Africa Book Club - Dr Ayittey

I haven't done much reading in terms of African Literature, but that being one of my new year's resolutions, "Africa Book Club 2011 books of the year" seems to be a great place to start. Listed are some of the best books to come out of the continent this year.

That said, i have been reading Africa unchained by Dr Ayittey, a wonderful and phenomenal great read which i have found myself unable to put down. Dr Ayittey is a Ghanaian economist who has very strong views on Africa's problem and solutions which he is not afraid to share. His address to the cheetah generation partly in the book and on his TED interview here is inspiring and beautiful.

He recently did an interview on what Africa requires to develop and his emphasis on Africans taking charge of their futures can be seen through this blog to be happening more and more through all the cheetahs.

In addition, the Arab spring which we have been witnessing over the last year, Dr Ayittey has also released a new book on Defeating Dictators which looks like another must read. The book addresses his belief that Africa's biggest problems come from the bad leadership that can be seen all over the continent. Africa Book Club features a review of his book and other new releases from the continent to get you started on discovering more African writers.

Little doses of inspiration - Links we love

A continent full of hope: Africa rising

Are you the next Jay- Jay Okocha or Didier Drogba, well Airtel is looking for you in its rising stars programme

Kenya needs more innovators, wise words from Linus Gitahi CEO of Nation Media Group, Kenya

A new book on African fashion that should be on every coffee table and a fabulous christmas present

Just a band are back!

Your Pity Is No Longer Required

I have been trying to describe to myself and others what this blog is about but having just discovered an article by Jonathan Klan on your pity is no longer required, somehow took the words out of my mouth. He could not have said it more brilliantly. Too often the stories coming out of Africa are negative but through the blog i aim to show that there is much more to the beautiful continent than is shown on western media.

"By sharing stories of social entrepreneurs, social businesses or enterprises, or simply young entrepreneurs in the developing world who blazing their own paths out of poverty, i am hoping to shift away from the common mistake of simply documenting 'poverty', towards documenting 'potential'. That in my opinion, will have a much greater impact on the global narrative and western perspectives of these emerging economies".

The article captures the importance of seeing hope and the vast potential that is in Africa as opposed to focusing on the tired old stereotypes. He tells the story of what is happening in Lagos, Nairobi, Freetown and various other cities. From hardworking students to ambitious entrepreneurs to aspiring leaders, ordinary Africans are working hard to create a great future for the continent.

"So let's end this pity party and start focusing on the real problems, real solutions, and real narratives of the countries. It will be a welcomed change, i promise".

MTV - Aliko Dangote

The Forbes article on the wealthiest people in Africa was recently released and it's been getting quite a buzz on the social media sites. The top prize went to Aliko Dangote, a Nigerian business man the head of the cement and food company dangote group. Africa's wealthiest man just featured on an MTV Base series offering advice to aspiring young entrepreneurs on succeeding in business. This looks like a great initiative by MTV, which needs to happen more often, where African leader's men and women can sit with the young and offer them words of wisdom.

Watch the interview on here

"I dream of an Africa which is in peace with itself"

- Nelson Mandela

Little doses of inspiration - Links we love

• Uganda's 1st electric car
• Tedx Euston - a gathering of great African minds in London
• A Sauti-Sol and AY (Tanzanian/ Kenyan) collaboration we love

Afrographique

I have just discovered this amazing blog Afrographique, which features African raw data. Ivan colic whom created Afrographique takes raw data and makes it interesting and understandable for everyone. Presenting it in a fun and visually appealing way, the creator describes it as "exciting and digestible". There is so much data that is released on Africa regularly and i think this is a brilliant way to share it.