I tend to be an “information junkie.” So that means I often get waylaid when doing research. Sometimes my curiosity pays off and I stumble across something exciting such as The Ujima Project which is funded by AGAG members the Open Society Institute and the Ford Foundation.

The Ujima Project describes itself as a “new experiment in journalistic transparency.” It collects and assembles information from sources about spending by governments, NGOs and businesses in African countries. The list of lobbying activities is as fascinating as the list of USAID spending is mundane and list of weapons sobering.

Information overload takes on an entirely new meaning when you realize not everyone has access to it. Despite all of the offerings of the internet, in many African countries access is both uneven and expensive.

The project grew out of the Great Lakes Media Institute that was established to train Rwandan journalists. The site was developed by a software firm based in Uganda. It is still in the beta stage, but worth watching.

I love movies! They have such a profound impact on me. Their images linger in my head and shape my perceptions of things. Since my relocation from New York to a small town in Northern Virginia that does not have a movie theatre, I have taken more notice of the offerings on DVD. My library of favorites has slowly began to grow. I have fun compiling my wish list. At the top of that list is the California Newsreel Library of African Cinema. It is a collection of 67 films reasonably priced ($25 each) with such a wondrous range of classics and new titles.

In addition to documentaries on political and economic development, this collection also has films that explore common issues of identity and a sense of belonging. One of my favorites is “AINSI MEURENT LES ANGES” (An So Angels Die). I love the moving lyrical personal narrative about a Senegalese poet (played by the filmmaker Moussa Sena Absa) caught up in family drama and cultural expectations.

Another offering is DOLE (Money) from Gabonese Producer/Director Imunga Ivanga. With familiar images of young people, this film examines the intersections of youth, frustration, and hip hop. Turn the sound down and watch a scene that could take place in almost any urban setting. for the romantic, “AFRICA DREAMING” is a collection of four short films on love from Tunisia, Senegal, Namibia and Mozambique.

California Newsreel is such a great source and in addition to the great films they also have resources to enhance your learning. Be sure to check out the article “Six Pointers for Viewing African Films.”

My goal is to work my way down the list — at least to see each of them if I can’t afford to buy them. For those wanting to learn more about the rich and varied continent of Africa, the Library of African Cinema is a place to start — and you don’t even have to leave your living room. For those involved in philanthropy who want to better understand some of the issues, watching one of these films is good way to hear the story from the source. Just remember, there are lots of stories to reflect the diversity and richness of the African continent.

I get calls frequently from people interested in supporting projects in Africa looking for information and advice. A recent caller who was interested in supporting local organizations in Africa, was very concerned about what she called the” lack of technology in Africa” which she viewed as a major problem in working with local groups.

Consequently, she was already of the mindset that the best way to proceed was to fund US groups who had developed ways of working with local groups in Africa. While this is one option, it struck me how important it is for those working in philanthropy (as well as the general public) to have a sense of the growth of technology in Africa.

While communications can be challenging in many parts of Africa, the cell phone and related technologies are being used in very innovative ways. They are becoming a familiar site in the markets in the countryside as well as those in urban areas. The introduction of the 3G broadband means mobile technology will play an increasing role in internet access.

There is a lot of information about the growth of the information industry in Africa. The sources that I recommended to this caller was balancing act news (www.balancingact-africa.com). I have found it to be both interesting and informative. In addition to concise updates on the telecom, Internet, and computer industries, it also includes information on people, events, and money. (Yes, this is a growing market for investors). My other recommendation was allafrica.com, a gem of the latest news from African sources.

Also, check out the interview with Dr. Hamadoun Toure at the 2008 International Telecommunications Union Africa meeting held in Cairo about mobile investments in developing
markets. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ujZWeIZRsnI).

While the telecommunications infrastructure in Africa has its challenges, these challenges should not discourage funders from establishing relationships and supporting local groups.