Technology stunts Africa's MDG target

Ayuba Kadafa, regional director for Africa of the Global Digital Solidarity Fund, has warned failure to properly deploy cutting-edge technologies may thwart efforts to meet the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) by 2020, reports The Business Day.

As a result, he observed, there is a high likelihood that many African nations would fail to meet the MDGs, which seek to bridge the gap between rich and poor nations and individuals.

“Stakeholders need to increase their levels of commitment in mobilising resources to address challenges to development,” says Kadafa.

The Environment Agency has confirmed it is investigating firms suspected of illegally shipping electronic waste to scrap yards in Nigeria and Ghana, says BusinessGreen.com.

After facing criticism for its apparent failure to look into the illegal dumping of UK computers in Africa, the Environment Agency opened a formal investigation into the firms believed to be involved in the practice.

Earlier this year, a Greenpeace report found PCs from a number of UK local councils and universities, including Kent County Council, Southampton County Council and Salford University, had been illegally exported to Nigeria and Ghana, where they were being broken up in conditions hazardous to the workers involved.

Wananchi Group, one of Kenya's Internet pioneers, has released its triple play consumer service under the brand name Zuku, states AllAfrica.com.

The launch of Zuku brings together multi-channel television, broadband Internet and, in a few months, voice services. In areas where the cable roll-out has not happened yet, the company will bridge technologies using WiMax.

The company hopes to give coverage to 300 000 homes in Nairobi and Mombasa by the middle of next year.