Winner: 

Arthur Okwemba (Kenya)
''African women virtually excluded''

It is well known that many ICT projects in Africa that focus on women fail to meet the expectations of their initiators. This article points to one of the causes - implementers have failed to take cognizance of key cultural factors such as power relations between men and women.
The paper is very informative, entertaining for some and provide in-depth Africa trends as well as challenges. It is a model of what should be done. The paper summarises some important research into Internet usage by men and women in six African countries. Despite presenting a lot of relative statistics, the author manages to keep the reader interested and attentive. Media need to bring to the forefront information that can assist in planning more realistic ICT projects, and this article does just this. 
It is well documented; it addresses the issue of women access to ICT in small communities in a comprehensive manner. 

Runner-Up

Wanjohi Kabukuru (Kenya) 
"ICTs: key to Africa's rapid rural progress"

The article provides good facts about some of the activities of the Arid Lands Information Network Eastern Africa ALIN-EA. The NGO has more than 1000 community development worker members in Eastern Africa. It has established more than 30 community information centres in the region. It is collaborating with NGOs in an Open Knowledge project to disseminate health information. 

Winner: 

John Patrick Mireny (Tanzania)
"Why harmonizing ICT policies could catalyse Africa"

This is a piece that brings out memories of extreme frustration lived by anyone who has gone through this kind of situation before. It demonstrates the daily limitations to which professionals in the developing world are exposed. Government policies can actually bar individuals from developing to their full potential. 
From a sad experience, after an event close to what we are doing, he exposed calmly but very powerfully the need to harmonize policy in the regions. His paper renders a great deal of tribute to the various researches led in the sector with the help of various organizations. He demonstrates that African researchers bring useful contribution to the understanding and ultimately policy making in ICTs in Africa. 
The story presents a clear deficiency in technology potential throughout all of Africa. The reporter takes a complex topic and makes it relatively understandable. 
Mireny uses the clever device of introducing a complex topic - the harmonisation of regional ICT policies - with the simple easy-to-understand story of an award-winning journalist who has his computer prize impounded by customs officials. He then proceeds to deal quite thoroughly with the problematic of policy harmonisation. 
This story focuses on a vital aspect of ICT policy that impacts on regional integration: the fiscal leverage system and how it hampers the development of ICTs in Africa. It is informative and keeps in mind the broader picture of integration.
 

Runner-Up

Emmanuel Onyango (Tanzania)
"Towards a community-driven information"

The story is clearly written and explains what technology has been and should be used for in improving quality of living. This is a well-back grounded piece that shows sensitivity to issues of accountability, good governance, the roles of the State and civil society in the exchange and dissemination of information. The article implies that low cost and pro-IT government policies have led the country towards IT-oriented education policies. 
The article is well written, nicely mixes analysis and the reporter's own knowledge, and presents an extremely easy explanation of what ICT is. It clearly explains the potential of technology for businesses in a developing environment. It takes a local approach while also mentioning the potential throughout sub-Saharan Africa. 

Winner: 

Baba Thiam (Senegal) 
"NTICs en milieu rural - Ngoundiane veut souder la fracture numérique entre les villes et les Campagnes''

A technology story that isn't all boosterism and industry jargon! The story presents a clear problem with balance and thorough reporting. The reporter uses a single community, Ngoundiane, to demonstrate national problems - and potential. 
The author places his erudite discussion in a historical perspective, reminding us of the north/south debates around the New World Information Order, the more recent concepts of the digital divide and the 'global village', and the need for technological transfer. His article considers the 'timid' penetration of ICTs into rural areas, focusing on a somewhat failed project in rural Ngoundiane in Senegal. He reminds us of the problems of inadequate telecom infrastructure, of rural illiteracy, and of the important need to conceive rural ICT projects on a realistic basis.

Runner-Up

Adetokunbo Abiola (Nigeria)
" Taking Internet to the Grassroots''

This well written story clearly explains what benefits rural communities could get from the use of the Internet in their daily lives. It deals with some of the clichés (reminding the reader that rural people are not necessarily illiterate) and also presents community-based projects to give access to these communities to the Internet.

Winner: 

Rosemary Okello (Kenya)
"Yes to ICTs, but fit them to our practical needs"

This opinion/analysis piece points to the development of a coherent ICT policy that takes into account cultural precepts as central to any country that is serious about education, and by extension democratisation. 
The story takes a pertinent topic that blends social, education and technology issues. The reporter raises good issues and gives the story continent-wide pertinence. The article is professionally crafted, articulate and well-informed. The author pulls together important concepts and convincingly presents her argument. It links ICTs with socio-economic development. There is analytical depth based on knowledge of ICTs. The story articulates the needs of women in emerging info society. The article is educative, and promotes understanding, and it is clear, well-articulated and convincing.

Runner-Up

Ellen Muleya Chikale (Zambia)
"Zambia Keen to be part of global IT"

The author provides a clear, comprehensive of Zambia's efforts to keep up with the global information society. It is quite narrative, but very comprehensive. Could do with more factual information. 
Ellen Chikale's journalism has a refreshing enthusiasm that keeps the reader attentive to the end. Zambians are well served by her articles in the Daily Mail, which explicate aspects of ICTs in that country.