If one looks beyond the bad news emanating from Africa and elsewhere on the globe, you can always find that which will uplift your spirits. This is a continent of incredible innovation, hopeful initiatives and entrepreneurs. It often comes down to finding solutions that will work for Africa, in the vast expanses where mainstream infrastructure does not exist.
Africa leapfrogged landline connections to massive mobile uptake. In many rural areas now, solar power is the solution because the electrification of large tracts of the powerless is almost an impossible ask as the infrastructure does not exist. But solar solutions are becoming more accessible and more innovative thanks to the extreme need that exists and the market is meeting those needs.
At COP22 in Morocco last week, African leaders came out in favour of renewable energy in various climate change forums.
This has been called the "action COP" in the hope that concrete action would actually emerge leading to real change.
Lots came out of the action packed #AfricaCom2016 conference and expo last week in Cape Town, but an interesting talk from Dr Vanu Bose, social entrepreneur and former UN Commissioner for Broadband for Sustainable Development, delt with how to roll out the internet in rural areas because it is "the most important enabler of social development and economic growth of our time". With a combination of lower network costs, solar powered base stations and mobile networks, it is possible to reach the vast disconnected.

Have a great week!
Louise Marsland
Africa Editor: Bizcommunity.com

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