Friday, 25 May 2012 marked Africa Day, the annual commemoration of the 1963 founding of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU). In 1963, leaders of 30 of the 32 independent African states signed a founding charter in Ethiopia. In 1991, the organisation established the African Economic Community, which set the grounds for mutual economic development among the majority of African states. In 2002 the OAU established its own successor, the African Union. The main purpose of the union was to propel a united continent towards peace and prosperity. Africa Day has since remained a celebration of African unity. The theme for this year's Africa Day was "Africa and the Diaspora." This occasion is a moment for reflection. Thabani Khumalo reflects on the continent's 21st century challenges in 'Brand Africa - flexing its muscles in the 21st century'. Let us continue to build our continent from strength to strength! In news this week, we learn about the brain behind Africa's first tablet called C-Way. If that's not enough, Verone Mankou, the creator of the tablet, has plans to release a smartphone - designed and made in Congo. In Malawi, president Joyce Banda appoints Steve Nhlane as press secretary. The country's media fraternity has hailed his appointment saying he will bring sanity into the office because of his level headedness. Airtel sees potential in Rwanda and will invest US$100 million in its operations over the next three years. The eLearning Africa Report was released and attempts to show how ICT and better connectivity are believed to be changing the face of education in Africa, and James Hurford offers 3 steps to writing well. I'm sure this will help many of you. Have a great week! Evan-Lee Courie @evan1985
Responses to this column welcomed in our online editor's column archive. Send all your Africa marketing news to africanews@bizcommunity.com and opinion pieces to contributors-africa@bizcommunity.com, also take a look at our guide "How to contribute to Bizcommunity, from op-ed pieces to news". Follow Bizcommunity on Twitter @Biz_Africa and join our Facebook page.