Daily Maverick: US 2012: Where on the election map is Africa? – When it comes to Africa, the US elections have often fallen silent beyond conflicts in the north. Yet with budget cuts looming, the economy on everyone’s mind, and vital bills due to expire in a few years, many Africans are left wondering where their country’s stand. (J Brooks Spector)
VOA: Nigeria Tackles Maternal Mortality – 150 women die every day due to pregnancy related causes in Nigeria, giving it one of the highest maternal mortality rates in the world. In rural areas, the number could be even higher. But the government is not ignoring the problem any longer. By hiring 6,000 new midwives to join communities across the country, they are hoping to save nine million people through their expertise and care. (Sunday Elijah)
CNN: African apps take on mobile gaming industry – When you think tech-startups, Africa is probably the least likely place you’d expect the next technology revolution. But with over 700 million mobile broadband subscribers and growing, taking the initiative in Africa couldn’t make more sense. Startup companies across the continent are against the challenges to update Africa to 21st century technology and gaming, and also create jobs while they’re at it. (Vladimir Duthiers and Claire Brennan)
Devex: Why USAID’s new youth policy will boost development – In order to make longstanding changes for future, you must invest in the young. Which is why USAID has started a new “Youth in Development,” a policy which strengthens the commitment to elevate the voices and power of young people in the developing world throughout USAID’s programs. (Susan Reichle)
Reuters: East Africa hobbled by shortage of skilled oil workers – East Africa may be at the center of every resource investor’s mind, but without skilled workers trained in the industry, the benefits for local populations could be lost without investment in training programs. (Drazen Jorgic)
