Africa

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  BBC World News: Africa

• ICC seeking speedy Kenya trials

  7 Nov 2009 | 1:26 am

  The ICC's top prosecutor says perpetrators of Kenya's post-poll violence could face trial as early as next July.

• Madagascar rivals reach agreement

  6 Nov 2009 | 5:51 pm

  Madagascar's rival political leaders agree to form a power-sharing government after months of wrangling.

• Ivorian joy at Trafigura ruling

  6 Nov 2009 | 10:56 am

  An Ivory Coast court rules that compensation to victims of waste dumping should not be paid to one man to distribute.

• In pictures

  6 Nov 2009 | 10:15 am

  From water frolics to stuck in the mud in Africa's week

• DR Congo army 'used aid as bait'

  6 Nov 2009 | 9:51 am

  The DR Congo army has been using measles vaccination clinics as "bait" to attack civilians, an aid agency says.

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  NYT: Africa

• World Briefing | Africa: Ivory Coast: Judge Rejects Request in Toxic Waste Case

  By ADAM NOSSITER

  6 Nov 2009 | 10:49 pm

  About $45 million intended to compensate 30,000 victims of a toxic waste dumping scandal in Ivory Coast will not be diverted to a self-appointed community representative, a judge in Abidjan ruled Friday.

• World Briefing | Africa: Spain Dismisses Demand to Release 2 Somali Pirates

  By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

  6 Nov 2009 | 10:48 pm

  Spain said Friday that it would not free two captured pirates as demanded by fellow brigands who are holding a Spanish trawler and 33 crew members off the coast of Somalia.

• Group Won’t Suspend Zimbabwe on Mining Abuses

  By CELIA W. DUGGER

  6 Nov 2009 | 10:47 pm

  Members of the United Nations-endorsed Kimberley Process will send a monitor to decide whether future exports of rough diamonds from eastern Zimbabwe can be certified as conflict-free.

• World Briefing | Africa: Madagascar: Rivals Accept Deal on Unity Government

  By AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE

  6 Nov 2009 | 10:38 pm

  Under the accord, President Andry Rajoelina will remain in the office, but with two “co-presidents” from other political camps.

• U.N. Panel Accuses 2 Iranians of Breaking Darfur Arms Embargo

  By REUTERS

  6 Nov 2009 | 10:37 pm

  Two businessmen were linked to video surveillance devices that were sold to Sudan and used by drones.

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  AfricaNews - RSS News

• Africa: $336m to fight malaria

  7 Nov 2009 | 1:08 am

  The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria has released US$336 million to Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and Nigeria to purchase more than 50 million long-lasting insecticidal nets in the next few months. The move amounts to a 2/3 increase of the number of bed nets in Africa. According to a statement from the Global Fund office: “The…

• SA terminate $5.4bn Airbus deal

  5 Nov 2009 | 10:13 pm

  The South Africa government has terminated the US$5.4 billion Airbus A400M military aircraft deal, cabinet announced on Thursday. The decision which was taken two weeks ago but was only made public Thursday would have seen the southern African country acquire eight Airbus A400 military aircrafts. In terminating the contract, cabinet cited delays in…

• Moroccan woman awarded $1m

  5 Nov 2009 | 12:36 pm

  An award in the form of $1 million has been given to Aicha Ech Channa - a Moroccan who founded the Association Solidarité Feminine, an organization that provides services to unmarried women with children. The University of St. Thomas and the Opus Prize Foundation (USA) presented the award on Wednesday. Ech Channa, 68, founded the organization in Casablanca…

• Zambia: Fuel shortage hits again

  5 Nov 2009 | 1:13 am

  Zambia has once again been gripped by an acute fuel shortage that has paralyzed operations in heavy industries and inconvenienced motorists. This is the second fuel shortage to hit the country within two weeks and observers are warning the situation might get "messy" if not urgently attended to. The second wave of petroleum shortages in Zambia…

• Nigeria: War of words over deregulation

  5 Nov 2009 | 12:27 am

  Nigerian Labour Congress is leading a national protest over the proposed deregulation of the downstream oil sector of the economy. The labour union under the leadership of Wahab Umaru has warned the government that it will shut down economic activities and call for an indefinite industrial strike action to protest the proposed deregulation of petroleum…

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  Jamati Online

• Based on an extraordinary true story: “SKIN”- starring Sophie Okonedo

  Prudence Chauke

  4 Nov 2009 | 8:57 am

  “SKIN” is a movie based on an extraordinary true story of a colored girl born to two Afrikaner South African parents during the apartheid era.  In 1955 Abraham (Sam Neill) and Sannie Laing (Alice Krige) shocked the world when brought into the world a dark skinned baby with nappy hair named Sandra Laing. Shocked at the discovery, and unprepared for the battle ahead, the Laing family fought tooth and nail to have they daughter classified as a white person instead of a black person in order for her to receive better treatment. Nothing could have prepared the family for the level…

• African Jazz Queendoms at they best…….

  Prudence Chauke

  4 Nov 2009 | 8:24 am

  It is no secret that jazz music has grown to be a big part of the African music culture. Now-adays you can’t talk about African music without mentioning jazz music and the artists that keep it alive. Amongst those jazz artists are a very important element of African Jazz music are the African jazz female artists–The women who keep it alive and celebrate it with all their might. Unfortunately they don’t get their much deserved recognition. In celebration of  all the female jazz artists who are doing it from they heart,  including the late Mama Miriam Makeba, please join…

• Mulatu Astatke – Father of Ethio-Jazz

  Shirlene Alusa-Brown

  2 Nov 2009 | 4:57 pm

  Mulatu Astatke is considered the father of Ethio-Jazz.  Musically trained in London, New York and Boston, he combined jazz and latin influences with traditional Ethiopian music to provide a unique jazz style. His style of jazz has been popular and helped build his reputation as an innovator in jazz music.  In the 1970’s, he played with Duke Ellington and collaborated extensively with the Either/Orchestra. His music has appeared in the film, ‘Broken Flowers‘, is part of ‘Ethiopiques‘, and in music he has produced for some East African musicians including Mahmoud…

• And the 2009 Channel O award winners are…………..

  Prudence Chauke

  2 Nov 2009 | 6:46 am

  Carnival City was host to the 2009 Channel O awards bringing together a string of artists from Africa in celebration of the ‘09 Channel O awards. Hosted by Channels O’s very own Nonhle Thema , Lungelo and Kabelo and a list of performers which included Nigeria’s very own 2Face, Hip-Hop Pantsula, Bongani Fassie, the  Umoja choir and Sound Sultan. Until next year firstly Jamati would like to congratulate this years winners which are listed below…. Best Male Video: DArey -Not the girl Best Female Video: Sasha – Only you Best New Comer: Khuli – Tswak…

• Canoe Quarterly Sets sail with GOAT Edition

  Ameyaw Debrah

  30 Oct 2009 | 6:09 am

  Canoe Quarterly Magazine has set sail yet again with the GOAT (Greatest of All Time) edition which celebrates some of Africa’s original music icons and legends.  Canoe  53 Sails showcases stories on fashion, beauty, home, lifestyles, sports and business; essentially highlighting the various dimensions of Africa’s progress, while paying homage to the continent’s  strong heritage. Canoe The 8th edition is spearheaded by a beautiful tribute to Mama Africa, Miriam Makeba; the story of the King of Afrobeat, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti; and their relevance to today’s music culture. In the midst…

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  Africa Business News

• Business Plan competition for women opens

  6 Nov 2009 | 7:32 am

  The mission of BiD Network is to contribute to sustainable economic growth by stimulating entrepreneurship in emerging markets. BiD Network supports entrepreneurs in writing their business plans by offering them coaching and other business tools. The best entrepreneurs gain access to investors in our network. Since 2005 BiD Network has helped start…

• SA terminate $5.4bn Airbus deal

  5 Nov 2009 | 10:13 pm

  The South Africa government has terminated the US$5.4 billion Airbus A400M military aircraft deal, cabinet announced on Thursday. The decision which was taken two weeks ago but was only made public Thursday would have seen the southern African country acquire eight Airbus A400 military aircrafts. In terminating the contract, cabinet cited delays in…

• Zambia: Fuel shortage hits again

  5 Nov 2009 | 1:13 am

  Zambia has once again been gripped by an acute fuel shortage that has paralyzed operations in heavy industries and inconvenienced motorists. This is the second fuel shortage to hit the country within two weeks and observers are warning the situation might get "messy" if not urgently attended to. The second wave of petroleum shortages in Zambia…

• Nigeria: War of words over deregulation

  5 Nov 2009 | 12:27 am

  Nigerian Labour Congress is leading a national protest over the proposed deregulation of the downstream oil sector of the economy. The labour union under the leadership of Wahab Umaru has warned the government that it will shut down economic activities and call for an indefinite industrial strike action to protest the proposed deregulation of petroleum…

• Nigeria: Chinese firm to fix railways

  5 Nov 2009 | 12:27 am

  A Chinese company has been awarded a 10 months contract to reconstruct a 488 kilometer rail line linking southern Nigerian States to the northern ones. The contract award was signed between the Nigerian Government and the China Civil Engineering and Construction Company. Dr. Isa Bio, Nigeria Minister of Transport said the contract will include a provision…

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  Africa News Society

• Business Plan competition for women opens

  6 Nov 2009 | 7:32 am

  The mission of BiD Network is to contribute to sustainable economic growth by stimulating entrepreneurship in emerging markets. BiD Network supports entrepreneurs in writing their business plans by offering them coaching and other business tools. The best entrepreneurs gain access to investors in our network. Since 2005 BiD Network has helped start…

• SA terminate $5.4bn Airbus deal

  5 Nov 2009 | 10:13 pm

  The South Africa government has terminated the US$5.4 billion Airbus A400M military aircraft deal, cabinet announced on Thursday. The decision which was taken two weeks ago but was only made public Thursday would have seen the southern African country acquire eight Airbus A400 military aircrafts. In terminating the contract, cabinet cited delays in…

• Moroccan woman awarded $1m

  5 Nov 2009 | 12:36 pm

  An award in the form of $1 million has been given to Aicha Ech Channa - a Moroccan who founded the Association Solidarité Feminine, an organization that provides services to unmarried women with children. The University of St. Thomas and the Opus Prize Foundation (USA) presented the award on Wednesday. Ech Channa, 68, founded the organization in Casablanca…

• Zambia: Fuel shortage hits again

  5 Nov 2009 | 1:13 am

  Zambia has once again been gripped by an acute fuel shortage that has paralyzed operations in heavy industries and inconvenienced motorists. This is the second fuel shortage to hit the country within two weeks and observers are warning the situation might get "messy" if not urgently attended to. The second wave of petroleum shortages in Zambia…

• Nigeria: War of words over deregulation

  5 Nov 2009 | 12:27 am

  Nigerian Labour Congress is leading a national protest over the proposed deregulation of the downstream oil sector of the economy. The labour union under the leadership of Wahab Umaru has warned the government that it will shut down economic activities and call for an indefinite industrial strike action to protest the proposed deregulation of petroleum…

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  Africa News Weblogs

• Spain rejects demand to free Somali pirates

  7 Nov 2009 | 3:18 am

  Replies: 0 Last poster: Muhyadin at 07-11-2009 12:18 Topic is Open Spain government refused to free two pirates facing court in Madrid as Somali pirates holding Spanish boat and 33 crew members demanded to release. Deputy Defence Minister Constantino Mendez said on Friday the two pirates were detained in Madrid and accused them hijacking of Spanish?

• Somali adulterer stoned to death

  7 Nov 2009 | 1:25 am

  Replies: 0 Last poster: Muhyadin at 07-11-2009 10:25 Topic is Open Islamist hardlines in Somalia have stoned a Somali man for adultery, while his pregnant girlfriend plan to kill after gives birth. Abas Hussein Abdirahman, 33 year old, was killed in front of some 300 people in the port town of Merka, some 60 miles (100Km) south of the capital?

• Africa: $336m to fight malaria

  7 Nov 2009 | 1:08 am

  Replies: 0 Last poster: accreporter at 07-11-2009 10:08 Topic is Sticky According to a statement from the Global Fund office: ?The funds are expected to pay for 26 million long-lasting insecticidal nets in Nigeria, 11 million in Ethiopia, 7.3 million in Uganda, 4.8 million in Tanzania and 1 million in Kenya. This will help these countries move?

• SOMALIA: Mogadishu gets new Mayor

  6 Nov 2009 | 1:29 pm

  Replies: 0 Last poster: Hajison at 06-11-2009 22:29 Topic is Open Somalis moderate President Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed appointed new mayor for Somalis war raged capital Mogadishu. Ceremony held presidential palace in Mogadishu on Friday participated by transitional government officials, including president Sheikh Shariif, Speaker of the parliament?

• Morocco expels Swedish ambassador

  6 Nov 2009 | 12:37 pm

  Replies: 0 Last poster: KingsleyKobo at 06-11-2009 21:37 Topic is Open The Swedish ambassador to Morocco has been expelled for allegedly giving a government document to separatists, AFP said. In a statement issued by the Morocco?s Foreign Affairs Ministry on Friday, Foreign Minister Taib Fassi Fihri summoned the Swedish diplomat, Michael?

