Africa-Press – Gambia. Key Marketing professionals across Africa’s Financial organizations have met to inspire brands to embrace digital transformation for continued success, at the Annual Marketing Symposium which took place in Botswana.
The two days event organized by Ayzont Interactive founded by Creative Strategist, Motabaseyo Zontass Nameela, with the theme: Marketing’s New Directive: Innovate, Adapt, Thrive, in Gaborone, Botswana, brought together marketing professionals, industry leaders, and entrepreneurs seeking insights into the rapidly evolving landscape of marketing.
Mariam Kaleem A-Buahin, renowned for her expertise in brand and marketing, joined the panelists to illuminate the path to navigating the digital realm.The founder, during his welcome speech at the symposium, expressed his gratitude to both attendees and panelist, “It is with immense gratitude that I extend a warm welcome to each one of you at the distinguished #MarketingSymposium2023. As both the producer and host of this event, I am truly elated to have you join us for what promises to be a remarkable conference, undoubtedly one of the most enriching gatherings of this year.”
He added that, the symposium is to provide attendees with the knowledge, strategies, and tools to excel in this dynamic landscape. “Prepare to immerse yourself in a wealth of indispensable insights. Our lineup features some of the world’s foremost marketing, and digital marketing, entrepreneurs, luminaries, and leaders who are spearheading innovation in their respective domains. #MarketingSymposium2023 is your portal to accessing the latest methodologies and technologies driving customer engagement today.”
“Our carefully curated agenda is a treasure trove of cutting-edge practices, visionary concepts, emerging platforms, and forward-looking strategies. Be prepared for moments of revelation as you explore this content-rich symposium.” He shared
At the event, the experts participated in an engaging panel discussion, where they shared practical strategies for implementing digital transformation initiatives. Their participation and valuable contributions further solidified their reputation as a thought leader in the marketing arena.
Mariam as part of the panelist, emphasized on the significance of the theme: Marketing’s New Directive: Innovate, Adapt, Thrive as a key driver of business growth in the modern era. She shared her extensive knowledge on leveraging technology, data, and innovation to gain a competitive edge in an ever-changing marketplace.
Speaking about the theme at the event, Mariam explained that, “Innovation is the beating heart of marketing. It is a powerhouse which must not die. It’s not merely about thinking outside the frequently mentioned box; it’s about redesigning the box altogether. In a world inundated with heaps of information and varying options, standing out requires a symphony of ingenuity. Look at Airbnb, a company that ingeniously turned empty rooms into unforgettable experiences. They challenged conventional hospitality models and ignited a global movement.”
She shared that, “Innovation isn’t about the tools we use, but the imaginative leaps we take. Adaptation, on the other hand, is our art of survival as humans. The marketing landscape is an ever-shifting terrain, much like sand dunes. The ability to swiftly pivot, to surf the waves of change, can make or break a brand.
Take, for example, Nike, a brand that masters the art of cultural relevance. By adapting to diverse social issues, they’ve created a lasting bond with their audience, proving that being in tune with the times is a marketer’s superpower. But let’s not stop at theories; let’s delve into triumphs from around the globe.”
“Remember the ingenious ‘Share a Coke’ campaign? Coca-Cola, personalized their iconic bottles with popular names one almost every part of the world, transforming a simple product into a sentiment shared by the whole world. The result? A global frenzy of personal connections with a soda can. This campaign demonstrated how innovation and adaptation merged into a seamless symphony of success.”
As part of her presentation, Mariam delved into the core concepts of social media, she highlighted that, “social media isn’t just a megaphone; it’s a town square where brands converse with their customers. Personalization is no longer a luxury; it’s an expectation. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and data analytics aren’t buzzwords; they are the products of architects of informed strategies. The field of marketing has evolved from mere campaigns to genuine conversations, from monologues to dialogues, from transactions to relationships.
She added that, “thriving means embracing change, nurturing curiosity, and channeling failures into growth and success. It’s not merely about financial success, but also about leaving an indelible mark on the canvas of your career and life’s assignment. As specialists, thriving encompasses fostering partnerships, creating resonant narratives, and crafting experiences that linger long after the marketing message fades, or another wave of evolution takes over.”
Mariam urged participants to embark on this exhilarating journey armed with innovation that defies norms, adaptation that dances and flirts with trends, and a spirit that braves and thrives in the face of challenges. “Together, we shall ride the winds of change, create the symphonies of success, and etch our names in the annals of marketing greatness.”
