Moreover, with the exception of the continent's handful of natural resource-rich, low population-density countries like Angola (see my September 9, 2008 column advocating an intensified strategic engagement with the geopolitically significant Southern African country), most of America's would-be partners are constrained by lack of the financial wherewithal to upgrade their capabilities to meet even short-term priorities.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: A stimulus for African security

While the residents of Samso can take advantage of their island's blustery weather, open spaces and low-population density to be carbon neutral, the success of wind energy on a global scale may come down to simple economics.

CNN: Striking a blow for wind power

Tourism is creating other problems for the local environment, too, including increased population density, over-dependence on wood as a fuel and construction source and the overgrazing and cutting of mountain slopes to feed livestock.

BBC: Everest's growing problem

Above all, Kent had a vision to build a cable company that operated in second-tier suburban markets and college towns with low population density.

FORBES: Strategies

"It would be most useful for countries where they don't have much rain gauge data or weather radar - in Africa for instance, they do have mobile phones, at least in areas where the population density is high enough, " he told BBC News.

BBC: Rain tracked with mobile network