Following the successful bid by Rwanda Telecentre Network (RTN) to host NetAfrica, one of the immediate priorities was to have the network legalized by the host country as an international organization. In consultation with other members, NetAfrica officers Rita Mijumbi and Cleopa Otieno were endorsed to join Paul Barera who is also the NetAfrica Chair on August 18, Saturday to authenticate statutes and resolutions documents to aid the registration process. They were joined by RTN’s Chairman who will act as the legal representative of the organization following a requirement of the registration laws in Rwanda. This huge step now allows the network to officially start its operations and mandate in Africa. The network recognizes the major role funding and technical support; Telecentre.org Foundation has offered it since inception to this point.

Among the key highlights of the next plan of action include the following:

1. Organize a Pan-African telecentre event at regional level as run up to the global forum and support national network to organize similar events at national level to create an interaction platform amongst telecentres practitioners and stakeholders in the ICT industry with notable presence of government’s participation.
2. Organize and promote various webinars at regional level.
3. Enhance the capacity building for National Network through use of already existing resources such as the Telecentre.org academy program, social entrepreneurship and other areas relating to emerging technologies such as web 2.0
4. Pilot globally relevant initiatives such as the Telecentre Europe’s, Get online week in some Africa countries and encourage collaboration and networking with other regional networks.
5. Support the growth and development of existing national networks as well as encourage the creation of more telecentres support networks.
6. In partnership with the foundation organize resources mobilization event for Africa region.
7. In partnership with Cisco, implement Cisco Academy in selected telecentres
8. Encourage local and international volunteer program and placement at grassroots telecentres in Africa.

NICE International BV is a social venture that has developed the NICE Concept: a business model to distribute development products and services in BoP markets, through a network of solar-powered ICT centers operated by local entrepreneurs on a franchise-basis. NICE aims to unleash the potential of people in developing countries through powering ICT with renewable energy.

With this purpose NICE International BV has developed the NICE Concept: a business model to distribute development products and services in Base of Pyramid (BoP) markets, through a network of solar-powered ICT centers operated by local entrepreneurs on a franchise-basis. The products and services offered in NICE Centres have the potential to help people in developing countries towards income generation.

The concept is based on four components: sustainable energy, an ICT infrastructure, and value added services.

For more information see: www.nice-international.com

e-mpower Africa Online Newsletter is a monthly publication of the Knowledge Network of African Community Telecentres(KNACT) and supported by United Nations Economic Commission for Africa. It is compiled by KenTel.

e-mpower Africa Online is a compilation of online posts by telecentre practitioners, users and enthusiasts and also shares other developments that are important to telecentres accross Africa.

Attached is the current PDF version of the newsletter. This version is intended for those with poor or no internet connectivity. We encourage telecentres in rural areas to print it and share with some of their groups located in remote areas

Kindly send your comments and links to the stories to  Cette adresse email est protégée contre les robots des spammeurs, vous devez activer Javascript pour la voir. .

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This is an opportunity for young professionals to shine a global ICT spotlight on their innovative ideas and digital creativity.

Enter the Young Innovators Competition at ITU Telecom World 2012 (in Dubai, 14-18 October 2012) to show the world how your fresh thinking and talent for technology can provide real-world solutions to real-world problems and change the future for the better. Showcase your innovation on a truly international stage and win the chance to access development workshops, industry expertise and the unparalleled networking potential of World 2012.

For more Information see: http://world2012.itu.int/young-innovators-competition/

Call for Abstracts: ´Feeding 1 billion in Africa in a changing world´. Deadline: 14 May 2012.

The CTA/ FARA/IFS/ ANAFE/ RUFORUM consortium, in collaboration with AGRA and NPCA, is pleased to announce the launch of its 2012-2013 Africa-wide women and young professionals in science competitions. With a population of approximately 1.03 billion in 2011, and a growth rate of 24 million per annum, Africa’s population is expected to double by 2050. The continent needs to increase agricultural productivity in a sustainable manner as well as find endogenous solutions to respond to the challenges. Africa’s investment in science and innovation remains low; and only one African university is listed among the top 500 in the world. Women are under-represented in all areas of policy, education and research and many of Africa’s youthful population; 70% aged 30 or younger, do not see a future in agriculture or science. The continent faces a knowledge and skills gap as ageing scientists and academicians retire.

The 2012-2013 Africa-wide competitions will evaluate, recognize and reward the contributions of women and young professionals who are involved in: (i) Pioneering and innovative research; (ii) Communicating their research results and technological developments; and (iii) Advocating for policy change as well as influencing policy processes through their research. They will also raise awareness of the need for valuing and sustaining the engagement of women and young professionals and facilitating their contribution to Africa’s socio-economic transformation.

Get the Women in Science competition announcement here:

English version http://knowledge.cta.int/en/Media/Multimedia/Call-for-Abstracts-2012-2013-Africa-wide-Women-in-Science-Competition

Version française http://knowledge.cta.int/fr/Media/Multimedia/Appel-a-resumes-Concours-Femmes-et-sciences-en-Afrique-2012-2013

Get the Young Professional in Science competition announcement here:

English version http://knowledge.cta.int/en/Media/Multimedia/Call-for-Abstracts-2012-2013-Africa-wide-Young-Professionals-in-Science-Competition

Version française http://knowledge.cta.int/fr/Media/Multimedia/Appel-a-resumes-Concours-Jeunes-professionnels-et-sciences-en-Afrique-2012-2013

Read the related concept note here:

English Version http://knowledge.cta.int/en/Media/Multimedia/Concept-Note-2012-2013-Africa-Wide-Women-and-Young-Professionals-in-Science-Competition

Version française http://knowledge.cta.int/fr/Media/Multimedia/Concept-Note-2012-2013-Africa-Wide-Women-and-Young-Professionals-in-Science-Competition