The 4th Mobile Africa report [.PDF] produced by MobileMonday, released at the annual Innovation Africa Digital Summit, addresses the growing strength of mobile innovation practices in Africa.

also see: 2011.pdf – 2010.pdf – 2009.pdf

Overview:

The focus of the Mobile Africa report this time is on the overall innovation ecosystem, which includes a range of stakeholders: industry, entrepreneurs, government, academia, civil society, donors and multilateral organisations. The report also addresses the crucial role of innovator networks and incubators. The material is drawn from interviews with over two dozen digital media experts as well as extensive research from news and market reports.

Sustainability of the innovation ecosystem requires the right blend of bottom up entrepreneurial energy and top-down facilitation of investment policies and infrastructure. These roles are played by global+local networks of mobile startups and professionals, such as MobileMonday. They are also augmented by industry-government-academic incubator networks such as the infoDev m:Labs.

The report identifies best practices and emerging directions for mobile innovation in Africa, and highlights the increasing profile of award winners from Africa in mobile excellence competitions in the region and globally. Overall shifts in the mobile industry are tracked in areas ranging from connectivity options and apps to operator dynamics and political impacts. The report ends with in-depth analysis of the emerging opportunities, challenges and recommendations for ensuring the growth of the mobile industry in Africa in a sustainable and inclusive manner.

The questionnaire and analysis used in this report is based on the author’s “8 Cs” framework of digital media, ie. the components of a digital ecosystem include connectivity, content, community, capacity, culture, cooperation, commerce and capital. In other words, holistic analysis of digital ecosystems should address not just connectivity devices and operator tariffs, but also localised content and services, payment options, knowledge-sharing culture, multi-stakeholder alliances, RoI models and human resource capacity in technology and socio-economic development.

This report, along with earlier annual Mobile Africa reports, will be useful and informative for innovators, incubators, policymakers, analysts and all those interested in the broader development processes and impacts of new media. The report also serves as a call to action and collaboration for other researchers interested in publishing regular insightful snapshots of mobile innovation dynamics in Africa.

Information and Communication Technology Association – Ethiopia (ICT-ET) announced today that Addis Ababa has become the latest member of the Mobile Monday family during the Innovation Africa Digital Summit which was held in Addis Ababa from March 27 to 29. The Summit, which was hosted by the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology and Extensia LTD, brought together over 400 executives, regulators and ministers within the ICT industry across Africa.

Mobile Monday, also known as MoMo, founded by Finland’s mobile enthusiasts Vesku Paananen (‘the father’ of ringtones) and Peter Vesterbacka (marketing wizard of world’s all time biggest mobile game Angry Birds) in 2000 and internationalized by Jari Tammisto, is a global network of passionate mobile developers, influencers, and investors aiming to develop the mobile ecosystem locally and globally. There are currently over 140 chapters around the world and Addis Ababa is the newest chapter. ‘We welcome Addis Ababa to the Mobile Monday family and look forward to continuing our collaboration with ICT-ET on this important initiative’ said Jari Tammisto CEO and President of MobileMonday Global.

ICT-ET aims to expose, engage and enable the private sector within ICT in Ethiopia which includes Information Technology, Communication Technology and Broadcasting Technology. ‘Our main goal currently is to expose Ethiopia’s ICT sector to the world and vice versa. Our current efforts include various events we’ve facilitated such as the Diaspora Dialogue, Innovation Africa Digital Summit with the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology, and G-Ethiopia with Google. Joining the Mobile Monday family will now help put Ethiopia on the global ICT map which is also necessary to attract investors to the ICT Park in Addis Ababa.’ added Seyoum Bereded, President of ICT-ET.

Mobile Monday was launched officially in Guangzhou on the evening of the 19th at Beta Café. The attendance rate exceeded our expectation, with more than 60 participants from various fields such as IT, media, advertising, and product design.

One could tell that Mobile Monday is a much-celebrated international event as we had participants of other nationalities as well. The founder of FIT Input method and Cloud Notebook, Mr. XiaoDan Wu,  and the founder of 21st Century New Media, Mr. JianXing Li, two magnates of the mobile community were part of the crowd too.

We were delighted to hear from attendees that overall the event was inspiring as well as interesting. As the leading organizer of Mobile Monday Guangzhou, ifanr promises to bring more exciting events about current mobile trends for the local IT and media community. Full Report Here.

