Beneblog: Technology Meets Society

DECEMBER 20, 2004

Earlier this year, I remember buying roasted cashews from a woman on the street in Maputo, Mozambique, who had her wares balanced on her head. My takeaway is something that many people has pointed out: that the cell phone has become an incredible engine of change for the poor.

Mozambique 100

Mozambique Philippines Phone Business 100

Beneblog: Technology Meets Society

MAY 31, 2004

I'm working from Maputo, Mozambique on this U.S. Memorial Day. Today I've been talking to humanitarian demining groups about our proposed mine detector. Last week in South Africa I was discussing adaptive technology for the blind and software for human rights groups.

San Jose 100

San Jose South Africa Mozambique Africa 100

Beneblog: Technology Meets Society

JUNE 8, 2004

I am just back from the Africa Economic Summit in Mozambique. I was very impressed with President Chissano, the former Marxist revolutionary who is stepping down next year after leading his country for 18 years. His embrace of business development, reform, and advancing the interests of his people made quite an impression on me.

Mozambique 100

Mozambique Africa California Story 100

Beneblog: Technology Meets Society

JUNE 20, 2004

I was interested enough in learning more to take off for a tour of facilities in Maputo the next afternoon, hosted by the Catholic Community of Saint'Egidio , a group well known for having helped broker the peace settlement in Mozambique more than a decade ago. A dispensary full of generic versions of drugs (which aren't generic in the U.S.,

Mozambique 100

Mozambique South Africa Africa NGO 100