Ndapewa Teressius from Connect Africa App says her locally-developed mobile application enables easy access to information, facilitates the process of communication, assists in the efficient running of businesses and creates a platform for persons with disabilities to contribute to national development. The Connect Africa App does this by translating texts on objects, with the app reading out what is on display by detecting, among others, the denomination of Namibian banknotes, newspaper articles, programmes, medical labels and bank statements. By translating this into speech, this locally- developed programme enables access to a world normally hidden from persons with disabilities.
As a reward, the passionate Teressius last week walked away with the first prize of N$50 000 at the Old Mutual SEED pitch night. Old Mutual (OM) SEED is a Namibian initiative that focuses on grassroots entrepreneurs, starting in Keetmanshoop, Oshakati and Windhoek. The initiative is custom-made to promote financial literacy and skills development in the Namibian market.
“Make the unseen seen and the unheard heard. According to statistics, there are 27 000 hearing impaired and 30 000 visually impaired persons nationally. As such, the Connect Africa App has the solution and will enable us to find information on our own,” said the visually impaired entrepreneur.
She added that revenue is generated through monthly subscription fees, with more than 50 users already signed up, including the education ministry.
“This money won tonight will be used to add more features to the app. The prize will also be used to travel and sensitise the public about the existence of the app, and to train the people who might need it,” said the 32-year-old.
Teressius added: “The Connect Africa App provides good support to the visually and hearing-impaired members of our society by enabling them to access essential services independently by turning images into sound. Through the app, they will be able to study at institutions of higher learning, participate at conferences and meetings without sign language interpreters, conduct banking services on their phone, and so much more.” She said the app development team consists of experts in computers, visual impairment and hearing impairment, with experience of more than 10 years in their respective fields.
Other winners during the pitch night included Johannes Nawa from the Community Bakery, who walked away with N$25 000 and Diana Nakuumba, founder of Eembe Jam, who scooped N$10 000. To ensure that the winners can further grow their business, entrepreneurs will need to provide Old Mutual Namibia with a list of supplies or equipment they will need to enhance their businesses. These will then be procured on their behalf.
OM spokesperson Mufaro Nesongano said: “It was humbling to hear the various ideas pitched from our entrepreneurs in business sectors such as pig farming, poultry, general dealer shops, technological apps, wellness services, beauty and hair products, and agricultural produce. OM SEED has highlighted the need for initiatives that are aimed at our grassroots business.” During the Windhoek edition, entrepreneurs underwent business, financial, entrepreneurship and leadership
training. At the pitches, the importance of such training came out visibly, and showed how critical it is in enabling entrepreneurs in upscaling their businesses.
What’s more is that winners will be incubated for three months to assist them in applying their training and capital in the most effective way to better position their businesses in the market. The next town’s shortlisted entrepreneurs to receive training will be Keetmanshoop on 10 and 11 August, with Oshakati scheduled to be visited on 17 and 18 August 2022. – psiririka@nepc.com.na