In a news report from Tomorrow.io, the company has joined forces with the MTN Group and Microsoft to unveil an initiative to facilitate an infrastructure that provides early warning signals and critical weather information to over 300 million vulnerable people across Africa. The agreement, signed on the sidelines of the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP) 28 in Dubai, aims to harness satellite data, AI, mobile connectivity, and cloud computing to provide critical early warning information to millions across the continent by leveraging a Microsoft Azure technology grant from Microsoft’s AI for Good Lab.

This partnership will enable MTN’s extensive customer network to access early warning notifications regarding severe weather occurrences. These notifications, powered by Tomorrow.io’s weather intelligence and Microsoft Azure, will be integrated into MTN’s various mobile services to facilitate prompt evacuations and preparedness measures, ensuring timely responses during emergencies.

At the core of the initiative is the integration between Tomorrow.io’s hyperlocal bespoke weather engine, which includes cutting-edge satellite data, generative AI, and deep learning modelling capabilities, Microsoft’s Azure cloud computing platform, and MTN’s mobile network services, enabling the infrastructure for seamless delivery of localised, impact-based weather information to communities with limited accessibility across the continent. In addition, 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. “Providing actionable weather intelligence empowers 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.”

“Our partnership with Tomorrow io. and Microsoft is a significant step in realising 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,” remarked Nompilo Morafo, MTN Group’s Chief Sustainability and Corporate Affairs Officer.

“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 benefit a modern connected life. This initiative underscores MTN’s commitment to leveraging technology in addressing the most pressing climate challenges facing our communities,” stated Chika Ekeji, MTN Group’s Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer.

Over time, the collaboration will introduce a range of subscription-based value-added services tailored to support crucial sectors such as agriculture and align with the broader United Nations’ focus on leveraging technology for sustainable development. In addition, while the operations will initially launch in Western Africa, the growth plans include all African countries where MTN operates.