· July, 2010

Stories about Sub-Saharan Africa from July, 2010

Kenya: Netizens Discuss Kenya's Referendum

  31 July 2010

Bloggers are discussing Kenya's referendum on the proposed new constitution, which will take place on on August 4, 2010.The campaigns for the referendum involved two camps: “Yes” camp led by the Kenyan President and the Prime Minister and “No” camp led by the church.

Madagascar: Pillaging of Rain Forests Was Supervised by National Special Forces

  30 July 2010

The Malagasy field researcher who contributed to the report on rosewood illegal logging in Madagascar entitled “Between Democracy and Conservation” explains the method they used in conducting their18-months-long secret investigation [fr]. He states that the investigation was conducted away from the government task force and that he is glad that...

Global Threat of Wheat Killer Rises

  30 July 2010

The risk posed by a fungus that is deadly to the world's second largest crop, wheat, continues to rise. The killer fungus, called Ug99, causes stem rust disease, which can destroy entire wheat fields.

Ghana: New Ghanaian movie

  30 July 2010

MightAfrican writes about a new movie from Ghana, Sinking Sands: “Recently, Leila sent me the trailer for the movie. “Sinking Sands” is about a couple, Jimah (Jimmy Jean-Louis from Haiti) and Pabi (Ama K. Abebrese from Ghana) in a loving marriage which turns into one of violence and abuse when...

Kenya: Mobile Payment Revolution

  30 July 2010

Erik looks at mobile payment services in Kenya: “Kenya is quickly gaining a competitive advantage in the mobile payments space. Led by mobile operator giant Safaricom with their Mpesa product, the market locally sees huge value in mobile money transactions.”

Kenya: Support for Alcoholic Drinks Bill

  30 July 2010

Alan Masakhalia features on Mzalendo Vox Pop arguing that the Kenyan President should assent to the Alcoholic Drinks Bill. Mzalendo Vox Pop is a feature readers share their views on their constituency.

Africa: Should Africa care about space exploration?

  29 July 2010

Should Africa care about space exploration?: “As Africans, we have always had an interest in the sky – the Dogon of Mali were found to have an advanced astronomical knowledge without the use of telescopes.”

Nigeria: Literary prize money that never comes

  29 July 2010

Jeremy Nigerian writers who never receive their prize money: “There is a general pattern emerging with the award of literary prizes in Nigeria. The delighted author or poet hears the good news and attends the award ceremony…And then the prize money never comes.”

Angola: A short lesson in Angolan music

  29 July 2010

A short lesson in Angolan music from Isacorreia: “Semba is a typical Angolan genre rooted in traditional carnival rhythms, such as kilapanga, rebita, kazukuta and kabetula…Kizomba is a new Afro style and semba is an old one.”

Nigeria: Reflections from AIDS2010

  28 July 2010

Nigerian blogger's reflections of AIDS2010: “It has been my pleasure to share with you some of my reflections from AIDS2010, from a Nigerian perspective. I have not covered in detail a lot of the interesting scientific issues emerging from the conference.”

Nigeria: 50 years of hopelessness

  28 July 2010

Adeola writes about Nigerias “50 years of hopelessness”: “We have complained that it is morally wrong for Nigeria to celebrate the 50th year anniversary in an ostentatious manner because of the resounding failure of the various governments since 1960.”

Côte d'Ivoire: Journalists accused of document theft are freed

  26 July 2010

The three journalists of Le Nouveau Courrier d'Abidjan arrested for refusing to reveal their sources have been finally released [Fr] this evening after a two-week ordeal. The journalists were found not guilty of theft but the newspaper is fined and suspended for 15 days for publishing information under legal consideration.

South Africa: What would you ask God if you had the chance?

  26 July 2010

Last week, South African blogger Khaya Dhlanga asked people on the “Internets” what they would ask God if he said they could ask him anything. He has posted some of the answers on his blog. One reader, Busi31, for example, would like to ask: "Can you also make me turn water into wine?"

Africa's Hunger Hardships Spur Biotech Debate

  25 July 2010

Many solutions have been proposed to help combat hunger in Africa, but one in particular remains controversial: biotechnology. Many experts suggest that genetically modified organisms could help ensure food security. Others claim there are numerous risks associated with adopting GMOs in Africa.

About our Sub-Saharan Africa coverage

Zita Zage
Zita Zage is the Anglophone Africa Editor. Email her story ideas or volunteer to write.

Jean Sovon
Jean Sovon is the Francophone Africa. Editor. Email him story ideas or volunteer to write.

Dércio Tsandzana
Dércio Tsandzana is the Lusophone (Portuguese) editor. Email him story ideas or volunteer to write.