic plan of action,’ he said

Source: The Namibia Press Agency