The 2011 AfricaCom Awards, which acknowledges the growth and importance of the telecoms and digital sectors across the African continent, has released its shortlist of finalists in various categories. Winners will be announced at an awards ceremony on 9 November 2011 in Cape Town, South Africa. The finalists of the inaugural All Africa Business Leader Awards, which will honour individuals who have demonstrated exemplary leadership in the African business world, have also been released.

Online video-sharing site YouTube has launched a Kenyan version, www.youtube.co.ke, which will offer video content from around the world through a local interface that will promote the most relevant content to Kenyans. The announcement of YouTube Kenya comes at a time when Kenya's online user numbers are growing.

In other Kenyan news, public relations in the country has come under the spotlight after a recent report, commissioned by the Public Relations Society of Kenya, revealed some serious gaps in the profession. Meanwhile, in Uganda, the best PR brains will be awarded in November at the annual PRAU Excellence Awards.

Last week, millions of consumers, along with business leaders, colleagues, employees, friends and, of course, family began mourning the loss of Apple's co-founder Steve Jobs, who died of pancreatic cancer after fighting a long battle with the disease. Various people and organisations have paid tribute to his talents and the impact he had in various sectors.

Last but not least, Anton Crone tackles the potential of African identity in advertising.

Here's to a great week!

Evan-Lee Courie (@evan1985)

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