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  Mobile Africa » News

• Nokia releases Nokia N97 software update 2.0 & Nokia N97 mini

  Editor

  28 Oct 2009 | 5:28 am

  Espoo, Finland. – Nokia has released a new Nokia N97 software update 2.0 that adds new user experience elements and functionalities to the device. The standard version of the Nokia N97 software update 2.0 is available immediately through the PC on the Nokia Software Update website, and will be followed by a wide range of country and operator versions over the coming weeks as well as possibility to do the update over-the-air. Nokia N97 mini Also this week, Nokia N97 mini makes its big debut in stores. With its stainless steel cues, the Nokia N97 mini is designed for style-conscious…

• MTN partners with IMImobile in a major deal to bring mobile and online content to 103 million users

  Editor

  16 Oct 2009 | 2:45 am

  Millions of mobile and online content users across Africa and the Middle East will reap the benefits of a landmark tie-up between MTN and IMImobile – an India-based software and managed services provider linked to 350 content providers worldwide. MTN The two companies have teamed up in a bold move to address the growing demand for content in emerging markets. This strategic partnership will entail providing MTN’s 21 markets access to a repository of current and globally popular content through enhanced delivery platforms. Content categories will include music (with local and…

• Cellphones cause call centre boom for banks in Africa

  Editor

  8 Sep 2009 | 11:58 pm

  Interactive Intelligence Dave Paulding, Interactive Intelligence’s regional sales director for UK, Middle East and Africa says that connected consumers in Africa are driving the demand for call centres in the banking industry. The banking sector in Africa, particularly in Nigeria and Kenya, are implementing call centres for the first time.  It is interesting to consider why they are doing this now, when banks in South Africa and other parts of the world embraced the call centre revolution 10-15 years ago. Nigeria and Kenya’s growing economies and relative stability provide part of…

• Zain, EMS and RIM introduce the Blackberry solution in Ghana

  Editor

  8 Sep 2009 | 11:00 pm

  Accra, Sep.3, GNA – Zain Ghana, Emitac Mobile Solutions (EMS) and Research in Motion (RIM) have introduced the world’s first clickable touch screen smartphone known as the Blackberry solution in Ghana. The Blackberry solution brings together smartphones, software, and services to allow easy wireless access to E-mail, phone, calendar, web, multimedia and other business and lifestyle applications. BlackBerry Curve 8900 - marketed as the thinnest and lightest full-QWERTY BlackBerry smartphone Speaking at the launch of Blackberry solutions, Mr. Phillip Sowah, Country Manager of Zain…

• MTN Ghana launches MTN Mobile Money

  Editor

  19 Aug 2009 | 9:14 pm

  MTN Mobile Money promo image Ghana’s leading telecommunications provider, MTN, has successfully launched MTN Mobile Money in partnership with 9 banks ahead of its competitors to allow Ghanaians to perform a range of basic financial transactions using their handsets. Subscribers can reap the benefits of this service without the need to open or have a bank account. The service, which was launched at the International Conference Centre in Accra, will allow subscribers to have access to money beyond banking hours or at anytime. MTN Mobile Money gives cash management freedom to subscribers…

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  AfricanLoft

• Moroccan Woman gets $1Million Opus Prize Award for Helping Unwed Mothers

  News Desk

  6 Nov 2009 | 1:19 pm

  Aïcha Ech Channa, the founder of an organization in Morocco that provides services to unmarried women with children has been awarded a $1 million from the University of St. Thomas and the Opus Prize Foundation

• A Moment with Bunmi Fash, Author of “In Her Eyes”

  Misi Coker

  5 Nov 2009 | 12:18 pm

  I wrote one of the chapters of the novel in a taxi, on my way home. It was real there and then...

• Ivory Coast: Toxic Waste Payout Blocked

  News Desk

  5 Nov 2009 | 8:35 am

  Thousands of victims of a toxic sludge dumping scandal could fail to receive their share of a 45 million dollar compensation package due to corruption in Ivory Coast, a British lawyer claims. Tens of thousands of people fell ill after a contractor for Dutch oil trader Trafigura dumped 500 tonnes of toxic waste in landfills [...]

• Sierra Leone Health Link to India

  News Desk

  5 Nov 2009 | 8:32 am

  Sierra Leone has launched a satellite link-up to connect doctors around the country to their colleagues in India. The system enables doctors in Sierra Leone to consult doctors in India and benefit from data analysis in better-equipped Indian hospitals. For now the telemedicine link-up has been launched in Sierra Leone’s capital, Freetown. But national hospital [...]

• Movie Review: “SKIN”

  Samantha Ofole-Price

  2 Nov 2009 | 12:48 pm

  A powerful and poignant drama based on real events, “Skin” is the true story of a black child born in the 50s to white parents in apartheid South Africa

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  African Path Blogs RSS Feed

• War Torn Burundi Sees Future In IT Outsourcing

  5 Nov 2009 | 6:06 am

  One of the world's poorest countries is following offer African nations in looking to IT offshore services and crowd-sourcing.

• Digital revolution comes to Burundi school

  3 Nov 2009 | 4:58 am

  WER have funded a new computer lab at Himbaza school in Burundi. Over 600 children will now learn how to use computers and be able to access the internet; unlocking huge opportunities for their future.

• GIFTED BY NATURE EXPERIENCE IRELAND

  2 Nov 2009 | 9:31 pm

  Imagine that airy space in the vastness of tropical jungle, the spirit of nature’s beauty soothes your soul, a touch of pristine clean undefiled wilderness. All nature lovers will fall head over heals to be lost in Eden’s midst. Immediately one’s mind leaps to detailed African Jungles say in the DR

• PROFESSIONAL ANGLERS LIKE IT HERE

  2 Nov 2009 | 9:28 pm

  Its one of those tedious sporting pastimes and centuries old, when it comes to Irish sports personalities angling is lifeblood. Lying on the European continental shelf, such that the warming North Atlantic drift serves to render the native marine life here extremely rich. Anything near 80

• DISCOVER THE SPECTACULAR ARAN ISLANDS

  2 Nov 2009 | 9:18 pm

  Its serene, its picturesque, and the atmosphere musical, welcome to Doolin. The seaside Island village has carved out a reputation, as stepping stone for many an Irish traditional Music folklore and a blend of instrumentation glosses over many a nightly performance for both visitors and locals. We share a rich beauty and heritage.

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  Muti

• Robbing with painted face with marker

  7 Nov 2009 | 3:08 am

• SA inflation reaches a low point in October before rising again.

  7 Nov 2009 | 3:02 am

• 2010 Boxster Spyder - Lightest Porsche In Production

  7 Nov 2009 | 12:11 am

• U.S. and China Are Urged to Cooperate on Carbon Capture

  6 Nov 2009 | 11:26 pm

• Forbidden Fruit Music Festival

  6 Nov 2009 | 10:59 pm

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  Muti

• Robbing with painted face with marker

  7 Nov 2009 | 3:08 am

• SA inflation reaches a low point in October before rising again.

  7 Nov 2009 | 3:02 am

• 2010 Boxster Spyder - Lightest Porsche In Production

  7 Nov 2009 | 12:11 am

• U.S. and China Are Urged to Cooperate on Carbon Capture

  6 Nov 2009 | 11:26 pm

• Forbidden Fruit Music Festival

  6 Nov 2009 | 10:59 pm

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  AfriGadget

• Win a Copy of William Kamkwamba’s Book!

  Erik Hersman

  14 Oct 2009 | 1:56 pm

  If you’ve been reading AfriGadget for a while, you know of a name that keeps popping up over and over – William Kamkwamba. He was first written about by another blogger friend Mike McKay and then subsequently covered here on AfriGadget a good 3 years ago. His windmills and the story behind it are an inspiration for many. There is now a book, a documentary and a foundation all set up around the inspired story of windmills from Malawi. Win a copy of “The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind” As luck would have it, I have 2 extra copies of William’s new book. I’d like…

• RoboCon Kenya 2009 Nairobi Regional

  Obie

  3 Oct 2009 | 1:21 am

  First Peaks The Ministry of Higher Education and Technology has organized a Robot Contest (RoboCon), between Kenyan Universities and middle level colleges. The regional competition is taking place today at the Kenya Polytechnic. Here are the first looks at the Robots from institutions taking part in the competition. University of Nairobi Robot Kiambu Institute of Science and Technology Robot Nairobi Technical Trainin Institute Robot Kenya Technical Training Institute Robot, The Winner Machakos Institute of Technology (MIT) Robot Some video will come soon… For more information on RoboCon…

• Killer Snares turned into artful message

  Paula Kahumbu

  30 Sep 2009 | 6:08 am

  I’ve been meaning to write this post for some time to recognize the amazing work being done by Dipesh Pabari at the Kenya Coast. When he told me he was turning snares set to kill wildlife into art I didn’t imagine it would look quite like this. Then he embarked on turning pollution in the ocean into another work of art. This whale shark is the outcome of his labor of love, it’s beautiful and meaningful. Hopefully we all get the message ‘stop killing wildlife and stop polluting the natural environment”. The project is getting a quite some attention. Last summer as part of their Ocean…

• Re-using plastic containers in Kenya

  Paula Kahumbu

  23 Sep 2009 | 9:48 am

  While hiking in the rift valley recently I came across a cow wearing this plastic gadget on his nose. It’s made from an old plastic container …..the local herdsmen said it was to stop him from suckling his mother – which is especially critical due to the severe drought in the region. Simple and effective I’d say! And here’s another one from Dominic Wanjihia – he calls it his vertical shamba and it’s water efficient and space conserving… perfect for a tiny yard. Here’s another clever use of plastic water bottles – bird feeders are…

• Football: Made in Africa

  Erik Hersman

  16 Sep 2009 | 5:42 pm

  Football Made in Africa is a site put together by a Belgian outfit called Take Five that will air 50 shows that are 1m30s each. It’s a push for themselves and their content before the 2010 Football World Cup taking place in South Africa next year. It’s extremely well done, but that’s not why I’m writing about it here on AfriGadget. Ever wonder how those plastic bag footballs are made? Here’s how to use a condom to create a football bladder.

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  White African

• An African Tech List on Twitter

  HASH

  4 Nov 2009 | 3:06 pm

  A lot of people are on Twitter these days. So many, it seems that you can be overwhelmed by the number of people and it’s hard to find the right people to follow. To help with that, I’ve created a my own Twitter list that follows African Tech twitterers. My plan is to keep this list pared down to only those who put out a good number of tweets regarding technology in Africa. I’ll be the biased curator, and hopefully it’ll be useful to others. This means that people will get dropped, and others added, from time-to-time. Don’t be offended if you’re not on it,…

• Trusted Intermediaries

  HASH

  3 Nov 2009 | 6:52 pm

  If you’ve run into me in the last couple months you’ll likely have heard me talking a lot about the need, power and abilities of trusted intermediaries. What is a trusted intermediary? It’s someone who sits between two parties, entities or ideas that don’t naturally trust each other and provides a bridge. Do you trust this bridge? Why? In some ways, this train of thought stems from the posts on bridgers and xenophiles started by Ethan Zuckerman and riffed on by myself. It’s only as my continued work in the African tech space has evolved that I have come to…

• PesaPal: Kenyan Web & Mobile Payments

  HASH

  25 Oct 2009 | 6:52 pm

  Start local, then Africa, then the world. That’s the mantra app developers in Africa should be repeating to themselves as they build their game changing tools. That’s what Agosta Liko and his team at Verviant are doing with their new web and mobile payment platform: PesaPal. PesaPal is an eCommerce platform focused on Kenya. It’s built to work seamlessly with Kenya’s main mobile payment services; Zain’s Zap with approximately 300,000 users and Safaricom’s MPesa with around 2 million users. The Need Most Kenyans do not use credit cards, many are unbanked,…

• The FLAP Bag Project at Pop!Tech

  HASH

  22 Oct 2009 | 8:58 am

  If you follow AfriGadget, you’ll know that this summer I spent some time testing some new bags made by combining flexible solar panels from the people at Portable Light with the top-notch bags made by Timbuk2 in Ghana and Kenya over the summer. The whole initiative was put together by Pop!Tech, and it’s called the FLAP (Flexible Light and Power) bag. The FLAP bag is still very much in its testing phase. What I was doing was alpha level, today more people are getting access to the bag and will help with beta testing in more places. This is good. It means that the team behind the…

• Brain Food: Pop!Tech Fellows 2009

  HASH

  16 Oct 2009 | 9:51 pm

  [More Pop!Tech Fellows 2009 pictures] There are a lot of reasons to come to Pop!Tech, the conference, but honestly the highlight of my Fall is the Pop!Tech Fellows program that precedes it. It’s one of those seamlessly executed events where every detail is taken care of, which is a tribute to those orchestrating it, that pulls together some of the most amazing minds in the social innovator space into one place for a 5 days of immersion. The faculty is world-class and the innovation Fellows are exceptional in so many ways, not least among them their areas of focus. This year I’ve…

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  Timbuktu Chronicles

• 'Laptop Ni Lazima'-Laptop Financing

  6 Nov 2009 | 5:35 am

  Bankelele reports on a Laptop financing initiative:A new promotion dubbed laptop ni lazima [Swahili for a laptop (computer) is a must] brings together two corporate titans of Kenya – Safaricom and Equity bank. The former is the dominant mobile phone company in Kenya, while the latter is Kenya’s fastest growing bank for the last 5 years, albeit at a slowing pace. Equity Bank has a history of financing some unusual loans ...More hereRelated articles by ZemantaKelele African Bloggers Conference 2009 Postponed (socialmediatoday.com)Kenyans to buy air, bus tickets through M-pesa…

• Another "Lost Crop" found-Tigernuts

  5 Nov 2009 | 5:01 am

  More on indigenous 'lost crops', this one I remember having while growing up. Betumi Blog reports:There is a grass-like sedge, cyperus esculentus, from ancient Egypt, whose nut-like fruit, actually the root, grows underground like a peanut (or groundnut) and that is known in Ghana as tigernut, and in Mexico and Spain as chufa (where they are used to make a drink called horchata (or orxata) chufa . Apparently, the Arabs took the sedge from Egypt to Spain between the 8th and 13th centuries, especially to Valencia. The Spanish took it to Mexico.More here

• HBD Venture Capital

  4 Nov 2009 | 6:32 am

  From their site:HBD Venture Capital is a Cape Town based venture capital firm founded and wholly funded by African entrepreneur Mark Shuttleworth. Shuttleworth’s objective, when starting HBD in 2000, was to reinvest a portion of the funds received from the sale of his company, Thawte, into South African companies. This objective was driven by his belief that entrepreneurs in South Africa have the potential to start businesses with global impact.We need more innovators like Mr Shuttleworth to do the same. Sustainable Venture Capital ecosystems have largely been built by those who were once…

• A Versatile Legume-The Cowpea

  3 Nov 2009 | 4:30 am

  The base ingredient in dishes ranging from Akara to Moi-Moi, the IITA profiles the Cowpea:Is a grain legume grown mainly in the savanna regions of the tropics and subtropics in Africa, Asia, and South America. The value of cowpea lies in its high protein content, and ability to tolerate drought. As a legume, cowpea also fixes atmospheric nitrogen, allowing it to grow on, and improve poor soils. All the parts of cowpea that are used for food are nutritious, providing protein, vitamins, and minerals. Cowpea grain contains about 25% protein, making it extremely valuable where many people…

• Multifacetted Bamboo

  2 Nov 2009 | 6:31 am

  Spore reports:With a tensile strength even greater than that of steel, coupled with an extremely light weight, bamboo is well-suited to a vast range of purposes. New technologies have developed bamboo as a strong and attractive construction material for entire buildings. Bamboo houses in Rarotonga, South Pacific stood up to hurricanes with winds up to 275 kph. Bamboo flooring can be made of pieces that have been steamed, flattened, glued together, finished, and cut. In the Caribbean, especially Suriname and Guyana, it is widely used for furniture production. More recently, bamboo has gained…

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  ...My heart's in Accra

• CFCM: Crossing Borders

  Ethan

  5 Nov 2009 | 4:01 pm

  This post covers presentations at MIT’s Center for Future Civic Media at MIT’s communications forum. Josh Levinger leads off the final session at CFCM’s show and tell, titled “Crossing Borders”. His project, Virtual Gaza, aggregates the stories of civilians who were present in Gaza as bombs fell earlier this year during the Israeli incursion. The project centers on a map of Gaza that shows bombed houses. The impetus for the project was the lack of media coverage of Gaza, a fact complicated by the fact that there were only 6 international journalists in Gaza…

• CFCM: Subjective Mapping

  Ethan

  5 Nov 2009 | 3:35 pm

  This post covers presentations at MIT’s Center for Future Civic Media at MIT’s communications forum. Rick Borovoy’s project Lost in Boston focuses on what might well be my pet peeve with Boston – lack of signage. (Seriously. It’s a big problem. I suspect we do it to avoid letting Yankees fans find Fenway.) He shows off a new sign, built by students at Mass Arts. It shows key local arts institutions, pointing to sites like the Isabella Stewart Gardener Museum and the Museum of Fine Arts. It’s put up on private land and was designed through a student contest.

