Stories about Development from November, 2006
Kenya: the world social forum
The world social forum and civil society: a reification of the state or an oppositional discourse?, asks Kameelah Writes.
Africa: are we failed states?
Enanga's Pov refutes the notion that Africa is a home to the greatest collection of failed states. She writes, “We should stop calling babies bad names because we cannot give them the time and freedom to grow.”
Pakistan, India: Governance in Azad Kashmir
The Glasshouse comments on the state of governance and lack of telecommunications in Azad (Free) Kashmir. “It was shortly after the earthquake that I learnt that the so-called president, prime minister and cabinet ministers of that benighted place were more or less permanently ensconced in Rawalpindi, only making infrequent trips...
Moldova: Another Belarus?
Mihai Moscovici wonders if, following the Minsk CIS Summit, Moldova may turn into Europe's next Belarus.
Nigeria: putting the record straight
Grandiose Parlor responds to a blog post suggesting that Nigeria is skunk slime of Africa, “The writer displays a gross lack of knowledge, for he should have realized that while there are several bad elements among its nationals, Nigeria has contributed immensely to the socio-political, and economic growth of the...
Africa: technology conference '07
Tech4Africa '07 is gaining momentum, writes One Afrikan: “And so it begins…. We’ve started getting some really good feedback for the Tech 4 Africa conference (last check we were up to about 30 replies after a day or so of being up and emailing to an initial beta group for...
Malawi: Malawian windmill
Hactivate has a moving story about a windmill in Malawi, “The windmill stands on a tripod of wooden polls about five metres above the ground. It consists of locally-available materials and as far as he can remember his investments were K500 for two bearings, K500 for a bicycle dynamo, K400...
Albania: Flags and Skyscrapers
Our Man in Tirana writes about Albania's Flag Day and the capital's amazing new skyscraper.
Africa: the African ICT Achievers Awards 2006
Here is a list of winners of the African ICT Achievers Awards 2006, “The Winner of the Top ICT Youth Innovator Award, Nomfundo Nguse(19), was also a finalist in the Top ICT Young Entrepreneur category.”
Africa: Africa's economies
Eliesmith writes about the 2006 African Development Indicator, “According to the report, the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Republic of South Africa have retained their dominant positions on the economies of sub-Saharan Africa. Both countries account for 55% of the GDP of the region.”
Voices from Central Asia and the Caucasus
Astana (Kazakhstan) – Waiting for a bus – photograph taken by Richard Messenger (Many more bus stops here) While we're waiting for the bus, why not check out some of this week's highlights from the Central Asian and Caucasian blogosphere, brought to you bi-weekly by neweurasia? Web 2.0 in Central...
Haiti & Debt Relief: Will Government Measure Up?
Jojo at Collectif Haiti de Provence posts a Radio Kiskeya article on the World Bank and IMF conditions for permanent debt relief for the country and writes (Fr): “The conditions for permanent debt relief are clear and precise and for once seem human … Can our compatriots once in power...
Flying Over the Iraqi Blogodrome
Literally this time. I am writing this as my flight to Dubai is actually flying over Iraqi airspace. First time ever. If I were to give a true summary of the Iraqi blogs these past weeks it would be one of sadness, death, and violence. But I am not going...
Africa: paradigm shift
The Benin Epilogue asks whether there is a paradigm shift in African business.
Africa: what China wants from Africa
Dr. George Ayittey‘s analysis of China's interest in Africa, “China’s increasing involvement in Africa should be viewed against this backdrop. Despite the euphonious verbiage about “cooperation”, “equal terms,” and “altruism,” the real intentions of China are threefold. The first is to gain access to Africa’s resources by signing with a...
Sudan: brain gain
Are you a Sudanese living abroad? Do you want to go home and serve your country? The UNDP has a special programme for you.
Malawi: redefining development
Afrika-Aphukira redefines development in Malawi, “Ten or so years ago I would have interpreted ‘development’ in a specific way: the sprouting of new, big and tall buildings, and new tarmac roads, in Malawi’s cities, towns and rural areas. In the last six or so years I have come to think...
Africa: making Africa stinking rich
Do you want to help Africa? Cherryflava writes, “Forget poverty, AIDS, TB, malaria and corruption and lets focus on making Africa stinking rich. Keep you charity money, we don't need a handout. But we do need your time and creative business ideas.”
Russia: Putin's Piece in the FT
Ruminations on Russia reads an article by Vladimir Putin in the Financial Times.
Balkan Blog Roundup: Focus on the Positive
The Balkans need reconciliation, confidence and positivism to change and become the winning region of Europe with happier citizens. You can see that in the inspirational words from the Serbian, Bosnian and Croatian blogospheres. Toshiba posts some thoughts of the late Serbian Prime Minister Zoran Djindjic during his motivational meetings...
Kenya: dealing with China is risky
Kumekucha asks, “Does Kenya know what she is doing dealing with China?”
