Nigeria ICT receives $50m

According to an article on www.thestandard.com, the World Bank has agreed to commit $50 million to ICT infrastructure development, connectivity, skills development and capacity-building in Nigeria, says IT News Africa.

Ismail Radwan, a senior economist with the African Finance and Private Sector Development agency, says: “The key intervention in Nigeria includes connectivity, infrastructure development and the outsourcing sector.”

The article says the World Bank hopes to achieve significant transformation in the region through this investment.

The Africa Wildlife Foundation (AWF) has devised a way to use GPS technology to curb rising conflict between wild animals and humans as well as tackle an ongoing problem with poachers, says PC World.

To monitor interaction between wildlife and communities, AWF is using collaring technology, where an animal is fitted with a GPS device to monitor its movement, according to Steven Kiruswa, Maasai Steppe Heartland director for the AWF.

The technology is used to monitor elephants, lions and zebras as well as other endangered species in 11 African countries. In East Africa, the collars are used in Amboseli National Park in Kenya and Tarangire National Park in the Kilimanjaro region of Tanzania.

Members of the International Network of Women Engineers and Scientists (Inwes) met in Abidjan last month to discuss setting up an African regional network, states University World News.

Delegates from 12 African countries attended the conference 'What role for women engineers and scientists in the developing Africa', organised by the Ivorian society of women engineers and scientists.

Inwes is a non-governmental organisation with links to Unesco, and supports women working in science, technology, engineering and mathematics by strengthening capacity of individuals, organisations and corporations through professional development.

Kenya has been chosen to host the 2009 MTV Africa Music Awards, according to MTV Networks Africa and telecommunications company Zain, says GBC.

The annual celebration of the African continent's contemporary music and youth culture will take place on Saturday 10 October 2009 at the Indoor Arena, Moi International Sports Centre, Nairobi.

Alex Okosi, senior vice-president and managing director, MTV Networks Africa, says: “As a vibrant and influential cultural hub, the city of Nairobi will form a brilliant backdrop to the MTV Africa Music Awards and ensure that the second edition of the Awards will be a truly unforgettable experience.”