• CFCM: Rethinking News

  Ethan

  5 Nov 2009 | 3:13 pm

  This post covers presentations at MIT’s Center for Future Civic Media at MIT’s communications forum. Cristina Xu leads off a segment focused on the future of news. She introduces her project, the News Positioning System, by digging into American history to talk about “transient newspapers”. When the US postal system heavily subsidized the mailing of newspapers, they began being used as mementos, or as post cards, underlined to make certain points. The practice became so widespread that Congress had to intervene, deciding that underlining a sentence in a newspaper was…

• CFCM show and tell: Making Change

  Ethan

  5 Nov 2009 | 2:49 pm

  This post covers presentations at MIT’s Center for Future Civic Media at MIT’s communications forum. Ryan Toole is designing a platform called Red Ink, a tool designed to enable secure, collective financial action. He points out that there are existing tools – wesabe, mint.com, yodlee – which unify your online financial information. The bleeding edge in this field is financial tools for collective action – carrotmob, groupon, merry miser, buy it like you mean it. Red Ink fits into this latter category. It’s a “social financial platform” designed…

• Show and tell at Center for Future Civic Media

  Ethan

  5 Nov 2009 | 2:21 pm

  It’s very easy to experience whiplash if you hang out at the academic institutions of Cambridge, MA. I spent the day in the basement of Harvard’s wood-panelled faculty club, in a discussion about the future(s) of the Berkman Center, then took the T two stops to MIT for the Communications Forum, where students in MIT’s Center for Future Civic Media program are presenting recent work, held in the deeply non-Euclidean Stata Center. Once my head stops spinning from looking for a local vertical, I’ll do my best to report on the new work put forward by Chris…

• 
  Hacktivate

• Healthcare protocols save lives

  mikeymckay

  5 Nov 2009 | 10:03 am

  I highly recommend this excellent article in the NYTimes about how we can use data to create healthcare protocols that dramatically improve outcomes and reduce overall costs. (This is what we were trying to do in Malawi and what I am trying to introduce in the Philippines)Here are the key points that I want to remember:To enter mainstream use, any such treatment typically needs to clear a high bar. It will be subject to randomized trials, statistical-significance tests, the peer-review process of academic journals and the scrutiny of government regulators. Yet once a treatment enters the…

• Childcare Amazon.com style

  mikeymckay

  5 Nov 2009 | 7:36 am

  Noise blocking earmuffs...checkMusic...checkChildren locked away in kiddie jail...check

• ssh all the time

  mikeymckay

  2 Nov 2009 | 1:30 pm

  Using autossh and reverse ssh tunneling to bust out of NAT'd networks and firewalls automatically.In another lifetime I blogged about how to reverse an ssh connection. This was by far my most popular post ever. It earned enough in google ad money to cover my hosting costs. Those were the days. Those days are gone, and now lots of people have blogged about using reverse ssh tunnels. It's time to take it to the next level and make reverse ssh tunnels easy and ubiquitous.I want all of my machines to be setup with an ssh tunnel whenever one of them finds an internet connection. That way I can…

• Someone is doing something nasty

  mikeymckay

  29 Oct 2009 | 11:56 am

  Someone is doing something nasty. That's the title of my favorite Linux error message. It's to stop another computer from emulating another computer in order to try and steal passwords. They call this a man in the middle attack.Unfortunately, I am always caught doing something nasty. It's because I work with a lot of Linux machines, and I setup VirtualBox or VMWare servers, and each new server looks like an untrusted machine when I try and ssh to it. This always results in me getting this:@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@ WARNING: REMOTE HOST IDENTIFICATION HAS…

• Simply deploy Sinatra permanently

  mikeymckay

  22 Oct 2009 | 12:41 pm

  Sinatra is an awesome tool for creating dynamic websites really really fast. But their deployment recommendations just don't match their overall KISS ethos. So here is my recommendation if you want to deploy a sinatra app really quickly:If your sinatra app is in:/var/www/sinatra/cool_app.rbJust insert in /etc/rc.local (before the "exit 0" line)nohup /usr/bin/ruby /var/www/sinatra/cool_app.rb&And then run the same command. Now your application is running, and the next time your system reboots it will start up again.

• 
  Bankelele

• CBK Profits II

  5 Nov 2009 | 6:31 am

  Reading the tea leaves at Central BankThe Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) FY 2009 (PDF) results are out and, compared to last year, it’s a different story. Banking on other Income: CBK is another institution that has had other income yield great returns. While net interest income was down from 10.3 to 8.4 billion, and commission income on treasury bills and bonds was flat at 3 billion (investors

• Nairobi Christmas Tourism Expo

  3 Nov 2009 | 6:28 am

  The annual Christmas tourism expo (Getaway ’09 fair) fair was held at Sarit center last weekend. About 75 exhibitors were offering holiday packages for Christmas and the New Year in addition to 2010 rates. Christmas and Easter are the most expensive holiday months in Kenya with rates for 23rd December to 5th January and then in the first week of April 2010 sometimes more than double the low

• Mostly Equity: Laptop Ni Lazima

  2 Nov 2009 | 9:35 pm

  A new promotion dubbed laptop ni lazima [Swahili for a laptop (computer) is a must] brings together two corporate titans of Kenya – Safaricom and Equity bank. The former is the dominant mobile phone company in Kenya, while the latter is Kenya’s fastest growing bank for the last 5 years, albeit at a slowing pace. Equity Bank has a history of financing some unusual loans and some of the ones posted

• Youthful Tantrum

  30 Oct 2009 | 8:27 am

  The saga at the Youth Fund continues at the board hit back at the Minister of Youth Affairs for ‘re-appointing’ the ‘previous CEO’ to his previous post. And the nightly news have duly shown two CEO’s show up at the Fund office, each claiming authority to run the Fund – one backed by the Board of Directors, one sacked by the Board (and reappointed by the Minister) For month now the CEO has had the

• Rules for Kenya Internet Trading

  28 Oct 2009 | 11:17 pm

  Continuing with the pace of more regulations to strengthen the securities industry in Kenya, the capital markets authority (CMA) has availed at their website even more draft regulations for public discussion that cover internet trading, disciplinary actions, takeovers and licensing. In addition to those rules for public offers they have; Internet trading - Kenyan organizations or those which

• 
  Kenyan Pundit

• Financial Times Special Report on Kenya

  Ory Okolloh

  29 Oct 2009 | 6:58 am

  The Financial Times has just put together a special feature report on Kenya.   The FT has done a number of great articles on Kenya this year so I’m looking forward to reading the report – includes articles on the wave of kidnappings to hit Nairobi (just heard from a person in the know that the incidents are actually seriously under-reported); the Mau Forest; and the dithering stock exchange.

• Blog find of the week: Africa is a Country

  Ory Okolloh

  27 Oct 2009 | 2:23 am

  Africa is a Country – as tongue in cheek as it’s title, and great links to African artistes.

• On the Ibrahim Prize for African Leadership

  Ory Okolloh

  22 Oct 2009 | 1:23 am

  Dear Mo Ibrahim, If you were to ask me, I’d just scrap the prize altogether. There’s been a lot of debate in the past week about the Prize Committee’s decision not to award a prize this year.   From those who feel that this says a lot about the dire state of leadership in Africa, to those wondering why Kufuor the former president of Ghana didn’t qualify for the prize and what this means as far as the idea that the prize is meant to serve as an incentive. And lets not forget the brouhaha about the governance index and how (whether?) to “Africanize” it.  …

• Glad I dodged that bullet

  Ory Okolloh

  17 Oct 2009 | 3:25 pm

  A reminder of how grim Biglaw life can be. Though I’m not so sure I’m under less pressure nowadays as a social entrepreneur in the tech space…the pressure to keep up and stay informed is intense.

• Former Mayor of Bogota to speak at University of Nairobi

  Ory Okolloh

  15 Oct 2009 | 12:14 pm

  The Institute for Transport and Development Policy, Institute for Development Studies (IDS)*, at the University of Nairobi and the Center for Sustainable Urban Development (CSUD)* at Columbia University’s Earth Institute are honored to invite you to a public lecture by Former Mayor of Bogotá, visionary politician and urban strategist, Enrique Peñalosa. What is a Good City: Public Space, Transport, and Quality of Life A talk by Enrique Peñalosa VENUE: Education Building, Main Campus, University of Nairobi Friday, October 16, 2009 9AM – 12PM During his tenure as mayor of Bogotá, Mr.

• 
  Oluniyi David Ajao

• 3 ways to fly smart in Nigeria

  Oluniyi David Ajao

  5 Nov 2009 | 10:45 pm

  Nigeria’s aviation industry is amongst the largest in Africa. It helps to have a large population, a huge economy and some of Africa’s richest people. Despite that, the industry is not...

• Kayode Muyibi speaks about nairajobs.com, the first Vertical Job Listing website in Nigeria

  Oluniyi David Ajao

  2 Nov 2009 | 4:35 am

  Based in Malaysia, Kayode Muyibi is not only one of the well-known names in the Nigerian dotcom industry, but is also an avid lover of technology. His first experience with using the Internet was in...

• A Sting In A Tale. A new movie premieres in Ghana.

  Oluniyi David Ajao

  29 Oct 2009 | 12:50 am

  A Sting In A Tale, the latest movie from Sparrow Productions premiers next weekend at Accra International Conference Centre in Ghana. It features Adjetey Anang, Lydia Forson, Majid Michel among...

• IJE – The Journey. Nollywood Movie coming soon.

  Oluniyi David Ajao

  28 Oct 2009 | 11:25 pm

  I could easily write a damning report on Nigeria’s local movie industry, known as Nollywood. This is because most of the movies churned out are very mediocre in many ways. It is heart-warming...

• Effective Blogging: Blog Statistics Programs

  Oluniyi David Ajao

  28 Oct 2009 | 2:36 am

  This blog post is part of a series of blog posts focused on how to blog more effectively. Last week’s blog post in this series makes a case for the importance of statistics in the business of...

• 
  Ideate

• Schedule for Global Entrepreneurship Week announced – get your tickets now!

  Fred

  5 Nov 2009 | 10:23 pm

  We reported on Tuesday that we’re quite excited about the upcoming Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW). Subsequently, the nice people at First National Bank (who, by the way are crazy about entrepreneurship in this country) have just given Ideate the schedule for the week. Check this out: FNB SABEF Ekasi Township Programme, 24 October to 20 November: A grass roots initiative aimed at educating emerging entrepreneurs in the ways of drafting a business plan and sourcing and accessing the various finance avenues. These events will be channelled to several major townships nodes across South…

• 1 min. with Superheroes: Richard from getclosure and Nic from SA Rocks

  Fred

  5 Nov 2009 | 8:30 pm

  This morning we’re kicking it with Rich, the Marketing & Sales Manager of getclosure, and Nic, the editor of our fave feelgood SA site, SA Rocks. Together they’re taking on a national pastime: complaining about bad service. Tell us a little about the Don’t Complain campaign?  Richard Wright: The Don’t Complain Campaign has been created to get South Africans involved. Loads of people spend loads of time talking about bad service and poor products but not many people actually do anything about it. This campaign is calling on consumers to stop talking about bad service and…

• Five South African entrepreneurs tell us their dream cars

  Yolandi

  5 Nov 2009 | 3:55 am

  As a car enthusiast I have already picked out my dream car and colour for when I’ve made my millions. So I wondered what SA’s business folk were thinking about for their futures. So I asked the question: “When you’ve made your millions, and you’re going to celebrate with the purchase of your dream car, what car would you buy? Here’s what they said: James Thorburn currently manages a variety of property restoration and refurbishment projects at Cape Reality International.  “Ooooh tough one! I would have to say as my every day car I would buy the Porsche GT2, but…

• The best client brief ever

  Shane

  4 Nov 2009 | 10:53 pm

  Here is a letter from Mick Jagger briefing Andy Warhol for their new hits album cover. It doesn’t get better than this. (via Swissmiss) Shane Dryden is the 'Maven' at Ideate. The driving-force of Yuppiechef, Shane loves to write on advertising and innovation. He spots the non-obvious stuff behind the obvious, which seems obvious, but isn’t really that obvious (obviously). View more articles by Shane. Related posts:Quintessential South African Jack Russell This is flipping great. Originally sent to me by my... Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

• Happy 40th Birthday Internet!

  Yolandi

  4 Nov 2009 | 2:34 am

  I was listening to my dad tell the story the other day of the first time he got the Internet and found myself thinking of how business must have been with a slow dial-up connection and a 9kb modem. Well, that’s how the Internet was in 1991. It was a shocker to hear how expensive it was (normal telephone rates). I probably would not have chosen a career online if that was still the case today. But luckily the Internet grew so fast that today I can explore this online playground and learn as far as I go. What I love about the Internet is its ever-expanding character. That’s probably why I…

• 
  Black Looks

• The Banjo Lesson (1893)

  Rethabile

  27 Oct 2009 | 6:25 am

• Maseru Man

  Rethabile

  25 Oct 2009 | 5:21 pm

  I’ll be your life when spring arrives. And I’ll want to touch your black face again, see your arms hoist a day’s work onto the belt, like a behemoth tossing things in a harness-free world. Our thoughts will meet in the middle, melt. And we shall slip off to Kingsway where men smell of soap and honey, and mothers sell pyramids [...]

