AFRICA

Emperor's Palace to host APEX gala event
The Association for Communication and Advertising (ACA) has announced that the 2008 Advertising Performance Excellence Awards (APEX) will be taking place at the Emperor's Palace Convention Centre, Gauteng, on 10 April 2008.

Media giants challenge portals for online ad turf
[Anick Jesdanun] Traditional media companies trying to stem the flow of advertising dollars to Google and other large Internet companies are increasingly building ad networks of their own, anchored by their brands.

Greenwash is losing its shine - Gallo Images
Simply being seen to be green will soon not be enough, according to Getty Images global planning director, Rebecca Swift. In a recent update at BBC News24 she argues that time is running out for advertisers who "greenwash" audiences with empty eco-cliches.

Understand and experience the Chinese business environment - USB-ED
USB Executive Development Ltd of the University of Stellenbosch Business School (USB), in conjunction with Stellenbosch University's Centre for Chinese Studies, is launching a new, structured executive learning programme called “Passport to China”. This is in response to China's increasing global presence and rapid economic expansion that have created considerable business interest in the world's most populous nation.

West African countries to beef up banking
A cross-section of experts from across the banking sector, insurance and stock markets in the West Africa sub-region will hold a two-day meeting in Accra, Ghana, this week.

Declaration to strengthen Africa, India relationship
Africa and India are to adopt a declaration to reinforce their existing relationship at the Africa-India Forum Summit to be held next month in India.

WAN protests against press crackdown in Tibet
The World Association of Newspapers (WAN) and World Editors Forum (WEF) have protested to Chinese President Hu Jintao against the crackdown on coverage of events in Tibet and the banning of foreign media, in violation of international agreements, Chinese law and China's Olympic promises.

CNN barred from Zimbabwe elections
American Cable News Network (CNN) has revealed it has been barred from covering Saturday's general elections in Zimbabwe.

UGANDA

Uganda's telecom operators throw the money around
[Walter Wafula] From serious business to showbiz and generosity, Uganda's telecom companies are walking a similar path. Celtel Uganda started it all with the Say Yes! and Win a House campaign in 2007 where it gave away seven houses in excess of one billion shillings.

EAST AFRICA

Lake Victoria's mobile network to avert accidents
[Walter Wafula] Celtel Uganda is extending its mobile phone network coverage across Lake Victoria to provide connectivity to thousands of lake users. The network expansion is expected to fuel economic and social development of lakeside communities as well as reduce the number of fishing-related deaths.

Starfish Mobile initiate Easter Race in Nigeria - Starfish Mobile
Starfish Mobile International has created and implemented another SMS-based campaign with Celtel Nigeria during March 2008. The Easter Race campaign was created by the Starfish Mobile International team and was based on the popular ‘Amazing Race' concept.

ZIMBABWE

Probe as CIO boss obtains unpublished Independent story
[Lebo Nkatazo] The Zimbabwe Union of Journalists (ZUJ) said Tuesday, 25 March 2008, it has launched an investigation into allegations that the organisation was used by the country's intelligence services to intercept an article which a local weekly newspaper intended to publish.

ZIMBABWE

Shops scared to sell until after vote
Some shops in Zimbabwe have stopped selling their merchandise until after this weekend's presidential and parliamentary elections, state media reported on Tuesday, 25 March 2008.