The nationwide rollout seeks to connect one million homes with high-speed, uninterrupted internet access, reinforcing Celltel’s vision of making reliable broadband a basic household utility and a catalyst for economic growth, education, innovation and digital inclusion.

Ending Data Anxiety Across Ghana

Through a flat-rate, unlimited monthly subscription model supported by approved financial partners, K-Link Unlimited Smart Broadband is designed to eliminate the burden of recurring data purchases and capped internet bundles.

The service will provide households, students, remote workers, entrepreneurs and small businesses with secure, low-latency connectivity needed to fully participate in Ghana’s rapidly evolving digital economy.

A Vision To Connect Every Ghanaian

Commenting on the launch, Prince Kofi Kludjeson, Chairman of Celltel Networks Limited, emphasised the company’s long-term commitment to national digital transformation.

“When we conceived the Smart Cities vision, we were driven by one unshakeable belief — that no Ghanaian should be left behind in the digital age. Connectivity is no longer a luxury; it is a fundamental necessity. The rollout of K-Link Unlimited Smart Broadband to one million homes demonstrates our commitment to building a nation that is confident, competitive and connected to the world.

“My vision has always been for Ghana to lead Africa’s digital renaissance, and today that vision is becoming a reality for families, students and entrepreneurs across the country,” he said.

The initiative forms a central pillar of Celltel’s broader Smart Cities strategy, which aims to extend world-class digital infrastructure beyond major urban centres into underserved and rural communities across Ghana.

Powered By AI-Native And Cloud-Native Infrastructure

Leading the technological execution of the project is Muhammad Faisal Aziz, Chief Innovation and Technology Officer (CITO) of Celltel Networks Limited, who has overseen the development of the company’s next-generation network architecture.

“The Chairman’s vision demanded a new approach to digital infrastructure. What we have built at Celltel is more than a conventional broadband network — it is an AI-native and cloud-native intelligent ecosystem engineered for scale, resilience and future growth.

“By integrating Digital Twin technology into our network architecture, we can model, predict and address performance challenges in real time. This is world-class engineering designed specifically for Ghana’s terrain, people and future. We are proud to have created a platform that transforms a bold vision into a tangible experience for millions of Ghanaian families,” he said.

The K-Link platform leverages advanced AI-native and cloud-native technologies, supported by Digital Twin capabilities that enable predictive maintenance, intelligent network optimisation, enhanced service reliability and a future-ready roadmap toward next-generation wireless technologies.

Building The Foundation For Ghana’s Digital Future

Working alongside global technology partners, Celltel is deploying a robust digital infrastructure designed to support long-term smart city development and accelerate innovation across key sectors, including fintech, cybersecurity, healthcare, education, agriculture, automation and digital public services.

The company indicated that additional information regarding deployment schedules, regional rollout phases, service packages and customer onboarding will be announced in the coming months.

About Celltel Networks Limited

Celltel Networks Limited is a wholly Ghanaian-owned internet service provider (ISP) and digital infrastructure company authorised by the National Communications Authority (NCA).

Through its $300 million Smart Cities initiative, the company delivers AI-native and cloud-native broadband, Wi-Fi and 4G/5G connectivity solutions to homes, enterprises and institutions across Ghana.

In addition to its K-Link Unlimited Smart Broadband platform and KQ-branded smart devices, Celltel remains committed to expanding access to digital opportunities that empower communities and drive national development.

The feature – which will let people chat without revealing their phone numbers – is expected to be rolled out to WhatsApp’s three billion global users over the next few months.

In a notice, the government asked WhatsApp to explain why action shouldn’t be taken against it under Indian law “for launching a feature that may increase cybercrimes”.

In a statement, WhatsApp said that the feature is not yet live and that it has built in safeguards, including reserving high-profile usernames and ways to detect impersonation and scams.

With more than 850 million users, India is the biggest market for WhatsApp, owned by Mark Zuckerberg-led Meta.

The move is the latest in a series of steps by Indian authorities to scrutinise how global technology companies design and operate their products in the country.

The notice, sent on Wednesday by India’s Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, said it had taken note of WhatsApp’s announcement this week allowing users to reserve unique usernames and, once fully introduced, contact other users by exchanging usernames instead of sharing their phone numbers.

The ministry said it believed the feature “may materially increase the incidence of online fraud, phishing, digital arrest scams and impersonation attacks” by allowing criminals to contact potential victims without disclosing their phone numbers.

It also warned that the feature could “facilitate impersonation and identity spoofing”, including of individuals, government authorities, financial institutions and public agencies, by permitting usernames that closely resemble genuine ones.