• Ugandan Civil Society statement on Anti-Homosexuality Bill

  Sokari

  24 Oct 2009 | 7:25 am

  The following Statement from the Civil Society Coalition on Human Rights and Constitutional Law, The Coalition’s first press release entitled ‘Anti-Homosexuality or Anti-Human Rights Bill?’, will be published in today’s (24 October 2009) editions of Uganda Dailies The New Vision; The Independent , The Monitor – and a local vernacular daily Bukedde Newspaper. It [...]

• Philp reading from “Who’s Your Daddy?”

  Rethabile

  24 Oct 2009 | 3:13 am

• Disability and desire – the dance of the heart

  Sokari

  23 Oct 2009 | 5:26 am

  In 1996 at the age of 24, South African lesbian film maker, Shelly Barry was shot through the spine and was paralysed from the chest down. In this courageous and powerful essay she tells of her journey to reclaim and once again love her body. She writes about society’s perceptions of [...]

• 
  Afro Spear

• American Empire Building Strategy in the Age of Obama

  asabagna

  6 Nov 2009 | 7:57 am

  Excellent article by STRATFOR Global Intelligence: “Obama and the U.S. Strategy of Buying Time”.  

• Undercover job hunters reveal huge race bias in Britain’s workplaces

  ageorgegal

  3 Nov 2009 | 6:26 am

  Civil servants created false identities to send CVs to hundreds of employers in sting to uncover discrimination. Hat tip to Angela Shaw who sent me this article from the guardian.co.uk. A government sting operation targeting hundreds of employers across Britain has uncovered widespread racial discrimination against workers with African and Asian names. Researchers sent nearly 3,000 job applications under false identities in an attempt to discover if employers were discriminating against jobseekers with foreign names. Using names recognisably from three different communities – Nazia Mahmood,…

• sat’day riddymz

  asabagna

  31 Oct 2009 | 8:48 am

• “November is Reparations Education Month”‏ from Brotha Pruitt

  asabagna

  29 Oct 2009 | 9:15 am

  Commentary for submission by Brother Pruitt.  Greetings Family, As the reparations conversation and claim seems to have lost ground since Obama came to office, the time has come for the masses of Black people to come together to make a mighty demand for reparations! This call can not come from any group or individual currently in the reparations arena. The masses of blacks need to form a power base that should include reparations groups and activists, but we need to have a new group of Indigenous African-Americans working as the leading group pushing for reparations. There are a number of…

• “Obama’s love for Tanzania in lieu of Kenya is goof up” ‏by Nkwazi N. Mhango

  asabagna

  29 Oct 2009 | 9:02 am

  By booting Kenya down and preferring Tanzania, the US proved to be as goofy as divorcing a gator to end up in bed with a croc! This is the second time the US has slammed a door on Kenya. It’s sad that even Tanzania imbibed this scornful humiliation as a big deal. But by avoiding Kenya is the world leader helping it to solve its problems? To add insult to injury, the US denied visas to some Kenyan top corrupt official as it turned a blind eye to Tanzania’s same bêtes noix. Tanzania was elated to step in. Sadly, it’s become a norm for African rulers to depend on rich countries to prove…

• 
  South Africa Rocks

• Consumer Protection Act Series

  Nic Haralambous

  6 Nov 2009 | 7:20 am

  Did you know that thanks to the Consumer Protection Act, South Africans will be amongst the best protected consumers in the world – from October 2010 when the law comes into effect. Of course the legislation is not worth the paper it’s written on, if we as consumers don’t know what our rights are. On the other hand, no-one really wants to read a hundred-and-something page Act to find out all the details. With this in mind, and as part of the Don’t Complain Campaign, we’ve put together a series of short snippets that will help you to get to grips with the nitty-gritty details of the…

• South Africa has a new international brand

  Nic Haralambous

  5 Nov 2009 | 10:37 pm

  And this it is: I am still not 100% convinced that I LOVE the new brand, but it’s clean, simple and definitely stands out enough to catch an eye. What do you think? Similar Posts: Chocolate marshmallow Easter eggs Things you wouldn’t think you’d miss: Language Barriers My thoughts on Shikota, the SANC and the SADC Stunning things in South Africa that made me decide to stay Things I didn’t miss: driving everywhere, dial up & looking over your shoulder

• Alternative energy for happy living: empowering South Africa with the sun

  Nic Haralambous

  3 Nov 2009 | 6:51 am

  Ed’s note: This is a guest blog post from Sustainable.co.za. We all complain about the Eskom price hikes: while facing mass retrenchments and skyrocketing food prices we are also faced with the exorbitant price of electricity and the future threat of 30-40% price hikes. But what are we, as individuals, really doing about the cost of energy and I’m not just talking about the financial cost. America and Europe are already educating citizens about reducing their carbon footprints and introducing incentives and laws to encourage the use of alternative energy. Perhaps it’s time we…

• 10 reasons to encourage your customers to complain

  Nic Haralambous

  30 Oct 2009 | 6:59 am

  Huh? Encourage complaints? Why would I do that? Well, forward-thinking companies encourage their customers to complain, and the sooner the better. If you think this sounds counter-intuitive, read on: Things do go wrong from time to time. The good news is that if you fix the problem quickly and effectively, you will win a customer for life. It costs way more to get a new customer than it does to retain an existing customer – in some sectors it costs up to five times more. So it makes sense to keep the customers you have happy. Research shows that for every cent a company spends on…

• Support a great cause, rock at the Barnyard theatre

  Nic Haralambous

  30 Oct 2009 | 2:00 am

  Family members of mine do some of the most awe-inspiring and respectable work that I know of in South Africa. A quick note about Footprints: P.L.A.Y. (Participating in the Lives of Africa’s Youth) In 2005, the Zafiropoulos family made the decision to open their home & Footprints was born. Footprints is a registered section 21 company, Governed by two directors & six associate members. All assist on a voluntary basis. PASSION is at the heart of all we do… Footprints was birthed from the passion of Terry & Yolanda Zafiropoulos to take care of orphaned & abandoned…

• 
  Ladybrille® Blog

• Catwalk Africa

  Ladybrille.com

  5 Nov 2009 | 12:14 am

  After the stunning success of the Miami edition, Catwalk for Africa 2009 is officially on. A bigger show, a spectacular venue, top-notch entertainment, live performances and world-class exhibits: all... Visit us for the full story! Also be sure to check Ladybrille Magazine at http://ladybrillemag.com for stories on Africa fashion,film, music and the arts!

• Alaché releases new album online “Until now” Available on iTunes November 17

  Ladybrille.com

  3 Nov 2009 | 3:02 pm

  November 3, 2009For Immediate ReleaseAlaché releases new album online “Until now” Available on iTunesNovember 17,MIAMI, FL — International recording artist Alaché is set to release her inspirational... Visit us for the full story! Also be sure to check Ladybrille Magazine at http://ladybrillemag.com for stories on Africa fashion,film, music and the arts!

• Ikeja AllStarz Concert 3

  Ladybrille.com

  31 Oct 2009 | 8:46 pm

  Ikeja Allstars Concert is an annual event put together by 411 Entertainment company.IKEJA ALLSTARS CONCERT 3 HOLDS DECEMBERThe third edition of the popular annual Ikeja Allstars Concert put together... Visit us for the full story! Also be sure to check Ladybrille Magazine at http://ladybrillemag.com for stories on Africa fashion,film, music and the arts!

• 11th bfm INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

  Ladybrille.com

  30 Oct 2009 | 5:51 pm

  Black Filmmaker (bfm) International Film Festival (IFF) is the leading and longest running platform for Black World Cinema in the UK. The 11th bfm IFF will take place between 6th – 10th November 2009... Visit us for the full story! Also be sure to check Ladybrille Magazine at http://ladybrillemag.com for stories on Africa fashion,film, music and the arts!

• Introducing the 1st Annual African Diaspora SHORT STORY COMPETITION

  Ladybrille.com

  30 Oct 2009 | 5:43 pm

  In our ongoing effort to promote positive images that reflect people of African descent, the website that connects that African Diaspora is pleased to announce our first annual Short Story contest.... Visit us for the full story! Also be sure to check Ladybrille Magazine at http://ladybrillemag.com for stories on Africa fashion,film, music and the arts!

• 
  Annansi Chronicles

• Trending Africa Nov. 5, 2009: 50 yrs of African film online, MTV Base vs Channel O, Studying India outsourcing success

  kofi

  5 Nov 2009 | 8:06 am

  Why branding Africa is the design goal African companies are studing India’s outsourcing successes to be able to compete MTV Base and Channel O battle to be the face and voice of African music television Globalizing your brand in Africa To govern Africa, you need the facts, says billionaire Mo ibrahim Download the World Bank’s Doing Business in Kenya 2010 report Essential tools and references to help you start a social enterprise How to grow your brand responsibly in Africa M-Net launched African Film Library the largest online video library of  50 years of African film…

• Microsoft, GE look to emerging markets for reverse innovation and profits

  kofi

  29 Sep 2009 | 10:31 am

  When GE chief executive Jeffrey Immelt wrote in this month’s Harvard Business Review that GE’s “Success in developing countries is a prerequisite for continued vitality in developed ones” and as a result the company was full on adopting the reverse innovation model, he sent shockwaves through the US-based business world. Looking at the numbers though, who could argue. The HBR article explains that “GE’s revenues outside the United States soared from $4.8 billion, or 19% of total revenues, in 1980, to $97 billion, or more than half of the total, in 2008.”…

• The long-lasting impact of 2010 World Cup on S. Africa

  kofi

  23 Sep 2009 | 8:39 am

  Image by coda via Flickr This guest post by John Kim The Olympics and FIFA World Cup are often hailed as huge boons for their host countries or cities. At least that is how they are described prior to the event. Local organizing committees, civic and business leaders, and celebrities alike sell the economic, social, and cultural benefits of hosting international games. But history has shown that the bold projections and promises are not generally met. A few noted successes have been the Barcelona Summer Olympics in 1992 and the 2000 Sydney Summer Olympics. Barcelona is hailed as a good…

• Designer Ozwald Boateng on dressing President Obama and his Made in Africa wealth initiative

  kofi

  31 Aug 2009 | 12:22 pm

  In this three part series fashion designer Ozwald Boateng talks with CNN about outfitting President Obama for his recent Ghana visit and the designer’s new initiative “Made in Africa”. Part 1: Tailoring for the President CNN’s Monita Rajpal talks British-Ghanaian tailor Ozwald Boateng about his rise to fame and tailoring for President Obama’s Ghanaian visit. Embedded video from <a href=”http://www.cnn.com/video” mce_href=”http://www.cnn.com/video”>CNN Video</a> Part 2: Made in Africa Ozwald Boateng talks about ‘Made in…

• Maker Faire Africa edition 2009 (video)

  kofi

  28 Aug 2009 | 12:19 pm

  Below is an excellent video documenting the recent inaugural Maker Faire Africa event held in Accra, Ghana. The event was organized as a a celebration of African ingenuity, innovation and invention, with strong participation by local makers. Find out more about the event and the upcoming 2010 Kenya edition at the official website here. A job well done by the organizers. via whiteafrican Maker Faire Africa edition 2009 (video) is a post from Annansi Chronicles - African business and culture trends “Africa:The Next Chapter” videos premiereAfrica’s next chapter convenes at…

• 
  matthewbuckland.com

• SA study: More people banking with their mobiles than PCs

  matt

  3 Nov 2009 | 9:29 am

  According to respected market research organisation World Wide Worx, the number of people banking from their cellphones has exceeded that of people banking from their PCs in South Africa. More than a quarter of bank customers are turning to their cellphones for services ranging from informational transaction types such as balance enquiries to financial transaction [...] Click on headline link to visit matthewbuckland.com for full article

• Invictus trailer

  matt

  28 Oct 2009 | 8:47 am

  Hollywood seems to be loving the tip of Africa. It’s great to see yet another high quality movie made about South Africa (I was all over District 9). I’ve been waiting to see this movie ever since Matt Damon wizzed passed me in Hout Bay, about to tackle Suikerbossie on the Cape Argus Cycle tour [...] Click on headline link to visit matthewbuckland.com for full article

• Mac vs PC: Windows 7

  matt

  23 Oct 2009 | 9:23 am

  (lol) tags: Mac, pc, Windows, windows 7 Potentially related posts Why Microsoft will eventually win on the web (11) The power of information (0) The perfect Mac mini home theatre setup (11) The great convergence sideshow (0) Online media strategies & the future of print: Interview with Mags magazine (1) Click on headline link to visit matthewbuckland.com for full article

• The Hub: Social networking on a publishing platform

  matt

  21 Oct 2009 | 12:35 pm

  The Hub, a key 20FourLabs project, changes everything. To some extent, it’s the realisation of of these thoughts I had in 2007 that all websites, all businesses, and in fact all things are social networks. It’s an obvious point in many ways, but then again not so obvious in others. Wrapped up in the Hub is [...] Click on headline link to visit matthewbuckland.com for full article

• Opening speech @ #SiliconCape

  matt

  8 Oct 2009 | 11:44 am

  Here is the text of the speech I gave at the opening of Silicon Cape in Camps Bay. I’m not alone in saying that this was an inspiring and well-supported event. Welcome everyone and thank you all for coming. A special welcome to the Western Cape Premier, Helen Zille, Dr Mamphela Ramphele and Mr Johann Rupert. [...] Click on headline link to visit matthewbuckland.com for full article

• 
  Global Voices Online: Sub-Saharan Africa

• Ghana: Ghana highlights part I

  Ndesanjo Macha

  6 Nov 2009 | 11:45 am

  Gayle's first part of Ghana highlights: In Ghana, every region has something to offer. Culture, history, beaches, flora and fauna, you can sample it all over the country, from the tropical jungles of the south to the savannah plains of the north. If you’re a beach or history lover, you’ll enjoy this tour along the coast.

• Cameroon: Africonline sponsors BarCamp Cameroon

  Ndesanjo Macha

  6 Nov 2009 | 11:36 am

  Africonline has become the official sponsor of BarCamp Cameroon: “Along with ,Ringo,Google and a few others – Africonline is now an official sponsor of BarCamp Cameroon ! Africonline is a newly formed African Centered design and development Group.”

