AFRICA

CMO Council's International Speakers Bureau

The CMO Council is inviting members, advisors, contributors and faculty representatives to share their marketing expertise at leading marketing conferences, panel discussions, workshops, roundtables, webinars, business schools and media briefings by joining its International Speakers Bureau.
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SOUTH AFRICA

Through the eye of the storm: an ad man's guide to survival in 2009

[Mike Abel] Economics 101. We all know economies are cyclical. Anyone who has been around for a few decades or more has seen this truth first-hand. And while this article may not accommodate a lot of the complexities pertaining to the current climate, it will talk to how we can choose to respond. I'm hoping the wonderful, colloquial notion of “no worries” wins the day.
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SOUTH AFRICA

Two new awards for 2009 Loeries

The Loerie Awards 2009 is introducing two new awards this year, for promoting the production of non-English radio advertising and the creative use of paper. Entries open on Monday, 16 March 2009, and brand communications industry agencies from Africa, the Middle East, and surrounding island regions have until 15 May to submit their finest work from the past year.
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ZIMBABWE

Zim football club revamps brand

[Sam Hungwe] CAPS United Football Club, a Harare-based outfit, unveiled on Tuesday, 3 March its new Belgian general manager, Luc Verheyen, whom it said would transform the club from a gate-takings only business into a vibrant enterprise making money from its brand recognition. Read more >>

AFRICA

Africa lags behind in Internet access

[Alison Gillwald] As the rest of the world enjoys high broadband penetration rates and low-cost telecommunication services, the proverbial ‘digital divide' in Africa continues to grow. Improving access on the continent is a daunting challenge - but one that must be addressed if countries like South Africa are to continue on a positive growth and development trajectory, especially in light of the global economic challenges that lie ahead.
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AFRICA

Powering Africa's Internet growth

Until recently the Internet in Africa has been the poor relation to the much more successful spread of mobile phones. The experience of Africa's Internet with dial-up connections has been like trying to eat a meal by sucking it through a straw. It's been slow and expensive for the individual user so it's hardly surprising that it has thus far only attracted a relatively small band of users compared to mobile phones. Read more >>

EAST AFRICA

Ethiopia orders press shake-up

The Ethiopian Broadcasting Agency has ordered all newspapers and magazines to re-register within three months. The regulatory body has also banned proprietors from holding editorial positions in their media establishments. The deputy director of the agency, Desta Tesfaw said the new guidelines would prevent media monopoly and ensure a diversity of opinions in the industry. Critics say the new regulations are intended to restrict media freedom. Source: Panos London

ZIMBABWE

Econet eyes 74% market share

[Sam Hungwe] Econet Wireless is planning to ramp up its subscriber base to nearly two million subscribers, taking its market share to 74% unless the other two networks implement unexpected investments in network expansion. Read more >>

CENTRAL AFRICA

Malawi introduces nine-digit numbering plan

[Gregory Gondwe] The Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA) has said the country will be introducing a new nine-digit national numbering plan for telecommunication services effective 1 April, 2009. Currently Malawi uses a seven-digit format. Read more >>

AFRICA

IFJ promotes Ethical Journalism Initiative online

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) on Wednesday, 4 March launched a new website to promote its Ethical Journalism Initiative (EJI) campaign about making core values of journalism an integral part in today's media worldwide.
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AFRICA

Africa becomes financially hip

According to VISA, electronic payments are apparently making the lives of hundreds of millions of people around the world safer, faster and easier and play a critical role in stimulating economic growth and improving the financial welfare of people around the world. Read more >>

AFRICA

Nickelodeon focuses on Africa in 2009

JOHANNESBURG: Nickelodeon Africa is planning activities in 2009 to highlight the channels appeal to consumers and businesses in Southern Africa. Plans for 2009 include the launch of on- and off-air marketing opportunities for brands and companies targeting kids 2-14.
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