Mark Kaigwa | Communications specialist from Nairobi

He knows the stereotypes that shape the popular narrative on the continent and he wants to help change the image of Africa from safaris and corruption to silicon and construction.

"Thanks to the Internet we've seen Africa's creative class rise to share a new narrative. One less dominated by strife, civil war and disaster and rather of innovation and thriving economies. I think it is useful to have outside sources report from Africa but the absence of context is a dangerous thing driving a narrative of reporting that re-emphasises stereotypes and doesn't illuminate the continent's nuanced diversity."

The emergence of social media in Africa has enabled digital natives to report their own stories and create their own narratives. As Mark puts it, "social media has made the world flat." News and information in Africa is being shared online across social networks that are picked up on mobile phones – which there are more of in Uganda than light bulbs. Kaigwa also encourages participation. "99 percent of people go online and just look around," he says, "1 percent actually contribute to creating content. If you are one of them, then you are unique." Kaigwa started making his contribution seven years ago and was active early on Twitter and other social media in Africa.

Kaigwa's native Kenya is Africa's Silicon Valley - a hotspot for Internet fuelled innovation. Communication technology in the "silicon savannah" goes beyond just reporting news and events.

The Internet has also created a fertile electronic ecosystem for start-ups and online finance services that are giving entrepreneurs and innovators a chance to grow and attract international investment. There are also challenges. "Leadership needs to create the best climate for innovation," says Kaigwa, "it's a balance of regulations allowing innovation while at the same time being in the government's interest."

Both he and DW are very involved in supporting the development of communication technology in modern Africa. DW has been broadcasting in his native Swahili since 1963 and was the first international broadcaster to post mobile Swahili language news on the iPhone. Kaigwa embodies many of DW's values and he is a living example of what DW has always stood for in Africa – the promotion of quality media and improving people's lives by helping them connect with the world.

Check out Mark’s blog here!

Text: Wesley Rahn
Edited by: Jeanette Müller