On our mind this January 31st, 2012 are a range of themes – from the changing Internet cafe demographic to Wikipedia to mobile platforms.

Sierra Leone’s transparency portal, SA targets corruption using new media, mobile begins to negatively impact Internet cafe business, ACE cable brings hope to Liberia, start-ups urged in Zimbabwe, Egyptian protests one year later, terrorists use the Internet in Algeria and Nigeria

Facebook adoption in Africa, although rapidly spreading at the moment, is starting to slow in more developmentally-advanced countries. Even if Facebook user growth rates settle at 25% annually, it could be ten years until Kenya boasts 30% of the population on Facebook.

ITU Internet numbers are rightfully authoritative and grab the attention of the public, but they should be used with care. Instead, consider citing local data.

Ambitious broadband policy for Mauritius, Internet training in Mali, Mozambique eyes e-government, opinions on social media in Kenya/Nigeria/Rwanda, “3.75G” for Ghana & Zambia, broadband costs, and more!

Recently, the Global Impact Study, a five-year study researching how libraries, telecentres, and cybercafes make a difference, released its first working paper. Ghana is one of the five nations surveyed.