GoMobile will be held in Kuala Lumpur from the 10-13th of May 2012 at the KL Convention Centre. This annual conference, expo and awards event is dedicated to the development and promotion of mobile lifestyle in Malaysia. Leading mobile companies will come together for 3 days to reach and engage the growing mobile generation.

This year GoMobile promises to be exciting, interactive and spectacular.
Since the inaugural launch debut in 2008, GoMobile has grown into a leading regional event that celebrates the mobile lifestyle with over 200,000 attending delegates over the last four years. GoMobile is 3-events-in-1, namely the GoMobile Expo, the GoMobile Conference and the GoMobile inOvation Awards Night. This is the only dedicated consumer gathering for mobile in this region.

Partners who wish to get involved – Contact Us Here for opportunities kit

At GoMobile Expo, consumers
- Are exposed to the mobile lifestyle.
- Experience and learn how to enrich their lives using mobile and internet technologies.
- Touch and feel the latest mobile technologies, services and gadgets.
- Purchase the latest mobile devices and accessories

GoMobile Conference is a 1-day conference, on May 10th, that enables businesses and consumers to explore the vast possibilities that arise from an increasingly mobile lifestyle. Register to Attend with MOMO promotion code for a 30% discount. Under the theme “Reaching The Mobile Generation” review planned Agenda Details Here.

The mobile industry celebrates its successes. The spectacular and exciting gala dinner will bring together the key players of this exciting industry for an evening of recognition and achievements with prestigious awards presented in categories ranging from mobile devices to services and contents.

For full details visit: http://www.gomobile.my We Look Forward to See You There!

Barnes & Noble is sponsoring an event for developers in London on March 19, possibly signaling a spring entry of its Nook e-reading and tablet devices into the UK and Europe.

The event is hosted by Mobile Monday London, and will feature both a panel discussion with Barnes & Noble director of developer relations Claudia Romanini, a hands-on workshop for Nook developers and a 90-minute period for “networking,” so that UK media and development folks can introduce themselves to the Barnes & Noble team (and vice versa).

“It’s a timely moment to look at the market given Wednesday’s much heralded ‘expected announcement’,” writes Mobile Monday’s Jo Rabin, referring to Apple’s anticipated introduction of the iPad 3. “With 73 million tablet devices sold in 2011, this means that tablets accounted for around 25% of mobile PC shipments last year. Although this was still.. dominated by iPad a lot of the excitement and commentary seem to be around the Kindle and the Nook – combining as they do a content ecosystem with the delivery of that content.”

The open question is whether this is merely a preemptive effort by Barnes & Noble to maintain interest in its platform or whether it signals the imminent entry of the Nook to the UK and Europe. See the full post via Wired.

James Mwai presentation during Mobile Monday event at the iHub in Nairobi.

A Kenyan has won Sh8million (75,000 euros) after his mobile application was voted the best in one of the categories and shared the top spot in another category with a Colombian in a global developers’ contest. Mr James Mwai beat hundreds of developers around the globe with his application dubbed ‘AroundMe’ in the Nokia Create for Millions challenge ‘I know’ category.

The winners of the contest that attracted over 1,200 submissions were announced at the Mobile World Congress 2012 which is underway in Spain. His application is said to be one of the most popular Kenyan apps in the Nokia Store having attracted over 250,000 downloads.

Nokia’s President and Chief Executive told participants at the conference that his company was pursuing partnerships with application developers to have their creations on its platform to help boost its status as the third ecosystem after apple and android.

“We are looking for ways of monetising these applications. Already we have put in place about 150 operator billing points across the world,” Mr Elop said. Mwai’s application beat the ten other finalists shortlisted in the ‘I Know’ category. AroundMe assists users to find businesses and services in their vicinity or any other location with a Nokia phone.

In addition to the prize money, the winning apps will be promoted globally in various Nokia-owned channels. The developers will also receive a free user experience consultation from Nokia. Winners will also receive support from a top design agency to create Spotlight banners featuring the winning apps. Via Business Daily.

Hola! – it’s soon that time once again where the mobile world players gather for an iconic week in Barcelona! Naturally there will be plenty of MoMo folks on the scene, we’ve noted their planned activities along with the best list possible – Major Props to Mobile Fringe – of all the action ontap(as).

The Belgium booth will be hosting MoMo Brussels crew, Croatia is also offering their best of the best and Ireland does mobi-mixer, Festa Catalana, on 28th. London sends a delegation via ICT Knowledge Transfer Network, Paris did local competition to nominate 4 companies to be featured at the France Pavilion, special drinks and networking ‘on’ there again this year Register .PDF, while Romania has nine companies set to participate and Tel Aviv does mixer – details here – with IMA and FinnMob.

