Here's the perfect example of how social networking via the internet can bring change. Tree-Nation is a project aiming to get 8 million trees planted in the shape of a heart in the Sahara - yes you heard that right. This sounds like a colossal process, but is inherently feasible… via the web of course. You can join and buy a tree for as little as 10 Euros. By planting your tree, you can help combat desertification and regenerate the productivity of the land. This in turn will have a major impact on the livelihoods of the poor in the region.

"When we plant trees, we plant the seeds of peace and the seeds of hope"
Prof Wangari Maathai.

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I'm sure you've already heard of Oprah's most recent philanthropy - a new $40 million leadership academy for girls in South Africa. More than enough has already been said, but I had to drop a comment or two. Many rich people have given in the past and continue to do so, but in my opinion all that has been a ripple in the water compared this. The indirect impact of this action cannot even be fathomed at this point. What surprises me is the fact that there are always critics out there who want to nitpick about anything - for instance, some ask why she's doing this in South Africa and not in US inner cities. My response to them is 'Get your own damn money and do with it as you please'.

I'm really curious to find out what drives Oprah. She continues to amaze us all with her deeds.

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Statistics show that the African brain drain has accelerated rapidly in recent years with the departure of high level academics and senior management personnel to Europe and the United States. The main attraction of course has been the pursuit of higher salaries and standards of living.

Anti-immigration policies in the west have been the bottleneck controlling this seepage. I know some consider this a bad thing, but in my opinion, this has been Africa's saving grace. It is now worrying that the US and EU are considering new policies that will do the following:

• Attract skilled labor
• Boost job creation
• Control illegal immigration

Countries like Germany are at record unemployment rates (10%), with almost 5 million people out of work. Ironically, there is a shortage of skilled labor and homegrown solutions to this problem are failing, forcing them and other EU countries to result to other means - specifically reassessing immigration policies. Immigration can of course provide them with badly needed skills, boost productivity, and raise living standards overall.

Unfortunately these policies will do nothing to alleviate Africa's dire state of poverty - but leave us worse off. More African scientists and engineers work in the United States than in all of Africa - leaving the entire African continent of 600 million people with just 20,000 engineers and scientists.

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We welcomed South Africa's freedom with open arms - new markets, new trade partners and quite importantly new technology. Realize that from the 60's South Africa experienced unprecedented economic growth that rivaled many countries in the west. Much of this was attributed to low wages for black labor resulting in extremely high profits.

South Africa has become such a force on the African continent to the point that they're now rivaling the post-colonial influence of Europe… hence the term Sub-Imperial. A 'Trojan Horse' is the best way I can describe it. Consider this: NEPAD (New Partnership for Africa’s Development) which was initiated and overseen by South Africa exerts muscle on other African governments and is the backbone of the African Union. Further, NEPAD takes its orders from IMF, World Bank and the WTO (World Trade Organization).

Writing in the February 2006 issue of Openspace, a digest of the Open Society Initiative for Southern Africa (OSISA) and the University of Botswana, Console Tleane-head of the media and ICT programme at South Africa's Freedom of Expression Institute-observed thus: "For some, the relationship that South Africa has with other SADC member states, and the continent as a whole, is that of self-imposing sub-imperial power which will stop at nothing to exert its influence and extract as many benefits from every relationship that it develops".

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The recent years, I’m sure you’ve probably noted China’s increased presence in Africa. Predictions are that China will be Africa’s number one trade partner by the end of the century. Many in the west are quick to point out that China is only interested in Africa’s vast natural resources like oil and raw materials.

China’s intentions are not that much different from the wests except that there is a lot less BS! You have to remember that the former colonial powers did not come to Africa out of the kindness of their hearts. Their time in Africa can be summarized as the pillaging and impoverishment of a continent. After they left, they continued to rape us with western aid programs that were supposed to help, but have instead thrust us beneath mountains of debt we can never hope to pay back. Who can blame Africans for welcoming the Chinese with open arms – our relationship with the west has always been extremely bittersweet.

China on the other hand is not interested in Africa’s diplomatic affairs. They are more interested in signing contracts – with very simple and clearly stated terms. Basically everyone is happy at the end of the day. The way things are looking, China could end up being Africa’s biggest lending partner in the not too distant future. Money with no strings attached is what Africa needs today. The former colonial powers have very selfish reasons for wanting to help. All I can say to the west at this point is thanks but no thanks.

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All public schools in Rwanda are expected to join the information super-highway by the end of next year. Already, half of the primary and secondary schools have embraced the new technology, which has been given priority by the Government under its 2020 vision programme.

Out of 2,300 primary schools, 1,138 have at least one computer each, with 400 secondary schools fully equipped and 39 of them having wireless internet access.

The Rwandese Government has supplied the 400 schools with 4,000 desktop computers and 4,000 power units (UPS), in addition to training 2,000 teachers in basic computing.

– Daily Nation

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In an unprecedented move, the Kenya Anti Corruption Commission web site now allows you to report corruption occurring in Government and the public Sector. The system guarantees anonymity and confidentiality – supposedly. I just hope we’re not sending these reports to the very people we’re trying to nail. All pun aside, the effort must be commended because this is a major step towards transparency.

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