• Cameroon: BarCamp Cameroon

  Ndesanjo Macha

  6 Nov 2009 | 11:32 am

  Blitz writes about BarCamp Cameroon: “We’re counting down the final hours to Cameroon’s first BarCamp! The event is sold out with more than 200 attendees registered. If you’re unable to attend in person, don’t worry. We’ll live blog the presentations here and on the official blog with CoverItLive…”

• Caribbean: French Literary Prizes

  Fabienne Flessel

  6 Nov 2009 | 6:50 am

  This week, two of the most prestigious French literary prizes were awarded to two French-speaking authors of African descent: The French-speaking Caribbean blogosphere has been buzzing over this double satisfaction, in this post from Haiti, this one from Guadeloupe and this one from Martinique [Fr].

• Somalia: Introducing a network of Somali journalists and bloggers

  Ndesanjo Macha

  5 Nov 2009 | 9:02 am

  The Somali Media Centre is a forum of Somali journalists and bloggers living in Somalia and outside. The Centre distributes news content and publishes blogs written by journalists. The Somali Media Centre is an independent forum for the Somali journalists in and outside the country. It is established to promote the profile of the brave, hardworking journalists who devoted their lives to serve their people worldwide. Somalia has been dubbed as a failed state, a country associated with death, long running civil strife, warlords, terrorism and modern piracy. But one of the most successful…

• 
  Mara Triangle Blog

• Links We Like

  William

  5 Nov 2009 | 11:39 pm

  Calling all lodge/camp managers; do you regularly test your water? - Lots of useful links from Amanda and Chris with inexpensive ways to test your water and protect your guests. Cattle Crisis on the Narok side of the Reserve and how it affects hyaena behaviour. I'll be interested to see what comments the Hyaena Researchers have. Basecamp Masai Mara wins World's Best Ecotourism Hotel by Skål International And Paula from WildlifeDirect responds to FMC's claims that they're doing everything they can to reduce the negative impact of furadan on East Africa's wildlife. 

• See the Wildebeest Migration in the Mara Triangle... on Google Earth!

  William

  3 Nov 2009 | 12:44 am

  We're in the process of installing tracking devices into our vehicles here at the Conservancy, and as our Land Cruiser arrived at Oloololo Gate I had a quick peek at its progress over on Google Earth. Since I've last been on it seems that Google have updated the satellite image for the top of the Mara Triangle, and you can even see the new toilets that we've constructed over at Oloololo (in the top left hand corner). I also noticed that our grader is parked outside of the rangers quarters, which means that it's just after we had completed grading the roads inside the Triangle and were about…

• Please don't ignore us KWS!

  William

  25 Oct 2009 | 2:08 am

  We mentioned back in early June about the Lion Poisoning on the other side of the reserve and we're pleased to see that Mr Omondi from KWS echoed our sentiments in Thursday's Daily Nation: A total of 10 lions have been killed by herders who have lost their cattle to the large cats. In one case, farmers poisoned a carcass and it left for the lions. It killed not just a lion, but also 300 vultures that ate the carcasses of the cow and the lion. Mr Omondi says the herders should expect to lose some of their animals if they choose to break the law and let them graze in game…

• Feast your eyes and feed the Conservancy.

  William

  9 Oct 2009 | 1:47 am

  Sarah and Andy are back to the UK after another trip to the Mara Triangle and are selling some of their excellent photographs with a whopping £5 per print going to the Mara Conservancy. As you can see, brilliant photos at a brilliant price. Print Only: A4 PRINT ONLY - £17.00 + Delivery A3 PRINT ONLY - £24.00 + Delivery Mounted with Backing Board: A4 with BLACK MOUNT - £22.00 + Delivery A4 with IVORY MOUNT - £22.00 + Delivery A3 with BLACK MOUNT - £30.00 + Delivery A3 with IVORY MOUNT - £30.00 + Delivery What are you waiting for? Purchase your print…

• Do hippos eat meat? Plus other links we like.

  William

  6 Oct 2009 | 4:49 am

  Amanda and Chris have written another excellent newsletter, which not only answers the above question, but also gives information on water heights and dissolved oxygen levels; it's informative and interesting and definitely worth the read.   Also worth a look, Chris posted on Friday about The Other Migration that is currently going on in the Mara right now and about Sunday's CBS 60 Minutes Piece. Great news from USAid who have pledged US $3 million to help save the Mara River Basin, and also some great photos in the Masai Mara by…

• 
  BarCamp Africa Twitter Feed

• BarcampAfrica: BarCamp Africa UK info: The crowd has gathered well and more will probably show up as time goes one given that .. http://bit.ly/4EYnxP

  7 Nov 2009 | 4:29 am

  BarcampAfrica: BarCamp Africa UK info: The crowd has gathered well and more will probably show up as time goes one given that .. http://bit.ly/4EYnxP

• BarcampAfrica: BarCamp Cameroon Live Stream: This goes live today, follow us live here:

  6 Nov 2009 | 10:34 pm

  BarcampAfrica: BarCamp Cameroon Live Stream: This goes live today, follow us live here: <a href="http://www.coveritlive.com.. http://bit.ly/1xuET1

• BarcampAfrica: BarCampAfrica Live Stream: Goes live at 9 am Tommorrow Saturday 7th of November Stay tuned http://bit.ly/aFMM1

  6 Nov 2009 | 10:33 am

  BarcampAfrica: BarCampAfrica Live Stream: Goes live at 9 am Tommorrow Saturday 7th of November Stay tuned http://bit.ly/aFMM1

• BarcampAfrica: Final Details for BarCamp Cameroon: Hi Everyone, The first BarCamp in Cameroon starts tomorrow - I hope you are.. http://bit.ly/3vd13W

  6 Nov 2009 | 4:23 am

  BarcampAfrica: Final Details for BarCamp Cameroon: Hi Everyone, The first BarCamp in Cameroon starts tomorrow - I hope you are.. http://bit.ly/3vd13W

• BarcampAfrica: Africonline Sponsors BarCampCameroon: Along with ,Ringo,Google and a few others – Africonline is now an officia.. http://bit.ly/3hWbfD

  3 Nov 2009 | 10:34 pm

  BarcampAfrica: Africonline Sponsors BarCampCameroon: Along with ,Ringo,Google and a few others – Africonline is now an officia.. http://bit.ly/3hWbfD

• 
  Telligent

• Power take on Eagles in Barclays Cup while Singuluma leads Mazembe in CAF CL

  Zamfoot

  6 Nov 2009 | 9:51 am

  The Barclays Cup enters the semi finals stage with Ndola’s Trade Fair grounds hosting the double header on Sunday and the Choma Eagles versus Power Dynamos will be the first one in a lunch time kickoff while Green Buffaloes’ Roan United clash who booked the fourth semi-final spot by a narrow victory over Zanaco on [...]...(read more)

• FAZ’s ‘possible’ escape clause over Renard

  Zamfoot

  6 Nov 2009 | 1:35 am

  It is now an open secret that French-born coach Herve Renard’s reign at the helm of the Zambianational team will come to an end if he fails to lead Zambia to next year’s Angola 2010 African Cup of Nations. But a simple question going through the minds of many Chipolopolo faithful is; why is Football Association [...]...(read more)

• Clifford continues impressing with another goal

  Zamfoot

  5 Nov 2009 | 2:25 am

  Clifford Mulenga scored his fifth goal of the campaign for Mpumalanga Black Aces in a thrilling 3-3 draw with Kaizer Chiefs to increase calls for a possible recall to the national team. Mulenga scored in the 29th minute as he found himself unmarked in a dangerous position and sent a long-range effort past Bartman for his [...]...(read more)

• Exclusive Report: ‘Insubordinate attitude’ is the reason why HR has axed Sinkala

  Zamfoot

  4 Nov 2009 | 5:14 am

  Chilopolopolo Boys trainer Herve Renard is understood to have axed midfield duo of Andrew ‘The General’ Sinkala and Isaac ‘Gattuso’ Chansa because the two players critised and were against the Frenchman’s training methods prior to Zambia’s defeat to Egypt last month. And another reason is that Sinkala personaly is understood to have answered (hit) back at [...]...(read more)

• Photo Gallery: Herve Renard’s 17 months in-charge

  Zamfoot

  4 Nov 2009 | 12:10 am

  Zambianfootball.net takes a look at the Frenchman’s first 17 months in-charge in a photo gallery. Herve Renard will be leading the Chipolopolo Boys in a crucial World/African Cup qualifier against Rwanda in Kigali on November. Renard has prevailed the Chipolopolo Boys to 12 wins, 12 losses and 8 draws in his 32 games in charge. Under the Frenchman, [...]...(read more)

• 
  Appfrica» Appfrica | Africa’s Leading Source for Tech News—Technology, Business, Startups, Mobile, and the Web

• Typekit For Arabophones: Arabic Fonts When You Want Them

  Theresa Carpenter Sondjo

  5 Nov 2009 | 10:32 pm

  Angolphone (and speakers of languages with similar alphabets) have many tools available to work with type on the web. As design becomes more sophistocated, designers need better and better tools to manage fonts online. TypeKit, for example, is a tool that will allow designers to use embeded professional fonts without requiring the end-user to download new fonts, however, the foundries and designers currently working on the project do not have plans to include non-Western fonts. The lack of Arabic fonts available for Windows, Apple, and Linux systems has long frustrated arabophone web…

• This Ain’t a Phone, It’s An Arms Race

  Jon

  5 Nov 2009 | 8:31 am

  It goes without saying that mobile is exciting business these days across Africa. Chris Andrews writes…. If you want a picture of explosive growth in mobile communications, look to Africa. A report from The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) has found that between 2003 and 2008, mobile subscriptions surged from 54 million to almost 350 million; or a 550% increase in five years. In 2008, the report found, Gabon, Seychelles, and South Africa had a mobile penetration rate of almost 100 subscriptions per 100 inhabitants. In North Africa, the average penetration…

• Google Trader Extends Service to Web Users

  Jon

  5 Nov 2009 | 7:56 am

  Earlier this year Google introduced a suite of SMS services that brought things like search and electronic market places to the mobile devices so common to East Africa. Last week, in addition to their massive Geospatial technology conference, Google announced that they were launching a web platform for one of those products…Google Trader. Essentially, Google Trader is an online marketplace like we’ve seen a thousand of before; a place people can visit to search for, buy and sell all sorts of goods and services. When the new product was debuted in Uganda last Summer, users could only…

• More Fiber Optic in West Africa

  Theresa Carpenter Sondjo

  3 Nov 2009 | 11:12 pm

  A few months ago, Phase3 Telecoms launched a plan to connect Ghana to Nigeria via Togo and Benin. This week, Phase3 finally signed an agreement with Benin and Togo’s Communauté Electrique du Bénin (CEB), allowing them to lay and operate fiber using the two-country network of powerlines. In an interview with Russel Southwood of Balancing Act, Phase3 outlines their plans to launch the fibre network in Q2 of 2010. The network will plug into undersea cables in Accra, Cotonou, and Lagos. Phase3 hopes to create a redundant network, allowing their clients to avoid month long outages like the…

• OpenStreetMaps to Map Kenyan Slum

  Theresa Carpenter Sondjo

  3 Nov 2009 | 11:23 am

  Kiberia, Nairobi’s million-person slum, will be mapped in November through a project initiated by OpenStreetMap and Jump Start International. OpenStreetMap’s Humanitarian team will collaborate with young Kenyans to map the slum and share the results. From the press release (PDF): Twelve young residents of Kibera will first be trained on current mapping techniques during a two-day workshop. Individuals from the growing Nairobi technology scene will help train and network with the larger community. The group will then map all of Kibera over a two-week period in mid-November and share the…

• 
  naijablog

• Job opportunity: compliance officer

  5 Nov 2009 | 1:32 pm

  A Compliance Officer (CO) is required to assist a Port Harcourt based British and Middle Eastern maritime company in adhering to Nigerian Maritime Law . In this capacity, the CO is expected to perform the following duties :inspections of the company to ensure that they are adhering to Nigerian Maritime Law standards analysis of the current organisational structure for compliance advise the company on what is needed for compliance - working with a maritime lawyer advise the company on a compliance structure (if required) - working with a maritime lawyer a plan for implementation (including a…

• Job opportunity

  5 Nov 2009 | 1:29 pm

  Click to enlarge/read/print..

• ChiiDo

  5 Nov 2009 | 9:03 am

  Still not sure "the" pidgin rapper has bubbled to the surface yet tho...

• NEITI report/discussion coming up at Chatham House

  4 Nov 2009 | 2:33 am

  Friday 20 November 2009  11.30 to 12.30pm Nigeria's Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative: Just a Glorious Audit?  Nicholas Shaxson, Associate Fellow, Chatham House Discussant: Uche Igwe, Civil Society Liaison Officer, NEITI  The ambitious Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) came to prominence in 2003 and was widely held up as a success, touted as the flagship programme of global EITI. This event will launch the Chatham House study by nick Shaxson analysing the extent to which NEITI has achieved it goals and potential, and whether it…

• How old is under 17?

  4 Nov 2009 | 12:43 am

  According to Sahara Reporters, the captain of Nigeria's Under 17 team, Fortune Chukwudi, is actually 25 years old.. http://www.saharareporters.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=4138:adokiye-amiesimaka-the-man-who-told-the-truth&catid=58:football&Itemid=182 Excuse the flowery prose.

• 
  Africa Unchained

• "...In Lagos, everything is informal..."

  6 Nov 2009 | 5:10 am

  An excerpt from Robert Neuwirth's Lecture 'The Extroverted City of System D' a contribution to the book Open City:In Lagos, everything is informal. The bus system is informal—the government got out of mass transit business decades ago (though it has recently stepped back into public transport with a bus rapid transit line) and the system that includes more than 75,000 danfos was held together informally by the National Union of Road Transport Workers as one-part mass transit and one-part Ponzi scheme. One of the largest formal supermarkets in Lagos buys most of its product from informal…

• Quick Hits

  5 Nov 2009 | 4:32 am

  'Publishing in Africa' via NaijaBlog Author of children's books Akachi Adimora-Ezeigbo via IPNiger Delta is a 'Human Rights Tragedy'-VOADAAD prizewinner and aerospace student, Erick Mule KitiliKufunda Learning Village asks the question "...what it means to be a self-reliant and sustainable..."