This year’s event featured seasoned professional from all over Africa including Dennis Mambure, FCIM, Chartered Marketer Mambure, Head of Marketing, Absa Bank Botswana, Dr. Tiro Mampane. Chief Executive Officer, Boitekanelo College, William Surmon, Chief Sales and Marketing Officer, Botswana Insurance Company, Stephanie Sandridge, Head of Brand and Marketing -Stanbic Bank Botswana Wade Venter, Chief Executive Officer, Snap Marketing (South Africa), Peo Porogo – MCIM, Director, Marketing and Communications, FNB Botswana, Gabriel Tlagae, PR, Communications and Marketing Manager, Botswana Life, Bame Moremong MBA, Corporate Affairs, Brand & Marketing, Standard Chartered Bank Botswana, Palesa Sealetsa, Digital Marketing Specialist, The PR Practice, Frank Rakgomo, MBA (ACIM, AMA) , Marketing, and Communications Specialist, Nikki Chigodora, Chief Executive Officer, Dichaba Consumer Electronics, Dr Faith Rapuleng – Tuelo PhD, MSc, BA, MDP, ERM, APR,CPRP, Director of Public Affairs- University of Botswana_official, Lillian Mogami- Head, Marketing, and Communications- Statistics Botswana Gofaone Modise, Director at Inbound Media, Nomsa Makgabenyana, Founder & CEO of Seriti Insights t/a seipone.ai.Kagiso E. Mpa, Co-Founder, Seriti Insights t/a seipone.ai. Segametsi Mafa Global Speaker, PMP, MDP, MSc, PgD, BSc., Managing Director, Service Xcellence. Who shared their insights and success stories to motivate and spark creaArambia donates medical items worth over D7.5M to 14 institutions
Arambia Association, based in Span, has donated two 40-foot containers with items worth over 7.5 million dalasis to 14 institutions across the country.
The assorted items are meant to support the health sector, education and skills development and the arrival of the container marks the 5th consignment.
Some of the 14 institutions are Mingdaw SSS, Ndeban Clinic, Sukuta health center, Tanka Tanka psychiatric hospital, Farato health center, Basse hospital, Gambisara health center, Gambisara SSS, Yerobawol health center, Diabugu health center, Koina health center, Kularr health center and others.
Items donated included 20 writing boards, 30 hospital beds, 10 ECG machines for heart, 40 scanning machines, 4 refrigerators, 55 sewing machines, 100 tables, 35 wheelchairs, 200 gallons of hygiene liquid, second hand clothes, 42 mattresses, 45 boxes of shoes, toes, pads, 202 pieces of plywood, 117 computers, some machines for the woodwork students, 57 gallons of paint for schools, bicycles, 200 boxes of diapers for the elderly and more.
Enrique Cardiel Garijo, president of Arambia, said today they have three reasons to be very happy. The first reason is being here once again to continue helping in Gambia. “On this occasion, we bring two containers filled with health and educational supplies.”
He expressed gratitude to their friend Lamin Kaba, a member of Arambia Association in Gambia, who has been present since the inception of the association, and whose collaboration has been crucial for the success of all our projects. “Thank you very much, Lamin, for always being with us. I also want to thank the Honorable Sabally whom I have met on this occasion. He accompanied us to the interior of the country, showing us the challenges of the area he represents as a parliamentarian.”
President Cardiel Garijo added that his third reason for happiness is fulfilling a dream they have had since they started in 2019 – to help in the interior of the country. “And that dream has finally come true thanks to the Honorable Essa Conteh, whom I met on my first trip. He is aware of our enthusiasm to assist in the interior. In each of our trips, we’ve had meetings to understand the needs and convey the difficulty of traveling to the interior. His effort has been total and absolute in providing us with everything needed and being by our side at every moment.”
Kumba Kongira, the principal of Mingdaw Senior Secondary School, said these items donated to her school will go a long way in making the learning process smooth for the students and will also help ease some burden faced by the school.
She also reiterated the importance of the donated items in promoting skills education in The Gambia.
“About 15 sewing machines are also here, which will be of importance to the technical department, especially for the girls who are offering clothing and textile. Now clothing and textile are being offered up to grade 12 and are being examined at WASSCE. Another important material is the woodwork machines. When the students saw them they were very happy because they already knew them theoretically, practically now they are seeing them,” she explained.
Madam Kongira thanked the Arambia association for this wonderful gesture.
Landing Camara, Principal Nursing Officer at Sukuta Health Centre, expressed appreciation for the hospital beds, scanning machines and a host of other health materials donated to their health center.
“The medical materials that I have seen here this morning are of high quality that are needed in any modern health facility to operate functionally. I have seen a lot of scanning machines; updated scanning machines, modest scanning machines which are used by medical personnel or doctors to confirm their diagnosis, which are very important in a clinical setup.”
Lamin Kabba, CEO Star GSM and also a member, said this intervention at Mingdaw Senior Secondary School is among a host of beneficiaries receiving what was described as a magnificent gesture.
“The drive here is to enhance skills development in the schools with the Arambia Foundation, responding to TVET vocational training needs by delivering sewing machines, carpentry and welding equipment alongside other learning materials,” he said.
Bintou Gassama, deputy permanent secretary at MECCNAR, Jalimori Jobarteh, vice chair Conference of Principal Senior Secondary School, Hon. Essa Conteh, NAM of Jimara Constituency and Isatou Ndow, Principal of the Gambia College, are among a host of speakers who expressed immense gratitude to the donors.
DPS Gassama said this is not the first time they are doing such donations. “We come into contact with Arambia through Marisa and we really appreciate the support they have given us. We know that the government is doing a lot in every sector, but we know the government cannot do it alone. We need the support of other stakeholders.”
Madam Ndow said resources are important in teaching and learning. “It is because of resources that’s why we talk about quality education. Without teachers, we cannot talk about quality education and bringing in all these resources for all the various departments will go a long way in helping our quest for quality education”.
The symposium presented networking opportunities through structured sessions, workshops, and informal gatherings where participants connected with industry peers, experts, and potential collaborators to foster professional relationships. It inspired attendees and encourage innovation in marketing and related fields. And also helped attendees to enhance their leadership skills.
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