Vodafone deal edges closer

Vodafone is edging closer to securing control of SA mobile phone operator, Vodacom, reports Ft.com.

The company already owns 50% of Vodacom and is hoping to increase its stake to 62.5% through a deal with SA fixed-line phone company, Telkom.

Vodafone is relying on emerging markets for growth and is hoping to use Vodacom as a hub for businesses across Africa.

Rwandan president Paul Kagame stressed the need for using science to accelerate Africa's socioeconomic transformation in a speech at MIT's Kresge Auditorium, says The Crimson.

Kagame was speaking as part of the Compton Lecture Series, whose past speakers included senator Ted Kennedy and nuclear physicist Niels Bohr.

He spoke of the positive impact that technology has had on Africa and commented that while these transformative technologies have facilitated upward mobility among micro-entrepreneurs, Africa still lacks the critical mass of scientists necessary to lead the propagation of science and technology.

Aitec Africa and the Ministry of Information and Communication will host an international film and broadcasting conference, which will showcase the latest global technologies in Africa, states Eastandard.

The event comes at a time when convergence of technology has seen wireless services increase their share of the television market. Regional filming and broadcasting experts will be seeking ways to promote local content and adopt the latest technologies to boost Africa's growth.

"Different equipment vendors will brief participants on how they see the technologies changing over the next five years and how their equipment will respond to these changes," said James Mwangi, MD of Aitec Africa.