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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I don’t know if you’re a big fan of Skype like I am, but they’ve elevated this VOIP thing to a whole new level. I can hardly complain about a good thing, but Skype has always been connected by the hip to the computer. Lately two new products have come out that enable you to free skype from the bounds of your PC. Both of these items connect directly to your router instead of the computer. They also have a PC-like Skype User Interface making for easy configuration. Finally, they show all of your Skype friends/buddies who are online (Amazing!).

• The Skype WiFi Phone – £ 99.00
• RTX Cordless DualPhone 3088 – £ 109.99

I’ll review both these products in detail in future articles.

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The general consensus is that cell phones are central to bridging the digital divide. Watch below:

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The $100 laptop is a grand idea – but maybe too grand. In my previous article, I praised the initiative, but after reassessing it on the eve of its launch, I think it’s time to determine its utilitarian value. Utilitarian value is determined by an items use or function in terms of its use for humans, such as for medicine or food.

I call the $100 laptop a paradox – a contradiction unto itself for a few reasons:

• Somehow laptop + hut + no electricity just seems like a very strange combination
• $100 can help a lot more people if used for something else
• Will villagers use this gadget for learning, or as a light bulb in their homes?

The $100 laptop is a warm fuzzy idea concocted by someone in far away place, totally disconnected from what really goes on in third world countries.

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