• Mama Lucy's Shepherds Junior School

  4 Nov 2009 | 5:36 am

  From the Epic Change website:Mama Lucy Kampton is the founder and headmistress of Shepherds Junior School. Mama Lucy used to sell chickens. She saved her income and, in 2003, used it to start a primary school near her home in Tanzania, believing that education is the key to transforming a country gripped by poverty. Her spirit, determination and skill has enabled the school to grow over the last six years from one classroom with fewer than ten students, to a school that now serves more than 300 children at eight grade levels.Related articles by ZemantaThe TwitterKids of Tanzania…

• The Saudi-isation of Pakistan and warning's for Africa

  3 Nov 2009 | 5:26 am

  Pervez Hoodbhoy writes:For three decades, deep tectonic forces have been silently tearing Pakistan away from the Indian subcontinent and driving it towards the Arabian peninsula. This continental drift is not physical but cultural, driven by a belief that Pakistan must exchange its South Asian identity for an Arab-Muslim one. Grain by grain, the desert sands of Saudi Arabia are replacing the rich soil that had nurtured a magnificent Muslim culture in India for a thousand years. This culture produced Mughul architecture, the Taj Mahal, the poetry of Asadullah Khan Ghalib, and much more. Now a…

• The Musical or the Lack Thereof

  2 Nov 2009 | 4:44 am

  Michel Amarger writes:The musicals made in Egypt and Asia form a genre that is always highly popular with audiences in Africa. Yet the continent's filmmakers seem practically to ignore this art form, which has fed their own imaginations. What with the Egyptian musicals, Asian adventure films, and American productions, little place is left on Africa's screens for its local tales. However, even if African productions still face the same distribution difficulties on the continent, their singularity has developed and become more polished since Independence. It a priori seems paradoxical,…

• 
  Jamati Online » Columnists

• Canoe Quarterly Sets sail with GOAT Edition

  Ameyaw Debrah

  30 Oct 2009 | 6:09 am

  Canoe Quarterly Magazine has set sail yet again with the GOAT (Greatest of All Time) edition which celebrates some of Africa’s original music icons and legends.  Canoe  53 Sails showcases stories on fashion, beauty, home, lifestyles, sports and business; essentially highlighting the various dimensions of Africa’s progress, while paying homage to the continent’s  strong heritage. Canoe The 8th edition is spearheaded by a beautiful tribute to Mama Africa, Miriam Makeba; the story of the King of Afrobeat, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti; and their relevance to today’s music culture. In the midst…

• Big Brother Star, Mimi launches music Album

  Ameyaw Debrah

  30 Oct 2009 | 3:32 am

  She was touted as the house gossip in the third season of Big Brother Africa but Ghana’s former rep to the hit reality series, Mimi Abu Adani, is making new waves for herself. Mimi, alias ‘Divalish’, also known as ‘Ghana’s Lady Gaga’, has finally released her ‘Music in Me’ album as a testament to her innate talent and passion for singing. Divalish In spite of countless criticism in the Ghanaian media for her musical prowess, or the lack of it, Mimi held a successful autograph and photo session during her alb um launch in Accra. Mimi also used the event to premiere the video…

• Jimmy Jean-Louis narrates ‘I Sing of a Well’

  Ameyaw Debrah

  19 Oct 2009 | 5:23 pm

  Haitian-born actor and former model, Jimmy Jean-Louis has singed on to narrate the first installation, “I Sing of A Well,” of the slave trade trilogy “Legions of Slaves.” Jimmy Jean-Louis “It is absolutely great to have Jimmy narrate the film,” said Leila Djansi, the film’s director. “Ghanaians love him and they love ‘Heroes‘ so, to have such a prominent character grace their movie is pride indeed.” Jean-Louis, is best know for his role as The Haitian on NBC’s hit drama “Heroes.” His big screen break happened when he nabbed a role in Jean Claude Van…

• Spotlight on Billboard-Topping Producer, Coptic

  Ameyaw Debrah

  13 Oct 2009 | 10:07 am

  U.S.-based Ghanaian beat-making genius, Eric Kwabena “Coptic” Matlock, continues to rise after his Billboard topping hit, “I Need a Girl”, for P.Diddy and his Bad Boy Entertainment label. Coptic in the Studio The talented producer who relies heavily on hiphop melodies and drum beats has made beats for the likes of Notorious BIG, G-Dep, Jermaine Dupri, KRS-One, Black Rob, Mase, Memphis Bleek, Carl Thomas, and Ice Cube, and is currently working on a project that aims to bring hip hop to Africa. The Africa-meets-America hip hop album, featuring rappers from both sides of the world.

• Kae Sun out with ‘Lion On a Leash’

  Ameyaw Debrah

  9 Oct 2009 | 11:18 am

  Canada-based Ghana-born singer/songwriter/poet, Kae Sun’s much anticipated album; ‘Lion on a Leash’ has finally been released through Urbnet/Fontana North. The album release was marked with a release party on October 6th at Lula Lounge, Toronto and this would be followed by a Hamilton album release Concert October 15th at The Casbah. Kae Sun album cover After years of playing shows around Canada and in preparation for a trip to Dubai and the UK, Kae Sun continues to be on a rise and the addition of a new album is expected to concretize his talent as a consummate performer. His recent…

• 
  Mara Triangle Blog

• Links We Like

  William

  5 Nov 2009 | 11:39 pm

  Calling all lodge/camp managers; do you regularly test your water? - Lots of useful links from Amanda and Chris with inexpensive ways to test your water and protect your guests. Cattle Crisis on the Narok side of the Reserve and how it affects hyaena behaviour. I'll be interested to see what comments the Hyaena Researchers have. Basecamp Masai Mara wins World's Best Ecotourism Hotel by Skål International And Paula from WildlifeDirect responds to FMC's claims that they're doing everything they can to reduce the negative impact of furadan on East Africa's wildlife. 

• See the Wildebeest Migration in the Mara Triangle... on Google Earth!

  William

  3 Nov 2009 | 12:44 am

  We're in the process of installing tracking devices into our vehicles here at the Conservancy, and as our Land Cruiser arrived at Oloololo Gate I had a quick peek at its progress over on Google Earth. Since I've last been on it seems that Google have updated the satellite image for the top of the Mara Triangle, and you can even see the new toilets that we've constructed over at Oloololo (in the top left hand corner). I also noticed that our grader is parked outside of the rangers quarters, which means that it's just after we had completed grading the roads inside the Triangle and were about…

• Please don't ignore us KWS!

  William

  25 Oct 2009 | 2:08 am

  We mentioned back in early June about the Lion Poisoning on the other side of the reserve and we're pleased to see that Mr Omondi from KWS echoed our sentiments in Thursday's Daily Nation: A total of 10 lions have been killed by herders who have lost their cattle to the large cats. In one case, farmers poisoned a carcass and it left for the lions. It killed not just a lion, but also 300 vultures that ate the carcasses of the cow and the lion. Mr Omondi says the herders should expect to lose some of their animals if they choose to break the law and let them graze in game…

• Feast your eyes and feed the Conservancy.

  William

  9 Oct 2009 | 1:47 am

  Sarah and Andy are back to the UK after another trip to the Mara Triangle and are selling some of their excellent photographs with a whopping £5 per print going to the Mara Conservancy. As you can see, brilliant photos at a brilliant price. Print Only: A4 PRINT ONLY - £17.00 + Delivery A3 PRINT ONLY - £24.00 + Delivery Mounted with Backing Board: A4 with BLACK MOUNT - £22.00 + Delivery A4 with IVORY MOUNT - £22.00 + Delivery A3 with BLACK MOUNT - £30.00 + Delivery A3 with IVORY MOUNT - £30.00 + Delivery What are you waiting for? Purchase your print…

• Do hippos eat meat? Plus other links we like.

  William

  6 Oct 2009 | 4:49 am

  Amanda and Chris have written another excellent newsletter, which not only answers the above question, but also gives information on water heights and dissolved oxygen levels; it's informative and interesting and definitely worth the read.   Also worth a look, Chris posted on Friday about The Other Migration that is currently going on in the Mara right now and about Sunday's CBS 60 Minutes Piece. Great news from USAid who have pledged US $3 million to help save the Mara River Basin, and also some great photos in the Masai Mara by…

• 
  Nubian Cheetah

• OPIC - Global Technology and Innovation Fund

  Nii Simmonds

  26 Oct 2009 | 10:14 am

  The Overseas Private Investment Corporation ("OPIC") is inviting proposals from qualified private equity fund managers for the formation and management of one or more investment funds (“funds”) that plan to invest in a wide variety of companies or projects that provide access to technologies in the OPIC-eligible countries. OPIC will provide financing ranging between $25 million and $150 million in total capital for each selected fund.

• Vodafone Wireless Innovation Project - award for social innovation in wireless

  Nii Simmonds

  26 Oct 2009 | 10:04 am

  About the Wireless Innovation Project™ The Vodafone Americas Foundation™ designed the Wireless Innovation Project™ as a competition to promote innovation and increase implementation of wireless related technology for a better world. To that end, Vodafone Americas Foundation’s Wireless Innovation Project™ is providing up to $600,000 in awards to support projects of exceptional promise that meet the criteria described in the Eligibility Criteria section. After successful completion of the Project last year, we are excited to launch the second Vodafone Wireless Innovation Project™.

• Aboubakar Fofana - Mali design house

  Nii Simmonds

  26 Oct 2009 | 9:49 am

  From Site:Today, Aboubakar Fofana reinterprets this blue magic, infusing it with a new vitality and a contemporary aesthetic. Inspired to preserve his cultural heritage and the health of the planet, he creates sublime, limited edition designs on organic fabrics for interior décor and fashion. Aboubakar Fofana expresses his passion in a nuanced blue palette. Each hue echoes a unique and profound emotion. Each creation evokes a soulful sensuality and timeless serenity.

• GO Ingenuity Award - awarded to artists, inventors, and small business entrepreneurs

  Nii Simmonds

  26 Oct 2009 | 9:44 am

  GO Ingenuity Award Sharing Invention & Innovation with Youth Launched at Maker Faire Africa 2009, Accra, Ghana The GO Ingenuity Award (GIA) is awarded to artists, inventors, and small business entrepreneurs to stimulate the next generation of "makers." Building on the momentum of Maker Faire Africa, GO Campaign will award one-year, one-time fellowship grants to individual applicants who are eager to share their skills with marginalized youth in developing countries in ways that educate and inspire youth to harness their own ingenuity. The GIA emphasizes the sharing of innovative artistry…

• Gone Rural Swaziland - African high-end décor products

  Nii Simmonds

  26 Oct 2009 | 9:40 am

  AboutGone Rural embraces the vitality and artistic spirit of women living in rural Swaziland to create innovative, high-end décor products for discerning clients. Inspired by the vision of designer Philippa Thorne, indigenous grass has been transformed into a global sensation. Gone Rural’s range has been featured by leading magazines, such as Elle Decoration, and imparts a fresh elegance to homes and chic boutiques around the world.

• 
  Sturvs / Hot Sturvs

• Friday Track: Pata On The Line

  6 Nov 2009 | 6:47 pm

  Kilon sparkles people!If there is one thing I can suggest to Nigerians to start considering as a start purchase&#8230;6 Vote(s)

• So We Brought Home 6 Awards in 72 Hours

  6 Nov 2009 | 6:11 pm

  It&#8217;s been a great award&#8217;s season I must say. We won two Channel O Awards (Best R&#38;B &#38; Best Male) and four Nigerian Music Video Awa3 Vote(s)

• Nigeria heads for another debt trap, Fiscal Commission warns

  6 Nov 2009 | 4:04 pm

  The Chairman of the Fiscal Responsibility Commission, Alhaji Aliyu Jibril Yelwa has raised alarm at the spate of the foreign and local debts being in6 Vote(s)

• Google Announces Business Development Manager Role for Nigeria

  6 Nov 2009 | 4:03 pm

  It is no longer news that Google has4 Vote(s)

• New Video: Maye Hunta – Ekaette

  6 Nov 2009 | 3:49 pm

  A funny video for a Friday evening. The song is called &#8216;Ekaette&#8216; and is by Maya Hunta.When the song&#8230;5 Vote(s)

• 
  Sudan Watch

• UNICEF: The Netherlands donates $23.5 million for safe water in Sudan

  Ingrid Jones

  6 Nov 2009 | 4:35 pm

  Great news from UNICEF (KHARTOUM/JUBA) 06 November 2009:The Dutch Government has given $23.5 million to UNICEF in Sudan which will be used to provide safe water and improved sanitation for hundreds of thousands of people across the country. “This very generous contribution by the Dutch Government will have a real impact on saving lives,” said Hilde Johnson UNICEF’s Deputy Executive Director. Every year in Sudan about 60,000 children under the age of five die from diarrhoea, a preventable disease caused in large part by unsafe water and poor sanitation. “This donation will help to…

• South Sudan: 47 LRA rebels surrender in Yei, Central Equatoria

  Ingrid Jones

  6 Nov 2009 | 7:16 am

  From Sudan Radio Service, 03 November 2009: LRA rebels surrender in Yei(Yei) - More than forty Ugandan rebels of the Lord’s Resistance Army surrendered to authorities in Yei county, Central Equatoria state last week. The Commissioner of Yei county, David Lokonga confirmed that pockets of LRA rebels have been handing themselves in since September this year.[David lokonga 1 -Eng/Arabic]: “Starting from September 22nd, some of the L-R-A have surrendered themselves to the authority of Yei county. On October 7th, some of the rebels including two officers surrender themselves to us, on October…

• Leading LRA rebel commander Charles Arop surrenders to Ugandan army?

