I dread the thought of how one survived without Google - it is truly one of the best inventions of the 21st century. The internet has totally transformed our lives. A critical role that it plays is the ease of accessing information - a fundamental aspect to the development of any state or society, particularly in Africa.
Google launched a new initiative called ‘Africa Connected: Success stories powered by the web’. They want Africans to share their story about how the web and Google has played a pivotal role in transforming their lives, their business or even their passion.
Five of the most inspiring stories will each receive a $25,000 Africa Connected prize, as well as, expert assistance from Googlers to help make their success even greater.
20 semi-finalists will be selected to take part in an interview and to produce a short promotional video. Submissions are open from August 27, 2013 to October 31, 2013.
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| PC Screen shot taken - Tuesday, 17 September 2013, 22:23:06 SAST |
Though I must admit that it's relatively smart of Google to embark on initiatives such as Africa Connected as they also need to grow their market. Africa has roughly 1.0 billion people ('09 figures), that accounts for about 15% of the world's human population, so strategically most businesses would consider penetrating this market if they have the resources to do so.
(Ironically - I googled the figures. It was the first source that came to mind before I prompted myself to think of other digital/online resources).
There's absolutely no doubt that we need platforms like Google, unfortunately very few Africans have access to the internet due to high costs however we see a positive increase in internet access via mobile devices and one would love to see this grow.
As Thomas Jefferson pronounces - 'Information is the currency of democracy' - my brown cheeks turn into gold as I marvel at the idea of a Africa that's free of dictatorship and looting of public funds.
Africans would have understood the true meaning of democracy.
There's absolutely no doubt that we need platforms like Google, unfortunately very few Africans have access to the internet due to high costs however we see a positive increase in internet access via mobile devices and one would love to see this grow.
As Thomas Jefferson pronounces - 'Information is the currency of democracy' - my brown cheeks turn into gold as I marvel at the idea of a Africa that's free of dictatorship and looting of public funds.
Africans would have understood the true meaning of democracy.
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