2010 marks the beginning of the second decade of the 21st century. While it is true that the land of Mandela and Tutu continues to inspire hope and goodwill in the hearts of many, it is perhaps equally true that in the relentless swirl of global competition, the rapture that followed the end of apartheid will soon cease to be the driving force for continuing prosperity. In this brave new world where innovation provides the competitive edge, a new economy must emerge to fill that space. After all, there is no amount of hope and inspiration that can cure the pangs of an empty stomach. So as Mandela and Tutu enjoy well deserved adulation in their twilight years, it may be that the most fitting tribute to the labor of their lives is a new generation pushing on and unlocking the the barely thawed potential of freedom in a technology driven universe.

Now I would never bother two old men with talk about APIs, apps, iPhone, androids or even the new google nexus one. And, it is perhaps counter-intuitive to suggest that solutions to the myriad of issues that choke economic growth in emerging markets are to be found in hi-tech. I can only imagine what my aging grandmother in Southern Africa would say if I presented her with the latest 32Gig, 3G iPhone, souped up with all manner of apps, and said to her, "Here grandma. Now, all your problems are solved!" I know I would not want to be within arms length.

I do, however, believe that hi-tech, and particularly mobile tech, can play a significant role in addressing some of the seemingly intractable, systemic obstacles to alleviating global poverty and that South Africa can serve as a proving ground for this proposition.

I base my case on the following:

A little over a decade ago--as a logical response to a need and because of convenience, accessibility, and portability--South Africa began emphasizing cellphone connectivity over land-line connectivity. This led to rapid development of a mobile phone technological infrastructure with the result being a near 90% penetration rate. Concomitantly, the country adopted an aggressive wireless broadband policy, boosting innovation in super-fast 3G (and 4G) technology. Additionally they invested heavily in the submarine and terrestrial cable that connected the country to the global information superhighway and has a leadership stake in connecting the rest of the continent.

In 2002 the country won the bidding to host the 2010 World Cup. This stimulated massive infrastructure development, leading to a surge in technological infrastructure and other infrastructure spending.

I first connected the dots between the technological revolution and South Africa's revolution while huddled with friends on October 24, 2009 in recognition of 350.org's 'Day of Action'. We joined thousands of people in cities large and small, here in the U.S., South Africa and across the world. That moment, spent in unison with like-minded strangers around the world, represented the fusion, through technology, of atomized, isolated groups around a shared interest. It became clear to me that access to online technology could be the great leveler in opening up the innovation economy in all corners of the world.

Like the hope embodied by Mandela and Tutu, technology can be a powerful tool for mobilizing resources and effecting change.

Here in the U.S., the social media economy continues its steadfast migration to the mobile app economy. Huge investments are being made in mobile broadband, and as the apps economy continues its exponential growth to encompass such things as geospatial mapping, the new energy economy, medical apps economy: 'meaningful use/comparative effectiveness' , it is clear that the 'innovation edge' will go to those who can fuse, tech skills with broadband access and portability.

The 2010 World Cup will kick off in June of 2010. The collective attention of billions around the world will join Mandela and Tutu in rooting for teams of their preference. In that process they'll draw upon a primed wireless broadband capacity. Millions in South Africa will watch the games, some from HD televisions but many through broadband wireless, will watch from their cellphones. It is my view that a strong possibility exists for this to serve as a catalytic event, marking the convergence of a strong wireless, portable broadband capacity with the fast emerging global mobile app economy. If it happens it would serve as a powerful model for opening access to innovation economy in towns and villages all over the world. If it happens, and I think it will, I suspect it would be something that would make two old men very happy.