CALD International

Why the world’s technology giants are investing in Africa By Fiona Graham Technology of business reporter, BBC News, Accra Young people gaining access to technology is key for Africa, tech companies say "I don't understand. Why is it that the media only seems to talk about Africa when bad things happen?" Read more here: -  http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-24524260  

Why does Kenya lead the world in mobile money? May 27th 2013, 23:50 by T.S. PAYING for a taxi ride using your mobile phone is easier in Nairobi than it is in New York, thanks to Kenya’s world-leading mobile-money system, M-PESA. Launched in 2007 by Safaricom , the country’s largest mobile-network operator, it is now used by over 17m Kenyans, equivalent to more than two-thirds of the adult population; around 25% of the country’s gross national product flows through it. M-PESA lets people transfer cash using their phones, and is by far the most successful scheme of its type on earth. Why does Kenya lead the world in mobile money? M-PESA was originally designed as a system to allow microfinance-loan repayments to be made by phone, reducing the costs associated with handling cash and thus making possible lower interest rates. But after pilot testing it was broadened to become a general money-transfer scheme. Once you have signed up, you pay money into the system by handing...

In mid-February 2013, the National ICT Master Plan (2012-2017) was launched by the Kenyan Government. It is a strategic document aimed to fast-track ICT investment and innovation. The former Ministry of Information and Communication had projected that by 2017, “the ICT Industry should be contributing an estimated USD 2 billion (25% of GDP), created 500 ICT companies, and brought in 50,000 jobs. The impact is also expected to be felt by SMEs with their automation projected at 60%, the number of commercialized business is placed at a 100 while 20 new innovations are expected to be propagated globally.” According to the Kenya ICT Board, four goals set by the Master Plan to be met by 2017 are: Goal 1:  Every citizen, resident, home and institution will be connected through a countrywide robust, accessible and affordable ICT infrastructure. Goal 2:  Kenya will become the leading ICT HUB in African attracting leading global players and generating globally respected local entr...

MICROSOFT - The 4Afrika Initiative.   This is a new effort through which the company will actively engage in Africa’s economic development to improve its global competitiveness. This is a multi-year initiative that represents our increased commitment to Africa as we celebrate 20 years of doing business on the continent. The world has recognized the promise of Africa, and Microsoft wants to invest in that promise. As we look forward to our next 20 years, we wanted to explore new ways to link the growth of our business with initiatives that accelerate growth for the continent. To do this, we are focusing on three critical areas – World-class skills, Access and Innovation. The goal is to empower every African who has a great idea for a business or an application and to turn that idea into a reality which in turn can help their community, their country, or even the continent at large. The Microsoft 4Afrika Initiative is built on the dual beliefs that technology can acce...

Kenya: Uhuru Secures Microsoft Support for Computers Nairobi, Kenya — President Uhuru Kenyatta has secured support of Microsoft International in the implementation of the computer to schools programme. In a meeting held at State House Nairobi, Microsoft Global President Jean-Philippe Courtois said his company will support the government in training all primary school teachers to enable them implement computer to schools programmes by January next year. Courtois further said his company will work with different partners to develop at least five enterprises in each county to provide technical support in hardware, connectivity and software to all schools in the country. He also assured the president that his organisation will develop a research and innovation hub at Konza Technology Park to support software developers in the country adding that through Microsoft's universal access to broadband programme, the company will provide connectivity to rural schools, hospitals and ho...

Diasporas for Development Initiative Share this: Tweet FB Email Cuso International is seeking American diaspora volunteers with business and entrepreneurship skills in Kenya, the Philippines, Peru, Ethiopia and Jamaica. Read the story behind this photo A public-private partnership generously supported by USAID and Accenture, implemented by Cuso International, the 'Diasporas for Development Initiative' (DfD) is designed to support and promote the mobilization of diaspora communities to address human resources gaps – often due to “brain drain” – in developing countries. The 'Diasporas for Development' volunteers will provide support to partner organizations in the creation and development of employability and entrepreneurship skills and opportunities. DfD is open to all US citizens or permanent residents who are members of the diaspora community and others who have a demonstrated relevant connection to, or experience in, the target country. Overall, t...

Open webpage or plain text version. Add us to your safe senders list Cuso International has exciting opportunities that match talented individuals to organizations and communities in Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean to share expertise, perspectives and unlock potential. Many new opportunities have come online in the last few weeks, so if you haven’t taken a look at our volunteer opportunities page recently, you really need to check it out. Don’t forget that we provide a comprehensive financial, personal and professional assistance package . All you have to do is choose how far you want to go.   Volunteer Openings IT Advisor (Ethiopia) Business Development Advisor (Guyana) Fundraising and Project Development Advisor (Bolivia) Organizational Development Advisor (El Salvador) Adapting Livelihoods to Climate Change (Cameroon) Entrepreneurship and Employability Advisor (Kenya) Hi...