One of the highlights of yesterday’s Africa Gathering in London, this must-see video on mobile phones in Africa was put together by good friend Martin Konzett of ict4d.at during a recent trip to the continent. Great editing, combined with priceless on-the-ground footage and perspective, gives a wonderful flavour of some of the entrepreneurial activity spurred … Continue reading Caught on film: Mobiles in Africa
Tag: Africa
Why I blog about Africa
(Like White African, I don’t usually take part in blog memes. Unlike White African, it’s usually because I don’t get an invite. ;o) But that aside, I’ve recently read a number of posts by eminent African bloggers in the current “Why I Blog About Africa” series and have been inspired by what they’ve written. That … Continue reading Why I blog about Africa
Mobiles for media empowerment
Today, all eyes are on the United States with one of the most anticipated Presidential elections in decades. Amidst the excitement lurks the ever-present concern over potential election day chaos, and fears of a repeat of what happened in Florida eight years ago. Once again, mobile technology is also being touted as one way of … Continue reading Mobiles for media empowerment
Chilubula 08.93 to Karuma 08.98
This is no ordinary August. In fact, it’s a bit of a double anniversary for me… If you’d have come looking for me fifteen years ago, you’d have needed to get yourself to Chilubula, a small town about an hours drive from Kasama in northern Zambia, where I was working on a building project. In … Continue reading Chilubula 08.93 to Karuma 08.98
Africa through my grandparent’s eyes
Back in what I believe were most likely the 1960’s and 70’s – perhaps a little earlier – my grandparents from my mothers side embarked on what at the time would have been an epic world journey. My grandfather retired quite early after a successful corporate career working for an oil company of all things, … Continue reading Africa through my grandparent’s eyes
China crisis?
Over the past couple of years there has been increasing debate in the West on the role of “China in Africa”. There are even several books out on the subject. I haven’t heard too much from Africans themselves, except for the odd comment by the man on the street that Chinese goods are swamping their … Continue reading China crisis?
Saving Africa from us
There are often times when things I feel particularly strong about are better put in words by other people. This article, by Uzodinma Iweala (author of Beasts of No Nation, a novel about child soldiers), is no exception. Originally published in The Washington Post a few weeks ago, it’s particularly poignant coming at a time … Continue reading Saving Africa from us
One of our continents is missing
I’ve just returned from the 16th International World Wide Web Conference in Banff, Canada. As you’d expect from such a prestigious annual event, no expense was spared in making the experience as productive and pleasurable as possible for the thousands of delegates who attended. With the beautiful Rocky Mountains as a backdrop, what better place … Continue reading One of our continents is missing
ICTs: Prescribing the right medicine…
The argument that drugs widely available in Western countries (many at greatly reduced cost via public and national health programmes) should also be made available – at preferential rates – to other not-so-well-off developing countries is not new. Indeed, medicines such as those which block the transmission of HIV from mother to unborn child are … Continue reading ICTs: Prescribing the right medicine…
The return of the Dark Continent
For centuries Africa was known as the Dark Continent. It was place of mystery, exotic animals, vast wilderness, all manner of beasts, evil spirits, disease, cannibals and pretty much anything else you’d care to imagine. You just have to take a look at this 1838 map to see how little was known of the interior. … Continue reading The return of the Dark Continent