2012 has been an unprecedented year on many fronts. While some parts of the world slowdown in slow burn recession, others heat up with activity and noise.
Knowledge is no longer the domain of the rich and powerful. In the face of economical decline, the online decentralisation of information means bloggers are now almost as influential as newspaper publishers, youtube has killed the TV star, twitter is the daily news source and facebook has become the social heartbeat of our ‘universe’.
While economies in the West gear down, Africa is displaying a quickening of sorts.
The increase in education, democracy and globalised trade means countries and people across Africa are spreading their wings and reaching heights they never would have before.
In particular the continent is in a steep economic growth phase – over 34% of Africa is now middle class and enjoying unprecedented levels of disposable income. Forbes’ 2011 inaugural list of the 40 Richest People in Africa is a testament to the growing global importance of the continent. Fortunes are being created everywhere from South Africa clear north to Morocco and Egypt in a diverse array of industries, by companies that cater to local tastes or worldwide needs.
Mobile penetration in the developing world is shoving aside traditional services such as inbranch banking and new apps drive the juggernaut of crowdsourcing power to the masses.
At the same time African proud art, music, fashion and entertainment is bubbling all over Sub Sahara as Africans express their joy and creativity.
The excitement is palpable and Afritorial was launched to capture this new breath of fresh air and give a platform to the millions speaking up all over this amazing continent.
Afritorial.com is Africa’s modern, new fresh voice – a news and content hub for our brave leaders, power-brokers, thinkers, artists and entrepreneurs who are making a real and marked difference – now and in the future.
And no, we’re not a TED wannabe.
About Neva Mwiti – Founder
Born and bred in Kenya, and now living between Nairobi and Sydney, Australia, Neva is a storyteller and media strategist with a background in PR, advertising and digital marketing who is passionate about technology, new media and the endless possibilities of the social and mobile sphere.
She’s developed digital and social media strategies and campaigns for leading companies such as Australia’s Commonwealth Bank, McDonalds, Nikon, Sydney Opera House, Clinique, Elizabeth Arden, Budweiser, Lion Nathan, Alex Perry Fashion, etc. She’s also written for several publications including the Sydney Morning Herald.
Other than a great coffee, what gets her up in the morning is her drive and heart for Africa. She enjoys hiking, running and cooking with her other half, and reads voraciously in her very ‘spare’, spare time.
