I am a blogger, journalist, lawyer, digital activist and new media consultant. I am interested in the relationship between social media and development in the developing world, particularly Sub-Saharan Africa.
I am the Sub-Saharan Africa Editor here at Global Voices. Follow me on Twitter: @ndesanjo
Latest posts by Ndesanjo Macha from August, 2010
Cameroon: Prisoner of conscience Lapiro de Mbanga
Emeka writes about Cameroonian prisoner of conscience Lapiro de Mbanga: “Amid nationwide strikes and mass demonstrations, popular singer Lapiro de Mbanga, who had demanded that the president resign, was arrested and charged with inciting youth unrest. In September he was jailed for three years…”
Gambia: The Smiling Coast of Africa
Travel journalist Tony Knight blogs about his visit to Gambia: “The Gambians you meet are friendly and engaging. There is a level of bumster activity intent of selling you refreshments, gifts and tours. Having got their measure though, look beyond at the genuine welcome you get everywhere.”
Nigeria: Nigerian Spoken Word Crusader
Jibola introduces you to Plumbtifex, the Nigerian spoken word crusader:”As a person, he embodies an activist in all that he is. His dissatisfaction with all that is wrong with the Nigerian situation and general societal ills already mark him different.”
South Africa: Plus size modeling in South Africa
African fashion blog, Ladybrille, links to a Zoopy TV video that looks at plus size modeling like in South Africa.
Africa: 10 Most Influential African Fashion Websites
MyWeku brings you 10 of the most influential African fashion websites that cover clothing and accessories and bring timely reports on fashion shows, promoting African fabrics and fashion trends.
Zimbabwe: Mugabe and the White African
Mugabe and the White African, is a documentary that chronicles the plight of Mike Campbell – a white African in his fight against the government of Robert Mugabe.
Ghana: Photos of Ghanaians threatened with relocation
Bunmi displays Devin Tepleski's portraits of the inhabitants of Bui, Ghana, who are threatened with relocation by a new hydroelectric dam.
Zambia: Abuse of copyright rules online
Malama Katulwende comments on the recent abuse of copyright by tZambian Watchdog and Lusaka Times websites and the issues it raises on the legal and ethical practice of the the websites.
Africa: Maker Faire Africa 2010: First Day
Photos and first day account of Maker Faire Africa 2010: “This year, besides having jua kali creators from Kenya, we also have makers from Uganda, Rwanda, Ghana, Malawi, Nigeria and South Africa. It’s a great turnout, and continues the tradition from Ghana last year.We’re seeing all kinds of incredible ideas...
Kenya: My Take on Ngugi Wa Thiong'o's Autobiography
Njeri Wangari reviews Ngugi Wa Thiongo's new autobiography: “Dreams in a Time of War… let you get an understanding of Ngugi that you probably have never before. We all to tend to think that Ngugi a radical who is too pragmatic about use of his mothertongue only drawing his characters...
Ethiopia/Eritrea: Languages spoken in Ethiopia/Eritrea
Learn about languages spoken in Ethiopia and Eritrea:”Amharic is the dominant and official language of Ethiopia.Whereas Eritrea does not have any official languages but English, Italian, Tigrinya, and Arabic are languages which are commonly used in official communication.”
Nigeria: Arrest Ibrahim Babangida
Adeola wants the former Nigerian President Ibrahim Babangida to be disqualified from contesting any election in Nigeria and be arrested and tried for treasonable felony.
Cameroon: A white person is eating me
Christina is an American volunteer in Cameroon. She has met a man who needs her help because,”He tells me that a white person is inside threatening his mother. And then the next day it is that a white person is eating him.”
Togo: Computer Camp in Togo
Life of an American volunteer in Togo:”In the beginning of June, we held our computer camp! The boys came the first three days and the girls came the three days after that. Everything actually went really smoothly.”
Ghana: Recycled Bolga Baskets
Photos of recycled Bolga baskets from Ghana: “But this is not crappy marketing, this is just being honest. These baskets go quickly. So quickly that the photos to show from last week’s delivery are redundant because the damned things sold out already.”
Nigeria: Am I the last hope of my generation?
Nigerian blogger Adeola asks, “Am I the last hope of my generation?”: “Nollywood is torn apart by the amount of money that its members will receive for the support or campaign for Jonathan. One useless group called NIGERIA ECOWAS YOUTH or Nigerian Youths in ECOWAS has promised to open a...
Uganda: The Expat/Ugandan Dynamic
Mark Jordahl discusses corruption allegation at Uganda Wildlife Authority and lessons to be learnt about the dynamic between foreign experts and Ugandans: I believe that for some, there is a tendency to assume we mzungus bring more to the table than we actually do.”
Ghana: Is Mario Balotelli Italian or Ghanaian?
Is Mario Balotelli Ghanaian or Italian? That's the question that has created a heated debate online. Mario Barwuah Balotelli is a football striker playing for Manchester City and Italian national team. He was born to Ghanaian immigrants in Italy.
Ghana: A plea for music education
Graham's plea for music education in Ghana: “Bedsides football, music is perhaps one of the most loved things in Ghana yet considered to be the most trivial when it comes to education or career choices.”
Benin: Traveler Recounts Experience at Porga Border
Toyin Ajao recounts his horrific experience at Porga border in Benin:”When it was my turn, the officer in charge asked me to pay 5,000cfa to get my passport stamped and I asked why it was so. He did not bother to answer me but commanded me to leave his sight...
Ghana: Sex Scenes in Ghanaian Movies
Nana Bosu notes that in an effort to appeal to African moviegoers and distinguish their films from Nigerian films, Ghanaian movie-makers include steamy sex scenes in their movies.
