Somali’s Dahabshiil, an international funds transfer is on the forefront of spreading tech and innovations in the country in a move to nurture growth and development.

Speaking at oxford University, Abdirashid Duale the firm’s CEO, pointed out the need to focus on the growing take-up of information and communication technologies (ICTs) among Somalis, and to discuss how innovation in those industries can nurture growth and development.

Duale is drumming up support for interconnectivity in the Somali territories’ burgeoning telecoms sector.
During his talk, titled “ICTs, Innovation and Regulation in the Somali Territories”, MrDuale pointed to the remarkable expansion of the Somali telecoms sector and stressed the need for further interconnection between networks.

Telecoms has been one of the Somali economy’s major growth areas since the collapse of central government in 1991, with many companies emerging to fill the void left by the single state-owned provider that had previously served the market. Thanks to a combination of strong demand and light regulation the new operators thrived. Stiff competition between them has resulted in telecoms services that are among the cheapest and most reliable in the region.
Dahabshiil, the Somali territories’ largest private employer and one of Africa’s leading remittance businesses, entered the telecoms sector with the acquisition of Somtel, a dynamic, fast-growing firm specialising in advanced mobile technology. The move was representative of a broad regional trend of money transfer companies – alert to the synergies between the two industries – becoming increasingly involved in mobile.

As the number of providers grew, so too did the need for an interconnectivity agreement between them. Calls between networks were impossible and it was common for a Somali mobile user to have four or five different SIM cards. In a government-brokered deal, a handful of companies began to open their networks up to competitors’ customers, beginning a process of integration that has made it easier for Somalis to keep in touch.

Commenting on the need to build on this progress, MrDuale said: “While important steps have been taken there is still much to do to tie the sector together for the benefit of consumers.
“The wider rewards are there for the taking. There are more than two million mobile subscriptions in the Somali territories and ordinary people are now enjoying the advantages of being connected with each other and with the outside world.”

“The spread of telecoms has been hugely empowering: enabling businesspeople, investors and aid workers to do more with existing resources. From traders checking market prices to doctors giving remote consultation, the penetration of mobile and internet services has had an extremely positive impact on Somali life.”

The manner of the Somali telecoms boom is in many ways characteristic of the way the territories have lived on their wits for the last 22 years. Innovative, freewheeling commerce has flourished in the absence of regulation – fuelling development and raising living standards. Livestock, money transfer, energy and construction have all seen astonishing growth thanks in part to inflows of financial and human capital from the diaspora. As the political and security situation in Mogadishu continues to improve, tech-savvy entrepreneurs are returning – bringing their skills and knowledge with them.

MrDuale concluded: “It is this entrepreneurial flair that has sustained the Somali people through many challenges.
“Good governance is needed for us to reach the next phase of economic maturity, and the need for agreement on mobile networks is a clear example of where regulation and regulators have a role to play. But in the interests of retaining that innovative, pioneering spirit it is vital that we refrain from overregulation.
He hopes that as the region continues to stabilise, the way will be open for a policy environment that complements rather than stifles business growth, and harnesses it for the benefit of ordinary Somalis.

The Intel Education Service Corps (IESC) is a short-term service and career development opportunity for a select group of Intel employees to support the deployment of Intel classmate PCs in developing countries.
The organization works closely with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in developing countries to deploy technology solutions based on Intel® Learning Series purpose-built platforms. The NGOs include CARE, Save the Children, World Vision, and many others.
Namibia is one of the African countries that has embarked on an exciting initiative to equip schools with education technology based on the Intel Learning Series. Intel is collaborating with the Ministry of Education to support two “model schools” in the Oshana and Omusati regions of Namibia.
The primary objectives of the initiative is to inspire educators on the effective use of technology for Namibia’s primary and secondary schools, and to create a blueprint for the technical environment required to deploy and sustain the use of Intel Learning Series solutions in Namibia’s schools.
The team has taught 45 teachers and administrators how to use a variety of educational software, content, and resources such as Khan Academy, internet search, email, YouTube, Facebook, Skype, and Microsoft Office, with a focus on developing and delivering effective lesson plans. They were also introduced to the Intel Learning Series classroom management software that allows teachers to share content with students.
IESC Team Namibia optimized 35 Intel classmate PCs and a teacher laptop at each school and enhanced them by adding a number of education software packages. The team ensured the proper configuration of internet connectivity to the school, the wireless local network and the classroom server to allow for the smooth functioning of all elements of the solution. With the documentingof their work, the team’s efforts will be shared with the other schools in the deployment to maximize the effectiveness of the technology.
According to the team, the teachers showed high interest and particular enthusiasm for instruction on email and social networking tools as well as Microsoft PowerPoint for its capability as a story telling medium. Before IESC Team Namibia left, a number of teachers expressed how technology helps them feel more connected to the rest of the world.
The Intel team that includes both teachers and administrators says it’s honored and humbled to represent Intel and help expand the use of Intel Learning Series solutions in Namibia and they target reaching more than 1,200 learners at the Ondjora and Oshikulufitu Combined schools.
Intel is indeed making impact around the globe, and since 2009 to date, more than 160 Intel volunteers have deployed over 1,200 classmate PCs in 11 countries , including Bangladesh, Bolivia, Ecuador, Egypt, Haiti, India, Kenya, Senegal, Uganda, Vietnam, and Zambia. Theteams initiative to train teachers and students to effectively use technology cannot thus be over emphasized.

