[UgaBYTES] WEEKLY NEWS ROUND UP-AFRICA (WEEK 35 )

[Mwathi Francis]

*Nigerian minister tasks youths on ICT*

30th August 2009

Nigerian minister of science and technology, Dr. Bako Zaku, has advised
Nigerian youths to embrace the world of Information and Communication
Technology so as to  be abreast with  what was happening all over the world.
Dr. Bako Zaku’s counsel came during his commissioning of the state of the
art ICT centre executed by the member representing Etsako Federal
Constituency at the National Assembly, Engr. Abbas Braimoh. Stressing the
need for Nigerians to be equipped with the latest ICT in the world, the
Minister noted that ICT was an integral ingredient for the development of
any nation.

http://www.vanguardngr.com/2009/08/30/minister-tasks-youths-on-ict/



*Mobile phone use boost for economy*

3rd September 2009

The latest Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA) statistics
have once again underscored the popularity of mobile phones and the sector's
rapidly increasing role in the development of the economy. The industry has
recorded phenomenal growth since cellular telephone services were launched
in the country about 15 years ago. TCRA puts the total number of mobile
phone users today at nearly 15 million, compared to less than 3,000 in 1995,
and about 127,000 a decade ago. Tanzania’s mobile phone revolution began in
2003, when the one-millionth customer was recorded largely due to the
increased competition following the licensing of more operators. Currently,
there are seven mobile companies and several more are expected to roll out
their networks.



Mobile phones are a source of employment as well as income and livelihood to
many. Small traders and individuals are purchasing mobile phones, which they
then use to sell phone services to customers by the call. While the mobile
entrepreneurs make profits, their customers reap the benefits of instant
communication. Apart from communicating with distant friends and relatives,
other benefits include enabling farmers to get reliable information on
markets for their produce, while traders are enabled to easily strike local
and international business deals.

http://www.thecitizen.co.tz/newe.php?id=14821



*Bridging the digital divide in rural Africa*

2nd September 2009

Commonwealth Telecommunications Organisation examines ‘Universal Service
Funds’

Internet access has largely been the preserve of rich, urban, industrialised
communities since the World Wide Web was born. But, in a digital age,
information and communication technologies (ICTs) are essential to the
growth and development of emerging economies, such as those in Africa.

A major conference organised by the Commonwealth Telecommunications
Organisation (CTO) last week sought to redress the digital isolation of
rural communities in Africa.

http://www.thecommonwealth.org/news/34580/213159/020909digitaldivide.htm

* *

*Senegal's mobile customer growth slows to 5% in Q2*

31st August 2009

Senegal added 299,936 mobile phone users in the second quarter, for 5.01
percent growth to 6.28 million users and a 51.63 percent penetration rate,
according to telecommunications regulator ARTP. This is the lowest quarterly
growth in a year, contrasting with 11.03 percent growth in the first
quarter, 7.57 percent in the fourth quarter of 2008, 6.12 percent in the
third quarter of 2008 and 14.15 percent in the second quarter of 2008.

http://www.telecompaper.com/news/article.aspx?cid=688500



*Sh3 Billion Lost to Software Piracy in Uganda*

1 September 2009

Microsoft, a leading software maker, loses Sh2.8b monthly to piracy in
Busoga, Buganda and Ankole, a survey has shown. However, the firm loses over
$15b (about sh31.7 trillion) annually due to software piracy, Andrew
Waititu, the firm's anti-piracy manager for eastern and southern Africa, has
disclosed.

"In Uganda, over 86% of the firm's software loaded on computers is not paid
for or counterfeit," he added. Software piracy is the unauthorised copying
of software and its illegal distribution for business or personal use.

http://www.newvision.co.ug/D/8/220/692985?highlight&q=Microsoft




-- 
Enter our Photo contest for your chance to win recognition and prizes from
telecentre.org
For more info, please check www.telecentre.org


Francis Mwathi
Support Community Facilitator
UgaBYTES Initiatives (www.ugabytes.org)
Telecentr.org (www.telecentrecommunity.ning.com)
Tel: +256 414 370163
Mob: +256 783 010269
Skype: francis.mwathi
E-Mail: mfrancis at ugabytes.org