November 12, 2005
Africa calling
A thorough and wonderful article from the FT on the many ways cell phones are shaping Africa's economy.
... "All across Africa people are investing in mobiles, from slum-dwellers and shoeshine boys to nomadic tribesmen and politicians running election campaigns. A communications revolution is sweeping across the impoverished continent, now enjoying the fastest cell-phone growth in the world.... Since mobile phones have become affordable for many in a country where more than 50 per cent of the population lives on less than $1 a day.
... Yet while the mobile industry has so far enjoyed success on the continent, the revolution is still not complete. Network coverage is often erratic and in some areas it requires a hike up a thorny hillside to ensure a decent signal.
... Another problem is keeping batteries topped up when many Africans have no access to electricity. Back in Kajiado, it’s Wednesday - market day - and Albert Mbarnoti, a 28-year-old Maasai herdsman, small-time cattle trader and proud owner of a Siemens, has walked 14km to the town for a shave and to part with Ks20 (15p) to charge his phone. He’ll then trek home. Most others in the area go through the same process.
Portrait of Massai on cell phone from Kiswahili Teacher - Nowadays it is not unusual to see a Maasai In the middle of what we used to call 'nowhere,' talking on a mobile phone while herding his cattle.
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