BlackBerry  recently announced an updated  BlackBerry® World™ storefront (formally BlackBerry App World™)  before the new BlackBerry 10 smartphones in a move that will give the smartphone users one of the most robust music and video catalogs in mobile today.

The  BlackBerry® World™ storefront will include an extensive catalog of songs as well as movies and TV shows, with most movies coming to the store the same day they are released on DVD.  The competitive offering will feature content from all major studios, music labels and top local broadcast networks. Customers will be able to preview tracks and access the content using multiple payment options.

According to Frank Boulben, Chief Marketing Officer at Research In Motion, music and video content are an integral part of a rich mobile experience and he further explains that people want easy and convenient access to their favorite music, movies and TV shows wherever they are .
The video download and rental section in BlackBerry World will initially be available in the US, UK and Canada. Varying by region and distributor, customers will have access to movies from the following studios and independents: 20th Century Fox, Entertainment One (eOne), Lionsgate, MGM, National Film Board of Canada, Paramount Pictures, Sony Pictures Home Entertainment (US), Starz Digital Media, STUDIOCANAL, The Walt Disney Studios, Universal Pictures (UK), Warner Bros. Customers will also have access to TV shows from the following broadcasters and studios: ABC Studios, BBC Worldwide, CBC/Radio-Canada, CBS, DHX Media, ITV, National Geographic, NBCUniversal (UK), Nelvana, Sony Pictures Home Entertainment (US), Starz Digital Media, Twentieth Century Fox Television, Univision Communications Inc, and Warner Bros.

The BlackBerry World storefront’s DRM-free music download section will feature an extensive catalog from all major and independent labels including: 4AD Records, Domino Recording Company, finetunes, Matador Records, [PIAS] Entertainment Group, Rough Trade Records, Sony Music Entertainment, The Orchard, Universal Music Group, Warner Music Group, XL Recordings and Zebralution. The music section will initially be available in 18 countries: Canada, USA, UK, Argentina, Brazil, Columbia, Mexico, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, South Africa, Spain, Australia, India, Malaysia, New Zealand and Singapore.

Lagos to host Social Media Week, a worldwide event that is powered by Nokia.The event is truly historic and will be happening here in Africa for the very first time since its launch. The event will take place from 18-22 February 2013, with the unifying global theme: Open & Connected: Principles for a Collaborative World.

Social Media Week is a global platform that connects people, content, and conversation around emerging trends in social and mobile media. It brings together hundreds of thousands of people every year through learning experiences that aim to advance understanding of social media’s role in society. It’s apparent that Africa can no longer be by passed as a hub of innovation.

Nigeria, an epicenter of business, art and technology for the African continent is excited to become part of the global conversation. With over 100 million mobile phone subscribers, it boasts of the highest number of internet users in Africa and ranks 10th globally.  Lagos looks forward to the invaluable opportunity to examine the economic, social, and cultural impact of social media for Africa. Attendees can expect a wealth of insight on topics ranging from mobile app development for agricultural communities to the prevalence and importance of social media in the government sector

Other host cities for the February event include Copenhagen, Doha, Hamburg, Miami, Milan, New York, Paris, Singapore, Tokyo, and Washington DC. In 2012, over 66 000 people from 26 countries around the world attended the event.

SMW  is partnering with Channel O Africa, a leading Urban music channel.

A recent study reveals that many Kenyans in the lowest socio-economic strata go without food and transport or opt for cheaper alternatives to save money to purchase mobile phone credit.

The interesting study reveals that many people regardless of their socio-economic levels rely on the mobile phone technology for both personal and professional needs.

The study which was carried out by iHub Research and Research Solutions Africa and commissioned by the World Bank, Sought to explore mobile phone usage among prepaid Kenyan mobile subscribers making less than $2.50 per day.
It’s startling that one out of five people interviewed for the report chose to forgo necessities like food or transport to purchase mobile phone credit. Some would eat cheaper food, such as rice and vegetables, instead of meat so they could buy credit. For instance, one respondent explains that she sells mangoes and thus uses her phone to take orders from her customers. Just like her, Susan Wacera who sells jewelry in a nearby market stall often walks to work instead of using public transport.

Findings from the research suggest that mobile phones provide support to small-scale businesses, increasing their income levels as they are cited as a factor for increased business income among the target group.
This findings corroborate with the latest statistics report published by the Communications Commission of Kenya (CCK)for the July to September 2012 quarter that the country’s mobile penetration rate grew to 77.2% (from 75% in the previous quarter) on a mobile subscriber base of 30.4 million active SIM cards.
CCK also reveals that 99% of the 30.4 million active sim card users are prepaid subscribers with a 71.2 to 76.7 Minutes of Use (MoU) per subscriber per month representing a growth of 7.7% with SMS messages sent in the period increasing by 10.1 percent to reach 1 billion.
Indeed Mobile telephony is no longer just a mode of communication but a means to life and sustainability.

In a bid to create learning experiences that unleash a child’s creativity, One Laptop per Child Association(OLPCA), a not for profit organisation based in Miami, has introduced new educational products to foster child centric learning.

One Laptop per Child(OLPC)is an internationally recognized project supported by Miami based, One Laptop Per Child Association.The association seeks to provide modern education to children through a modern device.

The Association is driven by the desire to prepare children to be full citizens of the emerging world and the best preparation is to develop the passion for learning and the ability to learn how to learn.

Recently the organization introduced three new products: XO Learning System, an Android Compatible software suite for child centric learning. This product is available by license to computer manufactures, governments, NGO’s and content providers for instance book Publishers. Other products include XO Tablet and a fourth generation iconic green and white laptop with both a keyboard and a multi-touch screen using Neonode Technology.

The organization works together with like minded Nonprofit Organizations to offer support to parents and teachers and help them make informed decisions about Media .Common Sense Media for instance offers more than 18 000 media ratings and reviews based on both robust educational research and child development guidelines.XO Learning also offers a full range of parental controls and user IDS for up to three children,a dashboard where the child or parent can review usage,types of content and the skills the child is developing.The device switches from English to Spanish and additional languages will be available in future releases.

In addition to helping to curate the XO Learning content, Common Sense Media has also provided Digital Passport™ an interactive learning environment designed for students in grades 3-5 to teach them how to safely navigate a technology-enhanced world, to the XO Learning platform. Digital Passport™ is already available in classrooms via OLPCA XO laptops in the U.S. and internationally.
“OLPCA and Common Sense Media share the same vision of a world in which all kids have access to the limitless learning opportunities that technology provides,” said Amy Guggenheim Shenkan, president and COO, Common Sense Media. “By using ratings and reviews from Common Sense Media to inform XO Learning, OLPCA has created a product that will point kids towards the highest quality digital media products available, and will go a long way to ensure our kids are well-prepared to grow, thrive, and succeed in the 21st century.”

A clear manifest of their desire can be traced in Kenya at Imani Primary School where 6 LPCS were purchased through the Give-One-Get-One (G1G1)programme and at Asilong Primary School in West Pokot where 100 solar powered XO laptops were deployed.These programmes are replicated in a dozen other countries.

Look out for more OLPC ventures as it prepares to launch more products to empower children.

Mocality Kenya and Nigeria to shut down soon.

SA’s MIH Internet Africa  is cleaning its closest. Last year it shut down its Kalahari shops in several countries.

Today reports have emerged that it’s shutting down its business directory sites dubbed  Mocality with a presence in Kenya and Nigeria.