The notice – a copy of which the BBC has seen – also asked the company “not to roll out this feature until the consultation on this point is achieved to the satisfaction of the government”.

The notice cites provisions of India’s Information Technology Act and the country’s technology rules governing intermediary due diligence, identity theft and impersonation offences.

Cybercrimes and digital fraud are a big concern in India, where millions use digital platforms and payment options every day but often without enough awareness of online safety.

Nearly 102,000 cybercrime cases were registered in 2024, the latest year for which federal data has been published, up by 18% from the previous year. Nearly three-quarters of those cases involved online fraud.

A Meta spokesperson said the company only planned to roll out the feature in phases later this year.

“To protect against impersonation, we have held the highest-profile names – think public figures, government entities, celebrities, verified Meta accounts – so they can only ever be claimed by their legitimate owners and lookalike derivatives of known names are held as well,” said the spokesperson.

The company said users would still need a phone number to create a WhatsApp account and that it had built multiple safeguards into the feature as “layers of defence against scams”.

“Other users need to know the exact username to message you, we will limit how many new people an account can contact, block repeated attempts to guess someone’s username key, and have systems to detect and remove activity showing common impersonation and abuse patterns,” the spokesperson said.

It also said recipients would be shown information about first-time contacts, including whether they were a new account, already in their contacts, shared common groups or were based in another country, to help them decide whether to respond.

The Internet Freedom Foundation, a digital rights organisation, has criticised the government’s notice, saying it had “no clear basis in law”.

In a statement, the organisation argued that the notice amounted to an attempt by the government to decide what software features a company could launch, even though the laws cited by the ministry did not give it that power.

“The power to require prior permission for a feature is not in the [Information Technology] Act, not in the Rules, and cannot be created by a notice,” it said.

The notice is the latest in a series of changes or announcements by India aimed at increasing oversight of global technology companies.

In February, the government amended its rules to require social media platforms to remove unlawful content within three hours of being notified, replacing the previous 36-hour deadline.

Last month, authorities also temporarily banned Telegram during the retest of a national medical entrance examination.

The government argued that features such as username-based interactions and concealed phone numbers created challenges for law enforcement, a position the platform unsuccessfully challenged in court.

Starting this week, users can reserve a username to use later this year when the feature officially launches. The move is designed to give users greater control over their personal information and reduce the need to share phone numbers in new or casual connections.

“When someone new walks into your life – a classmate, a neighbour, someone you meet at an event – sharing a phone number can feel like a big step. That’s because a phone number is personal and it’s tied to so many parts of your life. Sometimes you just want to chat without handing over your digits,” the company said in a blog post.

The feature also addresses concerns about group conversations. “You want to join the parent chat for the soccer team but you’re not ready to give your phone number to people you’ve never met,” WhatsApp noted.

With more than three billion people on the platform, many names overlap, prompting the company to open reservations early so users have the opportunity to select a username that matters to them. The app has also introduced a username generator to help users choose a unique identifier.

For creators, small businesses, and organisations that want to maintain a consistent online presence, WhatsApp has reserved an option to claim their existing Instagram or Facebook username.

WhatsApp emphasised that there will be no directory to browse and no suggestions, meaning people will need to know a user’s exact username to contact them for the first time. The platform has also built an optional username key that others will need to know to message a user, providing an additional layer of privacy.

Once usernames are launched, when users message a person or business for the first time, their phone number will no longer be visible if they have enabled their username.

Users can reserve their username in a few seconds on the latest version of WhatsApp by going to Settings > Account > Username.

The feature will be rolled out gradually over the coming months, with users notified in WhatsApp when usernames become available in their country.

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In a major push toward advancing digital transformation and capacity building across the African continent, a Canada-based assistant professor in data science analytics is urging Africa to use data science to solve its myriad of problems.

Professor Andy Asare, who has over 15 years of experience teaching data science and analytics programs in tertiary institutions in Canada, observed data science is fundamental to solving complex national challenges facing Africa.

The assistant professor in data science analytics at the University of Calgary’s Faculty of Science is heralding an upcoming virtual data science conference aimed at empowering the next generation of African tech talent.

The initiative comes at a pivotal moment as Ghana and other African nations rapidly accelerate their integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and data-driven technologies into key economic sectors.

Professor Andy Asare brings over 12 years of experience teaching data science and analytics programs in tertiary institutions in Canada to the free virtual conference on Saturday, 27 June 2026.

The conference is part of a broader, sustained effort to build robust data ecosystems in developing nations, especially in Africa.