Noted, New & Cool on-site this year Networking by Moonlight at the Magic Fountain, betting we’ll bump into many thirsty folks there. Meanwhile, quick shout-out for Telefonica and ITU who will host a Hackathon, as part of their Green ICT Application Challenge, on 28-29 February. Otherwise, suggest you join our MWC Group and get connecting.. as always it’s gonna be a total rush..

Bookmark the Mobile Version Here!

Sunday, February 26th

Innovation on the Fringe

Ease into congress by spending Sunday afternoon with us looking at mobile innovation from the perspective of investors, start-ups and network operators. Discussion panels, demos and plenty opportunities to mingle with your fellow mobilists..

GoMo News Lounge

A relaxed networking event for mobile marketing, media, advertising and app types hosted by Bena Roberts and GoMo News.

Monday, February 27th

European Leaders present Hot Topics

An event where the thought leaders of the mobile industry talk to a select group of wireless influencers about what’s on their mind.

Mobile Marketing Mixer

Join the Mobile Marketing Mixer powered by Smaato and sponsored by Adfonic, Celtra, Mobile Marketing Magazine and Poynt.

MEF Connects Party

The infamous and hugely popular MEF Connects MWC is back even bigger and better for 2012! Join MEF and its members in celebrating their 10th anniversary.

Tuesay, February 28th

IMA & FinnMob Hackathon, Cocktails & Networking

The Israel Mobile Association and FinnMob joint Booth Party, Cocktails. Networking, discussions, more cocktails at their joint stand in Hall 6, C43.

The Fjord Oasis

The Fjord Oasis, refreshments for those roaming MWC! A collaborative party with Fjord, Foursquare and Spotify.

GoMo News Blender

The annual GoMo News Blender event hosted by Bena Roberts.

Veteran’s Day Party

Due to the great feedback we got about last year’s Veteran’s Day party, popular mobile veterans, Tony Pearce from Teepee Games and Julia Dimambro from Cherry Media, are doing the same again this year!

Into Mobile Africa

Cloud Interactive is organising a one off event during the hectic period of the Mobile World Congress. As they are located in Barcelona and know the city as home you are invited to what should be a great evening.

Dutch Mobile Networking Event

The Dutch Mobile Networking Event will take place at an exclusive town house in Barcelona, Spain. The event is focused on Dutch visitors to Mobile World Congress and the main language spoken will be Dutch.

OpenMarket – Mobile Entertainment Magazine Party

Food, drink, entertainment and mobile chat from OpenMarket and Mobile Entertainment Magazine.

Wednesday, February 29th

MWC Breakfast Briefing with 160 Characters & Acision

This is one for the early birds. It’s a breakfast briefing from 160 Characters where there’ll be an informal and engaging debate around the issues affecting the messaging sector.

Bubble over Barcelona

BOB is a new half-day mini-conference which will identify and recognize mobile disruptors who are changing the way we work and play.

Artificial Intelligence in a Box with Expertmaker

Developers! Siri was just the beginning. We will tell you how to put Artificial Intelligence (AI) in your app.

Swedish Beers – Heroes of the Mobile Fringe Festival Edition

It’s that time of year again and it’s all systems go for Mobile World Congress. And as part of that, your favourite networking party of the week is back to bring you more beer

WIPJam Party – WIP it Good!

Are you ready to ROCK with WIP at MWC? We’re holding another one of our famous parties in a great new venue on the Wednesday night of MWC.

Green ICT Party and Hackathon Awards

The best two green ICT applications will be awarded cash prizes on site at this event.

Thursday, March 1st

WIPJam Developers Workshop

WIPJam is an interactive and dynamic event for mobile developers and enthusiasts. Over 40 WIPJams have been held over the past 4 years in Barcelona, London, USA, France, Helsinki, Singapore and more.

China: The Land of Opportunity Seminar

Join China’s leading Internet and media companies to learn more about the trends, opportunities and how to do business in one of the world’s leading economies.

MLove at MWC

Dear Party MLOVErs, You are invited to the second MLOVE @ MWC the final after work party!

We are thrilled to announce the debut of our sleek new Alliance Platform via the Mobile Monday .net grand central website! This effort targets our well-established network with engagement opportunities from major global supporters, using custom widgets for dynamic updating feeds wrapped in a smooth slider design, to deliver relevant and direct in page content offerings.