Naspers Ltd., through its subsidiary MIH Internet Africa, is shutting down operations of its digital business directory and daily deals platform, Mocality, in both Kenya and Nigeria. The closure, effective February 28, 2013, marks the end of one of Africa’s more ambitious early attempts to digitize small and medium-sized business listings on the continent.

Founded in 2009, Mocality had built a database of more than 100,000 businesses in Kenya alone and later expanded to Nigeria. The service also included Mocality Deals, a Groupon-style daily deals product that was meant to drive consumer traffic and monetization.

Despite growing user numbers, monetization remained elusive.

“We were not able to build a profitable business on top of the traffic and data we amassed,” said Mocality CEO Neil Schwartzman, citing slower-than-expected revenue growth and high operating costs.

The company said all existing advertisers with contracts extending beyond the shutdown date will receive full refunds. Digital coupons already purchased by users will remain valid until they expire or are redeemed. Business owners using the directory have been advised to back up any data before access is terminated.

Cautionary Signal

Mocality’s closure serves as a warning for digital entrepreneurs in emerging markets: user growth and data alone may not be enough to build a viable business. While Mocality offered its core directory service for free to encourage adoption, this made generating sustainable revenue more difficult, particularly in markets where online ad spending is still developing.

The move also reflects a broader strategy shift by Naspers, one of Africa’s largest tech investors, as it increasingly prioritizes ventures with more immediate monetization potential.

Regional Impact

Mocality’s exit will affect thousands of small businesses in Nairobi and Lagos that relied on the platform for visibility. The company’s early promise had attracted attention for its mobile-first approach and aggressive user acquisition tactics, which included crowdsourcing listings and offering cash rewards to contributors.

While Mocality’s shutdown ends one chapter in Africa’s digital startup story, it also underscores the importance of revenue resilience in markets where infrastructure, payment systems, and digital maturity are still evolving.

Samsung recently introduced the largest ultra-high definition TV, at 106”, a new F8000 flagship set and a new interface. This replaces the conventional ‘electronic programme guide’, or channel list, with five screens that make internet connectivity central to the idea of television and will be the first thing users see when they turn on their Samsung TV.

The new Smart Hub ‘On TV

Users will not need to dig through the hundreds of channels and that personalized TV recommendation even analyzes how viewing habits change throughout the day.
The new Smart Hub ‘On TV’, will include programs playing  as well as personalized suggestions for each viewer; separate home screens, which users will swipe to with either gesture or remote control, will then cover on-demand movies and TV, photos, video and music from users’ own collections and then also social features and Smart TV apps.

Other new features announced included the use of more natural language to control TV. In a demonstration, a user asked his TV, “Anything good on today?” Other options included asking “Is there Premiere League on today?” Options could be chosen by saying , for instance, “Select the first one”.

Samsung beat its counterparts in the market

Samsung beat its counterparts in the market because of its wider range of content availability, including a focus on regional and ethnic film and TV, as well as its more closely connected products. It also demonstrated, for instance, a connected refrigerator that can download apps and connect to a smart phone.

The company also introduced five intuitive panels help consumers manage and navigate different types of content, which are displayed as thumbnail images for the first time so it’s even easier to select and watch the content on the big screen. With a light hand gesture (flipping), you can discover five totally different experiences in Smart Hub, as if you have five new TV sets.”

Tanzania government has revealed plans to cut sales tax (VAT) on mobile phones and computers. The move is intended to boost Tanzania’s communication sector as well as the economy.

Prof John Nkoma, The director General of Tanzania Regulatory Authority (TCRA) while addressing a press conference said “we are planning to reduce taxes on mobile phones handsets and computers to allow the public easily purchase them since the majority relies on their mobile phones and computers to conduct their businesses.

Mobile subscribers across East African region are highly taxed

A report by GSMA in 2009 shows that mobile subscribers across East African region are highly taxed as compared to their counterparts in other parts of the world. For instance Uganda and Tanzania impose mobile-specific taxes which when added to VAT may result to consumers paying taxes as high as 30%.

The government of Kenya cut the 16 % general tax on mobile handsets

In the year 2009, the government of Kenya cut the 16 % general tax on mobile handsets increasing purchases by more than 200% and the mobile industry generated 8% of Kenya’s GDP.
The Director added that TV broadcasters need to speed up their migration to digital broadcast services to enable the regulator to resell the digital dividend spectrum to the mobile networks.