Africa, stand up for yourself! - 24 May 2010

Africa is not the dumping ground for developed world e-waste and should not be treated as such. Yes, the continent is happy to make good use of hand-me-downs, but when those goods are no longer usable, they need to be recycled and it is the responsibility of the original owners to make sure these items are recycled responsibly. Kenya, Nigeria and Ghana have been in the public eye from as far back as 2007 as dumping grounds for e-waste. The onus is however, also on these African countries to have strict regulations to enforce laws that deter this indifferent act. It's time to take a stand, Africa, we are an emerging continent, but let that not be seen as a weakness to overseas nations bent on dumping their e-waste anywhere but on their own doorsteps. The digital age has its downsides, and e-waste pollution is definitely one of the worst of them.

Embracing the mobile age, Kenya is brewing with innovative ways in making banking simpler. M-Pesa took off exceedingly well and now, in partnership with Equity Bank, Safaricom has launched M-Kesho, a mobile bank account service. Both these products will change the banking landscape in Kenya and perhaps the entire continent as mobile devices continue entrenching themselves in the lives of Africa's citizens.

Africa's sport broadcasting industry will also see a boost after the announcement of a partnership between the African Union of Broadcasting and FIFA. The benefits of playing host to the 2010 FIFA World Cup are coming to the fore with FIFA planning to provide advice and training in match productions during the event.

Here's to emerging Africa and her continuing enlightenment!