African Diaspora send over $40 billion dollars in remittances every year, but is that enough to inspire innovation and entrepreneurship across the continent? Project Diaspora doesn't think so, and in response they've started the BizSpring Africa Enterprise Development Program.
Across colleges in North America, ProjectFOCUS is raising awareness and capital to invest in solar-powered, income-generating internet cafes in Uganda with amazing, replicable computer lab fundraising skills.
But they're not just about fundraising or computer technology, they're also innovators in ICT4D. On June 5th, when they opened the Lyantonde Internet Center in cooperation with ICOD, they used bicycles to extend the reach of the Internet Cafe beyond it's physical office space. Watch the opening ceremony video to learn how:
Sending MMS your way: On August 26, the good folks over at FrontlineSMS, upped the ante with the addition of MMS capabilities to the latest release of their software. Imagine the doors this will open up for health-care delivery, disaster management, eLearning...
Kenyan consumers are rightly excited that the mobile phone company Zain, now owned by Bharti Airtel, has kicked off a price war with just announced unprecedented low and permanent new tariffs of Kes. 3.00 to call and Kes. 1.00 per SMS message to any mobile network in Kenya. This huge price reduction caused such a storm of traffic on Zain's network, they actually had connectivity problems with other mobile phone companies.
Raila Odinga registering to vote in 4 minutes flat
Regardless of their political affiliations, ICT firms should be pushing electronic voter registration and voting in every country of Africa. Why? Not only does it increase participation in the elections process, and make it more transparent, it also makes great business sense.
The relative calm surrounding Kenya's constitutional referendum held on August 4 is a stark departure from the violence that marred the infamous 2007 general election. The proposed constitution would limit presidential power and institute land reform, among other changes. One factor that may have contributed to the peaceful vote was the use of information and communications technology.
Does your company demonstrate visionary leadership, innovation, and strong growth? Does it have revenues of between US$ 2-25 million? And does it impact the community through job creation or improved community living standards? Then consider applying for the 2010 Legatum Africa Awards for Entrepreneurship.
Now what could be more surprising than a Malawian blogging about ICT in his country while studying in Japan? How about the high quality of Clement Nyirenda's ICT Blog posts? As a frequent reader, I've always had a few questions I wanted to ask him, and recently got the chance to quiz Clement on his life and work.
Clement Nthambazale Nyirenda in Japan
1. So how does a Malawian wind up in Tokyo? How did you get a Japanese Government Scholarship?
Gordon Brown walking through Kibera Slums with Raila Odinga in 2005
It is interesting to hear Gordon Brown, UK's most recent past Prime Minister, talk about technology's opportunity in Africa during an address to the African Union:
