Senegal: U.S. Brings Solar-Powered Technology to Schools

21 April 2011

Technology developed by U.S.-based CyberSmart relies on a low-cost solar energy system to power computers, video projectors and interactive whiteboards in classrooms in Senegal.

A student in a rural school in Senegal uses a special infrared pen to control a computer's desktop on a screen that works as an interactive whiteboard. The technology, developed by U.S.-based CyberSmart, relies on a low-cost solar energy system to enable student-centered, whole-class learning of core academic subjects in the classroom.

A netbook computer, a video projector and the infrared camera that enables the interactivity are situated behind the translucent nylon screen, out of view. The rear-screen projection keeps equipment, cords and outlets away from the students, who use the computer by touching a marker to the nylon screen.

allafrica.com (http://allafrica.com/stories/201104220038.html)

Wärtsilä to expand two power plants in Senegal
http://www.ifandp.com/article/0014016.html
27 September 2011
Flexible power plant supplier Wärtsilä has been awarded the contracts to expand two existing power plants, delivered by the Finland-based company, in Senegal. The EUR60m contracts were signed with Senelec, the country’s public utility company.

Wärtsilä will supply turnkey extension solutions to two existing power plants. The Bel Air power plant was built in 2005 and the Kahone plant in 2006. Powered by 18-cylinder Wärtsilä 46 engines, both facilities are maintained and operated by Wärtsilä under a 15-year agreement signed in 2006. The extension projects will provide two additional 18-cylinder Wärtsilä 46 engines to each site, which will increase output by 34MW to 102MW on each site.

“The main focus in all our discussions with the Senegalese authorities was the urgency of the situation. There was enormous pressure to come up with a solution that could quickly and efficiently alleviate the challenges relating to the nation’s rapidly increasing need for power. Senelec is already very familiar with the advantages of Wärtsilä’s proven technology and Smart Power Generation benefits. The reason for Wärtsilä being awarded this contract was our ability to engineer, deliver and construct these extensions to two power plants in just 12 months,” says Tony van Velzen, Regional Director, Africa, Wärtsilä Power Plants.

Wärtsilä has a leading position in supplying flexible power plants to West Africa. In Senegal alone, Wärtsilä has already supplied 14 power plants with a combined electrical output of more than 220MW.

Senegal | Business, Economy and Investment News (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=1388170)

^^
Cool but why not just post this in there.
Much more people will visit and read than thinking about going into the Nigerian subsection to find news about Senegal economics and investment. :nuts:

Dakar: 'Capital of Franco-African fashion'

http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/dam/assets/120619022334-dakar-fsahion-pic-5-horizontal-gallery.jpg

(CNN) -- It may not have the allure of Paris or New York but Dakar in Senegal is quickly making a name for itself as a force to be reckoned with in the fashion stakes.
The 10th annual Dakar Fashion Week wrapped on Sunday, attracting an international audience to its showcase of African collections.
A decade after Senegalese designer Adama Ndiaye launched the first show, Dakar has now earned itself the unique title of being the capital of Franco-African fashion.
It's an important milestone for a country few would associate with high-end fashion.

Fashion analyst Helen Jennings says this year's event, attended by the "godfather of African fashion" Alphadi, cemented Dakar's reputation.
Jennings, the editor of Arise, a London-based African fashion magazine, pointed to the important differences between English and French-inspired fashion on the continent.

"Anglophone Africa is much more westernized on the whole and therefore gets more international attention. While Francophone designers, although still very contemporary, do veer toward more traditional styles, especially the Senegalese boubou and north African kaftan.
"It made for a refreshing change to see these influences on the catwalk."
However, she added that Dakar was by no means the capital of African fashion: "Without a doubt those capitals are Nigeria (host of Arise Magazine Fashion week) and South Africa (which runs Africa Fashion Week)."

The African fashion industry's growth in recent years is part of a wider economic boom on the continent, says Jennings."Whereas previously Africa was only seen as a source of anthropological inspiration for international brands, now its homegrown talents are standing up and being counted too and riding the wave of interest in Africa's broader cultural and economic ascension," she said."Established names such as Duro Olowu in London, Xuly Bët in Paris, Kofi Ansah in Ghana, Jewel By Lisa in Lagos and Marianne Fassler in Johannesburg are inspiring younger talents while more and more African fashion weeks, magazines, websites, boutiques and schools are blossoming."
Web boutiques bring African fashion to global market
While the global economic downturn has hit Europe hard, African countries have remained fairly resilient since the 2008 financial crisis, according to a recent joint report from researchers McKinsey & Company and advertising agency TBWA.
The report - The Changing Face of the African consumer - surveyed 15,000 people across 10 countries. It claims the growth of Africa's population, expansion of the middle class and rising optimism about the continent's future will play a crucial role in the development of its retail industry.
"Africa's economic growth is creating substantial new business opportunities that are often overlooked by global companies," it said.
The boom is good news for Dakar Fashion Week founder Ndiaye, who hopes the show will one day reach the heights of Paris and New York -- yet with a distinctly African style.
Watch: Traditional dress of Senegal
Bright colors, bold traditional African prints and a touch of old Hollywood glamor dominated the catwalks throughout the week, held from June 12 to 17.
Designers hailed from across the continent, such as Lebanese-Ivorian Elien Kuame, whose elegant cocktail dresses blended both western and African traditional styles.Senegalese designer Maguette Gueye utilized traditional African prints, while compatriot Mamta Lopy concentrated on a more sultry, western style.
http://www.cnn.com/2012/06/21/world/africa/dakar-fashion-week/index.html?iid=article_sidebar