His expertise spans artificial intelligence analytics, educational technologies, supply chain analytics, and the responsible use of artificial intelligence.

Professor Andy Asare believes data science can improve healthcare delivery systems, agriculture, education, transportation, financial inclusion, and even government services.

“Countries such as Ghana, Kenya, Rwanda, Nigeria, and South Africa are increasingly recognizing the strategic importance of,  AI and data-driven innovation as a catalyst for economic growth and national development”, he observed.

“In Ghana, His Excellency President John Dramani Mahama recently launched a landmark, uh, $250 million US National Artificial, um, Intelligence Strategy aimed at accelerating digital transformation and economic growth. Now, during the launch, he emphasized that the strategy represents a clear commitment that Ghana will not remain a passive consumer of emerging technologies but will actively design, govern, and deploy AI solutions, uh, to drive national transformation and global competitiveness. Um, in addition, across the continent, uh, several countries have already established comprehensive national AI strategies. Countries such as Morocco, um, Egypt, Rwanda, Mauritius, and Tunisia have all taken significant steps or approaches to, position themselves as regional leaders in AI innovation. Notably, Morocco launched the AI Factory, that is a high-performance computing and innovation hub designed to strengthen AI research, talent development, and technological, entrepreneurship. Now, the challenge facing Africa is not, a lack of talent. I would say, the continent is home to some of the world’s most innovative, resilient, and, ambitious people, right? Rather, the challenge lies in expanding opportunities, that also, strengthening digital infrastructure, increasing investments, and building robust research and innovation ecosystems that enable, uh, enable these talents to thrive. And I think with the right support and strategic investments, Africa, has the potential not only to participate in global AI revolution but to become a significant force or contributor to shaping, its future,” Prof Asare noted.

Virtual Data Science to hone the expertise of Africans

Professor Asare comes into the conference having been credited with organizing academic boot camps and data-thons by leading intensive training programs at the University of Cape Coast, Ghana Communication Technology University, and Central University, which equipped students and faculty with predictive analytics, machine learning, and data visualization skills, among others.

He is also credited with assisting in the creation of a fully online MSc in Data Management and Analysis at UCC.

Headline speakers at the 3^rd Virtual Data Science Conference are Toku Duke, Founder & CEO, Diverse AI,  Ex-Google author and Rishabh Dhingra, AI Product Manager at Google | Artificial Intelligence and Generative AI.

The conference will have Rajesh Kumar, Founder, ComCode Technology, Software Solution and Consultancy for MVNOs, Private 5G, and Private LTE, India

Emmanuel Awuni Kolog, PhD, Associate Professor, Data Science and Analytics, University of Ghana and Chief Data Scientist, Bank of Ghana and Nadia Delanoy, PhD. She is Assistant Professor, Educational Leadership, Policy, and Governance and Director of Student Experiences as well as  Academic Coordinator ,Generative AI and Educational Innovation, Werklund School of Education-University of Calgary as panelists.

Others include, Soroush Sabbaghan, PhD, an Associate Professor | GenAI Educational Leader in Residence who also doubles as Chairman, Language and Literacy Specialization Area, Werklund School of Education, University of Calgary and Prof. Lucy Waruguru-an Associate Professor, Geospatial Data Science and Dean, Research, Innovation and Outreach, KCA University, Kenya.

Panelists for the conference

Prof Asare tells JoyNews the virtual data science conference will showcase diverse career pathways for aspiring data scientists, AI engineers, machine learning specialists, and cybersecurity analysts.

“There are a lot of opportunities out there for students. Um, now, students can pursue careers as, uh, data scientists, uh, AI engineers, machine learning specialists, data analysts, uh, cyber security analysts, uh, and even digital transformation consultants. Um, many of these jobs can be performed remotely, allowing, um, young Ghanaians to work for global organizations, um, whilst remaining in Ghana, and India is a typical example.”

Prof Andy Asare

The upcoming training conference initiatives align directly with Ghana’s aggressive new digital policies.

President John Dramani Mahama recently launched a landmark $250 million national artificial intelligence strategy designed to accelerate economic growth and position Ghana as a global competitor.

Speaking at the 2026 Day of Scientific Renaissance of Africa, organised by the School of Biological Sciences under the College of Basic and Applied Sciences at the University of Ghana, Prof. Kwofie declared that data is the new gold and Africa is sitting on a vast, largely unexploited reserve.

“Ghana and Africa at large have a wealth of data that remain unused to create solutions for health, agriculture, climate change and beyond,” he told the gathering, held under the theme “From Molecules to Ecosystems: Science Solutions for an Equitable Africa.”

