BALANCING ACT NEWS UPDATE 66:

ICT investment creates jobs and skills. Those who have jobs spend money and create more jobs. This process may not solve all of Africa's problems with poverty but it is - as the Americans say - a "no-brainer". So how is Africa faring in the worldwide competition for external investment? With the exception of its larger markets (Egypt, Nigeria and South Africa), Africa barely registers on the world scene. Its capital markets are small and it has a damaged reputation with external investors based on the many troubles that affect the continent, most notably HIV/AIDS and corruption.