Events Calendar

Technology Challenges and Opportunities in Africa

Speaker: Professor Guy Berger,
Head of School of Journalism & Media Studies Rhodes
University, South AfricaAbstract: Ubiquitous computing is coming to Africa in the guise of the cellphone. There is some
truth in the notion that this has entailed some 'leapfrogging' over stages seen in more developed
parts of the world, as evident in a range of adoption and innovative uses of ICT. Yet, at the same
time, there is also a degree of insulation from the technology-implicated disruptions of institutions
such as the mass media industry. Meanwhile, the huge potential of the digital revolution in Africa is
nevertheless constrained in many places by a poor and fragmented policy environment and limited
public understanding of what's needed to build an African Information SocietyIn this context, the Highway Africa project at Rhodes University is an intervention that seeks to enlist
journalists into making a positive difference around technology around the continent Africa. Over 13
years, this multi-faceted initiative has worked to ensure that mass communicators around the
continent understand, use and report on ICT issues. As such, it operates a conference every
September that has become the world's largest annual gathering of African journalists. This event
exposes the cohort to debates around open source and proprietary software, broadcast digital
migration, blogging and citizen journalism, etc., as well as to hands-on training workshops in the
use of technologies like Twitter and cutting-edge Content Management Systems. Highway Africa
also operates further training programs outside of the conference, and its activities further include a
news-agency and a research arm. The staging of the Soccer World Cup in South Africa in 2010
provides an opportunity to intensify and amplify the impact of Highway Africa.Bio: Prof. Berger is one of the leading figures in African media and media studies. For a decade, he
has directed Rhodes University's journalism and media studies program, and he has been a leading
figure in journalism and technology on the African continent. His visit is part of the Provost
Distinguished Visitor program for the fall. His programs at USC are being coordinated by USC
Annenberg's Geneva Overholser and Erna Smith.VSoE Host: Professor Shrikanth Narayanan, (213) 740-6432

Location: Hughes Aircraft Electrical Engineering Center (EEB) - 248

Audiences: Everyone Is Invited

Contact: Talyia Veal