Audiences in Mali can now get the latest news from the Voice of America (VOA) on an FM transmitter that went on the air today — part of a stepped-up response to the Malian crisis by the Broadcasting Board of Governors.

African countries are interested in Turkey after many Turkish projects and investments launched in the continent. Turkey did not limit its activities with political or economic aims but contributed to African countries to develop in the fields of health, education and agriculture. Having spent his carreer mostly in African countries, retired Turkish Ambassador, Numan Hazar told AA that after Ottoman era, Turkey did not really have any dialogue with African countries.

Clear progress has been made in China-Africa relations over the past decade or so, driven by economic cooperation. Similarly, the mutual support and friendly relations that China has had with African countries for over half a century are now evolving into “all-round strategic partnerships.” “China-Africa relations” became the world’s most popular phrase seemingly overnight from about 2006, drawing concern from across the globe.

The conundrum for Oxfam and others looks a bit like this: “if images of starving babies produce a strong emotional reaction, and therefore strong financial and political support, how are we going to show that we’re making progress? People won’t keep donating if they think nothing has changed - but we know this recipe seems to work.”

In an effort to give a fresh push to its African diplomacy, India is set to welcome Mauritius President Rajkeswur Purryag later this week where the discussions with leaders will include enhanced trade and investment and counter-terror cooperation.

Gabourey Sidibe has a new gig: The Oscar-nominated actress will host a documentary series on public television starting next month. The show is AfroPoP: The Ultimate Cultural Exchange, a series of independent films showcasing contemporary life, art and pop culture in the African diaspora, as the many communities of African-origin people around the world are known.

In reality branding and marketing a nation encompasses many more activities than most people realize, and depends on a wealth of formal concepts, processes and models not implied by the soundbites just listed. At any rate, this is still a sophisticated subject to our society's level of establishment. Even a large section of influence makers might not be acquainted with how real nation branding would be operationalised to yield an economic value.

The group Os Kuduristas is a kuduro-based roadshow/cultural exchange programme put together to raise the global awareness of Angolan dance, music, culture. It has been on an international tour.