“What does an equitable Africa look like?” he asked. “Access to healthcare regardless of location, quality education for all, food security, economic opportunities for women, youth, and persons with disabilities. Sustainable development that preserves resources for future generations.”

While acknowledging the innovations already taking root across the continent, Prof. Kwofie insisted that much more could be achieved if Africa deliberately invested in artificial intelligence.

The numbers make a compelling case. Over the past five years, AI investment in Africa has surged from roughly $1.2 billion to an estimated $4.1 billion, according to Prof. Kwofie.

This financial momentum, combined with a strategic push from organisations like UNESCO and the African Union, is creating fertile ground for homegrown solutions.

Ghana is not standing on the sidelines. Earlier this year, President John Dramani Mahama officially launched the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy 2025–2035, marking the beginning of what officials describe as the country’s AI revolution.

The strategy’s vision, “GHANA 2035: THE AI-POWERED SOCIETY,” envisions a transformed society where AI advances the potential of people, government, businesses and systems to achieve inclusive social and economic transformation.

The country’s Data Protection Act 2012 (Act 843) provides a regulatory framework for privacy and personal data processing, a critical foundation for responsible AI development.

“Investing in AI and data science is one of the surest ways to tap into the new gold,” he emphasised.

In a passionate appeal to academia, Prof. Kwofie challenged universities across Ghana, particularly his own institution, the University of Ghana to reposition themselves as AI-powered institutions within the next decade.

“The University of Ghana and other universities in this country must see themselves as AI-powered in the next 10 years to come,” he intimated. “We cannot afford to be spectators in this revolution. Our universities must lead in developing AI-driven solutions that address our unique African challenges.”

He stressed that universities have a dual responsibility: not only to produce graduates skilled in AI and data science but also to ensure that research outputs translate into tangible solutions for communities.

Across the continent, practical applications are already taking root and they are not all high-tech solutions requiring expensive infrastructure.

In Ghana, AI applications are revolutionising agriculture by providing weather insights, market information, and crop disease diagnosis to smallholder farmers via WhatsApp in local languages including Twi. Elsewhere in Africa, AI tools offers direct marketplace access to farmers, bypassing exploitative middlemen who have long taken advantage of rural producers.

These innovations embody what Prof. Kwofie calls “frugal innovation”, doing more with less. “Equity is not only about advanced technology,” he stressed. “It is also about ensuring innovations remain affordable and accessible.”

A powerful example is the AI-powered mobile ultrasound scan being used by traditional birth attendants in rural communities without the state-of-the-art health facilities, which eliminates the need for expert handling in low-resource settings. The University of Ghana’s own open-source ventilator design project, and another which is a voice-based conversational agent for prenatal risk monitoring, reflect this same commitment to accessible healthcare.

The Institute of Applied Science and Technology positions itself as a bridge connecting science, technology, industry, and society. Its work spans seven cross-cutting units, including an Artificial Intelligence, Data Science and Engineering platforms that trains youth in AI and has the mandate to translate research outputs into essential products for use in the communities. IAST has established the Pharmavax platform to explore the use of AI in developing new drugs and vaccines. Similarly, the Diagnostics and Medical Device platform serves to support the university and partners to develop AI-based low-cost devices to augment clinical engineering in low-resource settings.

Prof. Samuel Kojo Kwofie reiterated the work cannot stop at the university gates and the clock is ticking fast. The next decade will determine whether Africa becomes a producer of AI solutions or remains a consumer of technologies designed elsewhere.

The tech giant announced on Wednesday a major expansion of Street View coverage across the country, featuring deeper and wider imagery of Ghana’s bustling cities, national highways, historic heritage sites, and stunning coastal landscapes.

The update, which brings next-generation camera technology to Ghanaian roads, represents a significant milestone in Google’s ongoing commitment to keeping its maps fresh and comprehensive.

“We are thrilled to share a major imagery update across Ghana, featuring an expanded coverage of the country’s bustling cities, national highways, and historic heritage sites,” said Cynthia Wei, Street View Program Manager at Google.

The latest Street View now covers the road networks of Ghana’s largest and most bustling cities, providing deeper and wider coverage across Accra and Kumasi. 

Users can now digitally stroll past iconic urban landmarks, from the striking ship-like architecture of the National Theatre of Ghana in Accra to the sprawling, vibrant stalls of Kumasi’s famous Kejetia Market. 

