MEA demand for TVs grows

Prospering regional economies combined with growing disposable incomes and interests in technology are resulting in Middle East consumers demanding bigger and better LCD TVs, says Zawya.

By 2011, approximately 6.1 million units of LCD TVs are expected in the Middle East and Africa region.

Consequently, the MEA LCD TV revenue is forecasted to reach US$3.16 billion in 2011, according to DisplaySearch, an international consumer and retail market research company.

In a letter to the Bulawayo City Council, Old Mutual proposed a joint project with council to open and maintain a technology centre in Mzilikazi, states Sunday News.

Old Mutual would procure the computers and install e-mail and Internet facilities at the library.

The London Stock Exchange-listed insurance company would also service and maintain the machines over a period of one year from the date of commissioning, after which council would take over.

The mobile phone is driving a new revolution, which some experts hope could bring fairer elections and democracy to some African states, reports CNN News.

During the 2006 local government elections in Senegal, Radio Sud used reporters and correspondents with cellphones to call in what they saw.

Many African countries have struggled against rigged elections and authoritarian rule since gaining independence last century. However, African observers say the growth of simple communication technologies like cellphones are assisting many states to progress towards open and fair elections in increasingly democratic systems.