  Ingrid Jones

  6 Nov 2009 | 5:03 am

  Report from Sudan Tribune by Richard Ruati Friday 6 November 2009: Leading LRA rebel commander surrenders to Ugandan armyNovember 5, 2009 (KAMPALA) — Lt Col Charles Arop, a leading Ugandan LRA rebels (the Army of the Lord’s Resistance), has decided to surrender himself to the Ugandan army. Arop is responsible for a bloodbath perpetrated on Christmas Day last year in Faradje in the DRC during which at least 143 people have died.He was left with only one rebel fighter, so he had little choice," a spokesman of the UPDF, LT Col Felix Kulayigye has said on Thursday. The Army spokesperson spoke…

• Turkey to host Sudan, Iran leaders at OIC meeting in Istanbul next week

  Ingrid Jones

  6 Nov 2009 | 3:40 am

  * Bashir, Ahmadinejad to attend OIC meeting* ICC arrest warrant, nuclear row could overshadow gathering* Host Turkey's foreign policy fuels Western worriesFrom Reuters Friday 6 November 2009:PREVIEW-Turkey to host Sudan, Iran leaders at summitBy Thomas Grove(ISTANBUL) - A summit of Islamic countries in Istanbul next week will boost Turkey's quest to deepen ties with the Muslim world, but some of its new friends are not to the taste of its traditional ally, Washington.Sudan's President Omar Hassan al-Bashir, who has an international arrest warrant against him for war crimes, and Iran's Mahmoud…

• FOCA: China, Africa hold summit to reinforce bilateral trade

  Ingrid Jones

  5 Nov 2009 | 11:53 pm

  Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao can expect a warm welcome from Egypt’s President Hosni Mubarak and finance and foreign ministers from 50 countries when the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCA) starts in the Egyptian resort of Sharm El-Sheikh on Sunday.Ever-eager for raw materials and markets to sell its products, China has said the new meeting will lay down a “road map” to further boost cooperation between 2010 and 2012.Direct Chinese investment in Africa leapt from $491 million in 2003 to $7.8 billion in 2008. Trade between the two has increased tenfold since the start of the…

• 
  Congo Watch

• MSF: DR Congo army has used vaccination clinics as "bait" to attack civilians in N. Kivu

  7 Nov 2009 | 1:18 am

  The Congolese government says military operations in the area have been suspended to allow an inquiry into the UN allegations that soldiers had killed civilians.From BBC News Friday, 6 November 2009:DR Congo army 'used aid as bait'The Democratic Republic of Congo army has used vaccination clinics as "bait" to attack civilians, says aid agency Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF).Thousands of Hutu civilians were targeted when they visited sites set up to combat a measles epidemic, in areas controlled by the rebels, MSF said.It denounced the attacks in North Kivu as "an abuse of humanitarian…

• Leading LRA rebel commander Charles Arop surrenders to Ugandan army?

  6 Nov 2009 | 4:51 am

  Report from Sudan Tribune by Richard Ruati Friday 6 November 2009: Leading LRA rebel commander surrenders to Ugandan armyNovember 5, 2009 (KAMPALA) — Lt Col Charles Arop, a leading Ugandan LRA rebels (the Army of the Lord’s Resistance), has decided to surrender himself to the Ugandan army. Arop is responsible for a bloodbath perpetrated on Christmas Day last year in Faradje in the DRC during which at least 143 people have died.He was left with only one rebel fighter, so he had little choice," a spokesman of the UPDF, LT Col Felix Kulayigye has said on Thursday. The Army spokesperson spoke…

• FOCA: China, Africa hold summit to reinforce bilateral trade

  6 Nov 2009 | 2:50 am

  Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao can expect a warm welcome from Egypt’s President Hosni Mubarak and finance and foreign ministers from 50 countries when the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCA) starts in the Egyptian resort of Sharm El-Sheikh on Sunday.Ever-eager for raw materials and markets to sell its products, China has said the new meeting will lay down a “road map” to further boost cooperation between 2010 and 2012.Direct Chinese investment in Africa leapt from $491 million in 2003 to $7.8 billion in 2008. Trade between the two has increased tenfold since the start of the…

• AGI: Tony Blair Africa Governance Initiative

  6 Nov 2009 | 1:29 am

  From The Office of Tony BlairNovember 05, 2009Tony Blair Africa Governance Initiative to create development through good governance becomes charityThe Tony Blair Africa Governance Initiative has become a registered UK charity after creating a unique 'hands-on' approach to development and poverty eradication over the past eighteen months.The Charity Commission approved the application from this relatively new organisation, which is underpinned by the belief that good governance and sustainable development are key to poverty eradication in the long term.Tony Blair, founder of the Africa…

• Operation Natural Fire 10: Oct. 16-25 joint military exercise in N. Uganda involving about 450 U.S. troops

  17 Oct 2009 | 5:52 am

  Here is some news of operation Natural Fire 10, a joint military excercise in northern Uganda involving about 450 U.S. troops.From Peter Eichstaedt's blog post 12 October 2009 'Boots on the ground':"... There's an interesting article in The East African, written by Keven Kelley, about the joint military exercise in northern Uganda involving about 450 U.S. troops. According to Kelley's article, total troops will be about 1,000, with Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda and Burundi each sending 150 soldiers to join 450 US military personnel in Kitgum for the October 16-25 event.Labeled as operation…

• 
  Museke

• New Nobility song Galactic #26 U.K Chart Top-40

  NewNobilityBand

  6 Nov 2009 | 10:53 pm

  New Nobility song Galactic #26 U.K Chart Top-40 http://www.tourdates.co.uk/unsigned-chart/01-nov-2009

• Rocky Dawuni’s Hymns for the Rebel Soul released

  Afrofunk

  6 Nov 2009 | 12:34 am

  - Available Exclusively at Whole Foods Markets - New CD Hits Stores Nationwide October 16 Los Angeles, CA October 16, 2009 - International music sensation Rocky Dawuni’s highly anticipated new CD, Hymns for the Rebel Soul, is being exclusively released today by Whole Foods Markets. Dawuni describes the 11-song album, which was recorded during the recent transformative U.S. Presidential election, as an uplifting exploration of social and global consciousness. The music was crafted to reflect the common spiritual, political and social aspirations felt by people around the world. Hymns of the…

• Gotta keep it going (Jozi)

  keitu

  5 Nov 2009 | 6:11 pm

  This is for my people hustling on the corner Out of breath, running, chasing that paper For my people on the grind, on 9 that 5 Working hard every day, just to stay alive Gotta keep it going Gotta, gotta, keep it going You gotta keep it going so get off your big behind And what doesn't kill you, will only make you stronger When the going is tough, you gotta keep pushing Let no one bring you down, you gotta keep pushing

• Ndzi Lava Kuketa Nuna (Marllen)

  umbrellamz

  5 Nov 2009 | 4:57 pm

  Kambe tatana ausendzicomba Amore, carinho, ... Ndzi Lava Kuketa Nuna Kambe tatana ausendzicomba

• Ada Owerri (Bracket & J. Martins)

  Chale

  5 Nov 2009 | 4:54 pm

  The way you dey make me feel be wetin I dey expect o My body dey shake well well, any time you hold my hand Like play like play, this your love enter my heart o And before you know am, I go carry you go see your mama Sing it If I close my eyes, I dey see the way you dey carry my own pikin Make we stay together Chai, edey do me like magic, how we start to love each other And na true I dey yarn, my lover Because of you (2x)

• 
  kenyaimagine feed (main magazines)

• The Institution of Marriage: Thou shalt not admit gays?

  6 Nov 2009 | 12:04 pm

  On Tuesday there were elections in some parts of the United States. Of course, being an alien, Our Man in America couldn’t vote. But he does have the democratic right to express himself, so he’s going to comment on them anyway.What struck me about those elections was not the Obama-report-cardangle mainstream media has been focusing on. Rather, it was an issue near and dear to many of my friends: gay marriage. You might have seen headlines like, “Maine rejects same-sex marriage law.” Or, “California Weighs Maine Vote on Gay Marriage.”  Read more...

• Freedom for the thought that we hate

  6 Nov 2009 | 8:01 am

  In common with many of my country men, I found the recent wedding in London between two homosexual Kenyans quite disturbing, albeit for very different reasons. Read more...

• Uganda is “under attack”

  6 Nov 2009 | 5:55 am

  Uganda is under attack and, as always, it’s the mothers of the nation who are to blame. An anti-homosexuality bill has been tabled before the Parliament of Uganda. Many have risen to denounce and oppose it, both within the country and from across the globe.  Many others have risen to support it. Some in the Church have argued in favor of the capital punishment in the Bill, others have argued for life imprisonment. The ones arguing for life imprisonment are actually considered to be in opposition to the Bill. After all, in Uganda “homosexuality is already an offence…

• Constitutions don't make Homophiles

  2 Nov 2009 | 12:48 pm

  The union is abnormal. As an African and a church leader, I am ashamed. We should advice others not to do the same," Anglican Archbishop Eliud Wabukala, said. He was responding to the news of a wedding between two Kenyan men held in London recently. A wedding that, according to media reports, Kenyan religious leaders have described as "unacceptable and unnatural". Read more...

• Gay Census; useful first step

  30 Oct 2009 | 10:54 pm

  My honest opinion, and I will accept chastisement for my ignorance, isthat homosexual Kenyans are far safer, far far safer with thegovernment than they are with the Kenyan public. Read more...

• 
  AfricaCan

• Impact of the Global Financial Crisis

  Shanta

  3 Nov 2009 | 6:43 am

  Not a day passes without somebody asking me about the impact of the global financial crisis on Africa's poverty reduction efforts. So I thought I would share this interview I recently did for Deutsche Welle radio. I have also written extensively about what the crisis may mean for Africa on this blog. You can see those entries here.    

• Madagascar - Economic Update: Going Down...

  Noro Andriamihaja

  3 Nov 2009 | 6:34 am

  If recent trends persisted during September, three new developments seem to indicate a deterioration in public finance and economic activities: (i)  the Government borrowed on the domestic financial market (about half of its monthly expenditures) for the first time since the beginning of the crisis; (ii) the exchange rate depreciated compared to the Euro and the USD over the past two weeks (down by 6 and 4% respectively); and (iii) international trade continued to decline (exports in volume, down by 62% in August compared to the same period a year ago). You can see the full analysis of…

• Some (Possibly Heretical) Thoughts on Agriculture

  Shanta

  21 Oct 2009 | 6:22 am

  Since the publication of the 2008 World Development Report, there has been a vigorous discussion in the development community about agriculture; today’s publication of the World Bank’s Agriculture Action Plan is a milestone in that process.  To stimulate further discussion on the subject, here are some thoughts from a garden-variety economist. 1. The oft-quoted statement, “GDP growth originating in agriculture is about four times more effective in raising incomes of extremely poor people than GDP growth originating from other sectors,” is an arithmetical point,…

• Since When Does an Improvement in the Trade Balance Signal Economic Recovery?

  Sandeep

  15 Oct 2009 | 1:55 pm

  Something is  not quite right with this picture. There has been somewhat of a celebration lately in the South African press and markets, sparked by news that the external trade balance was moving into positive territory following several months of trade deficit. The fact that three consecutive months of trade surplus (May-July 2009) were recorded for the first time in 6 years has made it even more special. Market analysts have exulted that “South Africa's economy was likely to recover as the balance of trade improved," [which] "underscores our bullish outlook for the…

• Why We Work in Development

  Shanta

  9 Oct 2009 | 7:20 am

  A visual reminder of why many of us work in development: The schoolchildren in this picture are first- and second-graders in the Democratic Republic of Congo. They're holding their new textbooks, given to them as part of a project that distributed some 14 million free textbooks to private and public schools across the country.  After the photo was taken, the teachers tried to take the books back to put them in the classrooms for safekeeping.  The kids refused. For many of them, this was the first time they had held a book in their hands--and they weren't about to let go of them. The…

• 
  Africa The Good News

• Obama praises Botswanan President

  6 Nov 2009 | 3:01 am

  President Barack Obama is complimenting Botswana for its economic management and political governance and its president, Seretse Ian Khama, for his leadership. "Although Botswana is not a large country, it is truly one of the extraordinary success stories in Africa. Since the mid-'60s it has moved on a path of good economic management and outstanding political governance," said Obama. Sitting beneath a painting of George Washington, the first U.S. president, Obama used the word "extraordinary" several times in describing Botswana's progress and to describe relations between the United States…

• Algeria "not affected by global crisis"

  6 Nov 2009 | 2:45 am

  Algeria stands out as one of the countries least affected by the global financial crisis, says the IMF. The non-oil sectors of economy are growing by around 9% this year, and only low oil prices contribute to a GDP retraction. Read more...

• Saudi Arabia resumes livestock trade with Somalia

  6 Nov 2009 | 2:06 am

  The government of Saudi Arabia removed an 11-year ban on livestock imports from Somalia after fears of Rift Valley Fever were allayed. The decision was well received as hundreds of thousands of farmers rely on such exports. Read more...

• Zim power generation recieves a boost

  6 Nov 2009 | 1:55 am

  Zimbabwe says that it will ramp up power production at the Hwange thermal power station from the current 450 MW to at least 750 MW and restart another idle thermal station by June 2010 with help from neighbours Namibia and Botswana. Read more...

• Africa presents united front at climate change negotiations

  6 Nov 2009 | 1:40 am

  Determined not to get a "raw deal", Africa has emerged with "the most unified voice" compared with other negotiating blocs at the current United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change Barcelona negotiations. Read more...

