Alcatel-Lucent, OT-IT partner in Algeria
ALGIERS, ALGERIA: Alcatel-Lucent announced on Tuesday, 3 February a partnership with OT-IT, a new distributor to address the needs of local integrators who install and support communication solutions for small and medium businesses (SMB) in Algeria.

Stretching for universal primary education by 2015
MAPUTO: Opening day at Escola Communitaria 4 de Outobro in the Mozambican Capital, Maputo, is an anxious occasion as parents worry about their children's admission if they cannot pay the fees.

SOUTH AFRICA

2009 PEN/Studzinski Literary Award finalists announced
The South African Centre of International PEN (SA PEN) has announced the finalists for the 2009 PEN/Studzinski Literary Award. The award for original short stories in English by African authors had 827 entries, 625 of which met with the rules of entry.

ZIMBABWE

Zim: Media caught in the political vice
HARARE: As the gap between the fierce political rivalries of Zimbabwe's ZANU-PF party and the opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) narrows, there are fears that the independent media will be squeezed even more.

Allegations against NCC baseless, says Ndukwe
The executive vice chairman (EVC) of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Ernest Ndukwe at the weekend refuted allegations leveled against him and the Commission by a member of the House of Representatives, Dino Melaye, describing them as baseless.

Nigeria overtakes SA as Africa's largest telecom market
Nigeria has overtaken South Africa as Africa's largest telecom market with the highest subscriber base, Dr Ernest Ndukwe, deputy chairman, National Communication Commission, has said.

Econet Kenya CEO calls it quits
Econet Wireless Kenya has announced the resignation of its CEO, Michael Foley, just six months after he took up the appointment.

Investing in washroom advertising in UAE
Despite the current global economic slowdown, demand for washroom advertising in the Middle East is exceeding supply according to the MD of TLC Middle East, Andrew Kramer.


The Dolphin Banner or Finn Flag - Right Stuff
As with most vertical banners, the Dolphin Banner (or Finn Flag, as it is sometimes referred to) is a gregarious specimen, most comfortable and appealing in a large array, making it a great eye-catcher at outdoor events.

BOTSWANA

Botswana establishes government PR offices
Botswana government convened a meeting of public relations (PR) officers in government departments, late last month to find out why information flow is constricted.

AIR Africa 2009 introduces matchmaking programme
The first aviation industry trade exhibition, AIR Africa 2009 will take place at Gallagher Convention Centre from 22 - 24 April 2009. Exhibitors include SAAB Security and Aviation Systems, Sennheiser, Pferd SA (Pty) Ltd, IndigoSAT and Hiconnex. Organisers expect 3,500 visitors over the three-day expo.

Retailers in no rush to reopen in Zim
[Nicola Mawson] South African retailers have adopted a wait-and-see approach regarding their assets in Zimbabwe, several companies said this week.

AFRICA

‘Inside Africa' from the AU Summit
This weekend's ‘Inside Africa' on CNN International is presented by CNN's Johannesburg-based correspondent, Robyn Curnow, from the African Union Heads of State Meeting from Addis Adaba, Ethiopia.