As noted on the top page when we re-launched here some 18-months ago:
While MoMo has traditionally meant face-to-face encounters, the need for digital interaction between stakeholders is increasingly clear. This platform is another step towards addressing the demand for members to connect with developments in the community, spanning over 100 locations worldwide.

That same principle holds true for the many sponsors of Mobile Monday events around the world over the years. “Building trusted physical connections with members is – and continues to be – the core of Mobile Monday” stated Jari Tammisto, CEO of Mobile Monday, “at the same time, our online network provides global 24/7 reach for all players and this solution enables another strong contact channel”.

It’s a great honor to feature IdeasProject, concept by Nokia, as our launch partner for this effort. The collaboration is significant in that Mobile Monday was also founded in Finland and we share an open approach to innovation through mutual exchange across all borders. According to Pia Erkinheimo, Head of Crowdsourcing at Nokia, “The philosophy of MoMo resonates well with IdeasProject. IdeasProject’s creation power is truly global with the reach to 204 countries and autonomous region. It’s idea crowdsourcing community based on voluntarism and open innovation. Ideas found from IdeasProject seek execution, while MoMo members get hands-on inspiration for their businesses.” Erkinheimo continued: “Ideas are the currency of the future. However, people are more important than ideas – and that’s what Mobile Monday is all about – people.”

Naturally there are positive discussions with several potential partners to join this campaign and of course we look forward to expressions of interest from others who would be keen to participate. The global website has gained impressive traction and we have an attractive kit, with friendly pricing and full stats reporting, available to bonafide requests for review.

“Bringing the Mobile Community Together” has long been our central stated mission, we look forward to bolt-on more value added options here in 2012. As ever, your kind support & continued feedback is most welcome.. Smile it’s (always) Monday!

Bakcell, The First Mobile Operator of Azerbaijan, is pleased to be a partner of the international conference titled “Business incubators’ activity and support of youth mobile entrepreneurship: The world experience and perspectives for development of this field in Azerbaijan” on December 13-16, 2011. The conference aims at sharing international experience on establishment of youth business incubators in Azerbaijan in order to support youth entrepreneurship in correspondence with the State Program ” Azerbaijani youth in 2011-2015”.

The conference, which is a part of Mobile Monday Baku project, is organized by the Ministry of Youth and Sport of Azerbaijan Republic and the Caspian Investment Centre (CIC) with the financial support of Bakcell and Alcatel-Lucent.

“Bakcell is interested in development of mobile social networking, as well as youth employment and entrepreneurship in Azerbaijan. In partnership with JAA Azerbaijan and Alcatel-Lucent, we have a great experience in supporting young students to develop their practical skills in telecom industry. Our joint program titled “Introduction to Mobile Telecommunications Business”, provided more than 150 undergraduate students the work-readiness and business ethics skills through the industry-specific practical training and internship program at Bakcell and Alcatel-Lucent”, Mr. Richard Shearer, Bakcell CEO said.

Representatives of MoMo in Germany, Poland, Bulgaria, Romania, Montenegro, Ukraine, Belarus and other countries will join the conference. The conference is also supported by InfoDev project of the World Bank, ECAbit (European and Central Asian Business Incubators and Technology Parks Network), and Mobile Monday Global Network.

“The International Conference of Youth Business Incubators serves as a great opportunity for Azerbaijani youth to learn from international experiences that can lead them to create local, regional, and global successes. It also makes Azerbaijan a centre for international interest and I look very much forward to meeting and supporting the local talents to succeed”, Mr. Jari Tammisto, CEO and President, Mobile Monday Global, says.

Within the conference the first MoMo Baku event is organized with the participation of representatives of local ICT companies, young developers and bloggers, and MoMo representatives from various countries.

Note that, originating in Helsinki Finland, in 2000, MobileMonday (MoMo) is an open community platform of key mobile industry visionaries, developers and influential people fostering cooperation and business opportunities through live networking events. Baku is the 123rd city joining Mobile Monday. The main objectives of MoMo in Azerbaijan will be to foster innovation within the mobile sector of Azerbaijan through presenting technology innovations from the local and world mobile marketplace and implementing new projects and applications of modern technologies. One Monday of every month an informal meeting of the representatives of mobile operators, ICT companies and young specialists on mobile technologies will be organized to share ideas and discuss innovative visions, trends, studies and forecasts from the mobile marketplace and the ways of starting new projects using mobile technologies. Via: APA