• 
  The Guardian Katine Project

• One step forward

  5 Nov 2009 | 4:05 pm

  It's two years since Guardian readers began funding the project in rural Uganda. Progress has been made – but setbacks threaten to undermine itThere was no moon when Mary Kokoi was woken at 1am by a hammering on the door of her mud hut. When a voice in the pitch black demanded money, Kokoi, the elderly treasurer of the Emorikikinos savings and loans association, stuffed her own notes through cracks in the door. No, the man in the darkness said, he knew that she guarded a locked cash box and he wanted all 4.2m shillings (£1,400) that it contained, the savings of 30 subsistence farmers in…

• Through children's eyes

  Lisa Villani

  5 Nov 2009 | 4:01 pm

  Two years on: Watch these videos and see how the lives of six children and their families have been changed through the Katine projectLisa Villani

• Water resources: Make a donation

  3 Nov 2009 | 3:48 am

  Amref explains why it needs your help to increase safe water coverage in KatineThanks to your generosity, over the last two years in Katine, the African Medical Research Foundation (Amref) has improved the community's access to safe water and promoted basic sanitation.Amref has dug eight boreholes, rehabilitated eight more, dug shallow wells, fitted with pumps, installed PVC water tanks in schools so they can harvest rainwater, built latrines and Ecosan toilets for pupils and teachers and protected springs.Amref, which has been implementing development work in this rural sub-county of…

• Why Africa welcomes the Chinese

  Paul Kagame

  2 Nov 2009 | 2:00 pm

  Africa must attract broad investment, not rely on handouts, if we are to sustain development阅读中文 | Read this in ChineseThere is a debate among geopolitical and economic commentators about the merits of Chinese versus western involvement with Africa. One argument is that Chinese investment is exploitative and undermines the development of democracy and human rights on the continent. Others view the matter in terms of competition, arguing that China is encroaching on the decades-long monopoly of the west over Africa's natural resources.Neither of these viewpoints addresses the core…

• Water focus

  Liz Ford

  2 Nov 2009 | 3:45 am

  We outline the key achievements made in increasing safe water coverage and promoting hygiene in Katine by the African Medical and Research Foundation between September 2008 and September 2009. Plus the priorities for year three of the projectYear two achievementsAccording to Amref, 13 new latrines and five Ecosan toilets were installed in Katine primary schools over the last year, increasing the sanitation and hygiene coverage in schools to 79% from 25% at the start of the project.Ideal homesOne of the aims of the project was to establish "ideal homesteads" in the sub-county – models of how…

• 
  kaasa

• Part II – For The Ladies

  kaasa

  5 Nov 2009 | 7:32 pm

  Hey!  I hope you are fine, fine, fine My folks left yesterday and now it’s back to the old routine. I miss them already but I didn’t cry or anything like that at the airport…   I was in a rush and they were like “let’s get on this plane, bye, see you Bubi”. They arrived safe and sound and my sister picked them up at JFK, and we’ll be together again in early December. — The house is quiet but I’m not back in my bedroom yet (where my parents were sleeping). I’m in the other room as I can still ‘feel’ my parents in my room  Nice feeling…

• Very Quick – For The Ladies

  kaasa

  4 Nov 2009 | 6:45 pm

  Someone I know just had a stroke and she’s only 31. I am going to see her in hospital tomorrow. Turns out it was one of the ‘possible side effects’ from her implanted contraceptive. Please women, be careful with that stuff. So many of the contraceptives out there can actually kill you. Sometimes it may seem like the easiest route to have something implanted in you, but then… Gosh, just be super careful. Do your research…, really do your research… Or just embrace celibacy.        

• Mr. Moto Once Again (And, Some Other Stuff)

  kaasa

  1 Nov 2009 | 9:08 pm

  Hello folks!  I hope you are all doing excellent and that life in your locale is sweet. Things are quiet around here and we are now on countdown to departure (my parents leave in a few days). I am very sad that they’re going but thankful that we’ll all be together again in December. Gosh, I really love my folks. I am trying to wangle some time from work (though I have none left) to go spend U.S. Thanksgiving with them all, but we shall see how that all pans out… Wish me luck please… Other than that, I am okay and happy that my freezer’s full. My mom has cooked ten thousand dishes…

• Something To Say Today

  kaasa

  27 Oct 2009 | 6:44 pm

    Marafiki Here’s where we stand blogwise: I registered many of your monikers and was asked to pay $$ (US currency) by WordPress and of course, I was like okay but not right now. Honestly, I don’t know what to do with this blog. Other than write in it, it appears… So we’re still pending… — I hope you’re all well  My parents are around for about a week more and then will be off to greener pastures (i.e. to my sis and brother’s homes in the US). As I have said before, it is very nice having them around and I’m looking forward to having them be with me for a…

• Peeping In…

  kaasa

  18 Oct 2009 | 5:38 pm

  Hey folks! Quick one here… I returned early from a lunch my parents and I were invited to at my dad’s old University friend’s house… They live nearby and are Musau’sparents. There was a very hot Liberian guy at the lunch, but nothing doing… He’s as much an Evangelical Christian as Musau’s folks are… It was nice, but I had to get back home to take care of other matters and decided to write a quick post as I haven’t been around this way in weeks. I hope you are all great. Everything is fine and dandy on my end and I have gained three…

• 
  blomerus.org

• Bible school meets urban Africa

  20 Oct 2009 | 5:56 am

  (Marysol writes) Three weeks ago our nine-month Bible School began here at YWAM Muizenberg. This school is lead by our dear friends and co-workers James & Sarah. While we are not directly staffing this school, its very important to the overall work of being done here. Most of these students will graduate and do our Titus Project and from there take what they have learned all over the world, especially into other parts of Africa.This weekend I took their school and individual photos. I picked this cool graffiti wall down the street. It picks up perfectly the feel of the more “urban side…

• Oh yes, we struggle! Confession #2

  19 Oct 2009 | 2:52 am

  A few months back we started a series “Oh yes, we struggle” Read here for #1. Today we continue:#2WHAT’S THE POINT?(De Wet writes) A few months back someone was telling us about their job and how they wondered what was the point of doing day in and out. They then followed it by "Not something you guys probably ever go through with what you do." We had to stop her there. Oh yes, this is something we too wonder.Is there a point to what I am doing?You may have struggled with this question, most people do. You also may have thought that missionaries never ever struggle with this…

• Tale of Two Marriage Seminars (Part 2 of 2)

  16 Oct 2009 | 5:50 am

  (Marysol writes) We walked into our next marriage seminar and quite honestly I was dreading it. See Part 1 to learn why. I still felt the weight of the last one and didn't know if I had the energy to go there again. It was a cold day and a smaller group. They had lit a small kerosene heater and sat us in a circle to distribute the warmth. In case you were thinking these were sold out, big conference center, with fancy audio/visual equipment marriage seminars, the photo will show you otherwise. This is my favorite kind of teaching environment.The atmosphere was different from the last time.

• Tale of Two Marriage Seminars (Part 1 of 2)

  15 Oct 2009 | 3:57 am

  (Marysol writes) I walked away and hid in the bathroom for a minute. In the privacy of a closed space I leaned against the wall and exhaled. It had been a long time since the despair had hit me, had sunken in like today. I’ve been in missions for 8 years. If you let every day get to you, you wont make it. This all begins several hours ago as my co-worker Liz and I were teaching women at a marriage seminar in the townships. There were 6 times more women than men there. Only one had come with her husband! We had no real idea what we were about to walk into. After a session together, we…

• A soup kitchen is born

  5 Oct 2009 | 11:53 am

  Don't believe the lie that you can't start somewhere, that you can't do anything unless you have a ton of money and a fancy building. May we introduce to you this awesome township church we work with and their vision to start a soup kitchen. (RSS readers, come here to see photos)Oh and did I mention most of these people live on less than $200 a month for a family? So they had a dream to have a soup kitchen and together they built this tin shack. Its a mini-version of their church. Take this and multiple times 5, that's what their church looks like. We were invited to their grand opening…

• 
  Video journalist Africa

• Two fastest on planet together

  Ruud Elmendorp @ GMT+3

  3 Nov 2009 | 7:11 am

  Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt adopts cheetah cub in Nairobi. For script and rate: VideoJournalist.NL

• insecticide resistance mosquitoes burkina faso

  Ruud Elmendorp @ GMT+3

  29 Oct 2009 | 6:04 am

  Malaria mosquitoes show resitance against insecticide in bed nets. Government sounds alarm bell. For script and rate: VideoJournalist.NL

• Children's laptop arrived in Kenya

  Ruud Elmendorp @ GMT+3

  26 Sep 2009 | 2:12 am

  Small machine with big mission exciting children in rural Kenya. Scripts and more VideoJournalist.NL

• solar mobiles against power cuts kenya

  Ruud Elmendorp @ GMT+3

  5 Sep 2009 | 4:30 am

  First mobile in Kenya that charges on sunlight. Script and rates Video Journalist Africa

• pamoja mtaani

  Ruud Elmendorp @ GMT+3

  21 Aug 2009 | 7:25 am

  Computer game has to improve lifes of slum youths in Kenya. Scripts and more Videojournalist

• 
  Justmoney News

• The great cell phone debate

  justmoney

  14 Oct 2009 | 5:43 am

  Cell phones. 70% of the country has a cell phone, only 17% have a landline at home, according to research by Eighty20 into AMPS 2009. We are dependent on our cell phones to communicate. Communication is the grease in the economy. With such low landline penetration but such high mobile penetration cell phones are the backbone of how we get things done. Cell phone costs in South Africa are massively high. According to research published by the Communications Minister, compared to other countries, and taking into account purchasing price parity this is what we pay in interconnect costs in US…

• How secure is your card?

  justmoney

  13 Oct 2009 | 4:59 am

  This week, the 13th to 18th of October 2009 is the annual card security week, sponsored by Visa and FNB. It is a consumer awareness campaign that is designed to highlight card security issues, for both credit cards and debit cards. This is a recession and the living ain’t easy, summer may be coming but the stress of the recession tends to encourage more fraud. This means you need to be extra careful with your card security. So what can you do? Treat your cards as you would treat cash Watch your card when it’s being swiped Don’t give anyone your PIN number It may seem like…

• How is your homeloan?

  justmoney

  7 Oct 2009 | 2:13 am

  The housing market has also been feeling the effects of the recession. House prices have been dropping there have been repossessions; people are selling their houses and downgrading to meet their repayments. Property over time is a great investment but the recession has taken a chunk of value, and even if you are feeling the pressure now and feel desperate to sell the market is not set to maximise your sale price. So when will it look up again? ABSA says low point was April Recession may still affect prices ABSA figures show 3.4% increase ABSA runs a house price index and they released their…

• Getting your business news

  justmoney

  2 Oct 2009 | 5:15 am

  Justmoney writes a story a working day about personal finance. We try and distil the business news and work out how it will affect your personal finances. We try and make it accessible for everyone and not burden it down with technical jargon. So we trawl the business news everyday looking for stuff that affects you. However if you are looking for the business headlines there is a new way to find them ZaNews.net/business Business news aggregation Continuously updated ZaNews.net is brought to you by the same folks who made Muti.co.za an invaluable resource for what is happening on the…

• The recession and your debt

  justmoney

  1 Oct 2009 | 8:22 am

  It’s a recession, this means that the economy instead of growing is contracting. It also means that your money doesn’t go as far as it used to, prices still go up, that’s inflation, but you can’t get credit anymore and your salary doesn’t quite last the month. Recessionary environments are hard on everyone and there is also the spectre or retrenchment. If you lost your job, would you have enough money to tide you over until you could find employment again? Tough times indeed, so is there anything that you can do about it? Plan a budget Cut back on spending Save…

• 
  Africa Business Source

• 3rd Annual South African International Trade and Investment Conference and Exhibition

  South Africa is entering a new stage in its economic development. We are one of the most advanced and dynamic middle-income emerging markets, not only on the African continent, but globally. We are consistently attracting huge net amounts of portfolio capital annually. More significantly, domestic and foreign direct investments are ...

• M-commerce and its Impact on Africa

  Until very recently, most Africans did not have access to credit or debit cards let alone ones that were internationally recognized. I recall when credit cards were introduced to East Africa in the early 2000's, it was a battle to secure one. The bank required that you make a hefty ...

• The China-Africa Business Summit

  The event is dedicated to building partnerships and trade between ...

• Doing Business Report Reveals Important Insights for Africa Investors

  Early last month, the World Bank released Doing Business 2010, its provocative ranking of the world's easiest (and most difficult) places to do business. This year, little Rwanda grabbed headlines as the world's top reformer. New legislation protecting the rights of the nation's investors helped propel it up 76 places ...

• How Information Communication Technology (ICT) is transforming Africa

  This year, the Kenya Information and Communication Technology (ICT) regulator, the Kenyan Communications Commission (KCC) marked its first 10 year anniversary with flamboyant radio, newspaper and television adverts detailing its achievements. Many of the radio stations have been offering cash prizes to listeners who can innovatively detail what life was ...

• 
  Abesha Bunna Bet

• Somali insurgents stone man to death for adultery

  DrEthiopia

  7 Nov 2009 | 2:14 am

  Somali insurgents stone man to death for adultery Mogadishu - The Somali insurgent group al-Shabaab has stoned a man to death for committing adultery in the port town of Marka, officials said. “The 33-year-old man Abbas [Hussein Abdurahman] confessed his crime in front of the Islamic court, and today we have implemented his reward in front of the people in accordance with Islamic sharia,” al-Shabaab official Sheikh Suldan Aala Mohamed told spectators at the execution late Friday. Al-Shabaab and its ally Hizbul Islam are battling the weak central government and control much of…

• U.N. blames U.S. for aid cuts to Somalia

  DrEthiopia

  6 Nov 2009 | 9:08 pm

  NAIROBI, KENYA -Starvation looms with supply line “effectively broken.” U.S. fears that its shipments may be diverted to terrorists. U.N. officials said Friday that the supply of critical food aid to Somalia had been interrupted and that rations to starving people needed to be cut, partly because the U.S. government has delayed food contributions out of fears they would be diverted to terrorists. Last month, U.S. officials said they had suspended millions of dollars of food aid because of concerns that Somali contractors working for the United Nations were funneling food and money…

• Economically speaking, it’s time to invade Eritrea

  DrEthiopia

  6 Nov 2009 | 9:00 pm

  eritrean news, economy, history (by, Don Pittis) - Maybe it is time for the rest of the world to follow Canada’s lead and pull out of Afghanistan. Then we can all invade some place equally needy like Eritrea. It only makes economic sense. The idea struck me the other morning when I heard my old friend from Hong Kong days, Adrian Edwards, on the radio announcing that the UN was evacuating 600 of its foreign nationals from Kabul. Adrian has worked in some the world’s most exotic locations as a correspondent and then as a UN official. He is not easily moved. In fact, in talking to…

• Ethiopia Could Fail in Meeting anti-poverty goals

  DrEthiopia

  6 Nov 2009 | 8:38 pm

  (UPI) — The impact of the worldwide financial crisis could include preventing Ethiopia from reaching its anti-poverty goals by 2015, a United Nations official says. U.N. Deputy Secretary-General Asha-Rose Migiro said in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Thursday the international economic downturn may leave Ethiopia unable to successfully embrace the Millennium Development Goals, a U.N. release reported. “Despite some notable achievements, progress is off track across the continent,” Migiro said at the Regional Coordination Mechanism meeting. Migiro said while Ethiopia moved forward…

• Why We should be Sick-and-Tired of “Ethiopian Politics”

  DrEthiopia

  4 Nov 2009 | 7:02 pm

  As an Ethiopian nothing drives me more bonkers than waking up every morning, just to learn that something tragic, or depressing had happened in Ethiopia (either on the political arena, or the economical-and-business front). In my entire existence, I have never felt any less of an Ethiopian through all this mayhem that Ethiopia seems to find itself in, time and again. In fact, I believe, Ethiopians have an undying patriotism about them. Patriotism oozes through our blood stream. We fight, and fight, and fight for one common goal – the betterment of Ethiopia. As you all know, we have what…