15 September 2011: As part of its engagement with emerging African partners in addressing the challenge of climate change, the US Department of State has announced the intention to sponsor “Apps4Africa: Climate Challenge,” a public diplomacy program comprised of three African regional competitions to address local climate change challenges through the use of mobile technology.

In coordination with software developer Appfrica International, the US Department of State committed to bring civil society, academia and private sector organizations together with African technology innovators to develop applications that address local climate change adaptation challenges. The 2011 competition will start in Western and Central Africa in September 2011, with Eastern and Southern Africa to follow. [US press release][Apps4Africa website]