Africa has a bright future, with its young and growing population and strong social ties. The media highlights the dark side of the world's fastest growing continent; MercatorNet is far more optimistic in its unique blog Harambee. Here are the year's top posts.  Making sense of Kenya’s Westgate terror attack  At 95, Nelson Mandela shows how good can drown evil How to rewrite Africa's history Africa stands up to Obama against gay unions Despite modernization Nigeria retains her kings Nigerian village celebrates 2 year record of zero infant, zero maternal mortality Digital innovations on the heels of Kenya's Westgate terror Europe ignores Africa to its peril Mugabe et al: Power that kills! Enugu Book Project founder dies The Vibrant Faith of Africa Malaria: How to win the endgame against an ancient foe Building Africa's Silicon Valley in Kenya