Sports fans can even take a virtual tour outside the country’s most renowned athletic venues, including the Accra Sports Stadium and Kumasi’s Baba Yara Stadium.

Beyond these urban hubs, the imagery charts the major national highway systems, allowing users to virtually drive the N10 north through Tamale, or follow the N12 and N2 highways to explore the eastern and western regions. Google utilized upgraded camera systems to capture these routes, bringing sharper colors and crisper images to Google Maps.

Ghana’s rich history and natural beauty take center stage in this update, allowing anyone in the world to virtually experience spectacular destinations. Users can take a virtual journey to the coast to explore the historic forts lining the Gulf of Guinea shoreline, including the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, or head inland near Kumasi to discover the unique architecture of the traditional Asante buildings—testaments to the great Asante Empire.

The newly released imagery also captures the stunning coastal areas and beautiful beaches stretching across the southern edge of the country, while eco-tourism enthusiasts can follow the beautiful eco paths tracing Ghana’s major river systems, including the Volta River, and stop over at nature reserves and botanical gardens for a quick sanctuary retreat.

To mark its ongoing commitment to keeping maps fresh and comprehensive, Google has brought its absolute latest, next-generation Street View camera to Ghana in 2026. This ultra-portable, high-resolution system is already hitting the ground to kick off a new imagery refresh, with a major priority being the deepening of the footprint along the coast—turning single highway lines into detailed city views for culturally rich hubs like Cape Coast and Takoradi.

Perry Nelson, Site Lead for Google Ghana, encouraged users to explore the update, inviting them to head over to Google Maps, drop the Pegman, and start their virtual journey today.

To activate Google Street View, simply open Google Maps, search for a location, and look for the Street View imagery by using the methods below:

On a Computer (Web Browser) Search for a location or address on maps.google.com.

1. Click the small yellow Pegman icon in the bottom-right corner.

2. The map will highlight all available Street View areas in blue lines or dots.

3. Drag and drop Pegman onto a blue-highlighted road to enter Street View.

4. On a Smartphone or Tablet (iOS & Android)

Open the Google Maps app and search for a place.

1. Zoom in on the map until you find the exact street you want to see.

2. Tap and hold on the map to drop a red pin.

3. A small photo thumbnail of the location will pop up (usually in the bottom-left or top-left corner). 

4. Tap the thumbnail to enter Street View.

Alternatively, in the mobile app, you can tap the Layers icon (the stacked squares at the top right) and select Street View to highlight all accessible roads in blue.

The FIFA World Cup has reached another major milestone with the introduction of TRIONDA, the Official Match Ball of the 2026 tournament.

Designed by adidas, Trionda is more than just a football. It combines innovative design, cutting-edge engineering and advanced data technology, making it one of the most sophisticated match balls ever produced for football’s biggest stage.

A Tribute to Three Host Nations

The name Trionda, which translates from Spanish as “three waves,” reflects the historic nature of the 2026 FIFA World Cup — the first edition of the tournament to be jointly hosted by three countries: Canada, Mexico and the United States.

Its vibrant design incorporates red, green and blue colours, symbolising the three host nations. The ball also features a groundbreaking four-panel construction with flowing geometric patterns that mirror the “waves” referenced in its name.

At the centre of the ball, the panels form a triangular shape, representing the unity of the three co-hosts. Additional design elements pay homage to each nation, including the Canadian maple leaf, Mexico’s eagle and the star associated with the United States.

Gold detailing across the surface serves as a tribute to the FIFA World Cup Trophy, highlighting the prestige of the global tournament.

Engineered for Performance

Beyond its striking appearance, Trionda introduces several performance-enhancing innovations.

Its unique four-panel construction incorporates deep seams designed to create optimal aerodynamic stability. The design ensures evenly distributed drag as the ball moves through the air, helping to deliver a more consistent flight path.

The surface also features specially embossed icons that enhance grip during play, particularly in wet or humid conditions, giving players greater control when passing, dribbling or striking the ball.

The Technology Inside the Ball

Perhaps the most remarkable feature of Trionda is the return of Connected Ball Technology, a system that continues FIFA’s push towards data-driven officiating.

Embedded within the ball is a state-of-the-art 500Hz motion sensor chip capable of tracking every movement of the ball in real time. The sensor records data up to 500 times per second and instantly transmits information to the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system.

This allows match officials to receive highly accurate data regarding touches, trajectories and key moments during play.

The technology is expected to play a crucial role in supporting decisions related to offside calls, handball incidents and other contentious situations that often generate debate.

For referees, moments that were once difficult to judge can now be supported by precise data. In handball situations, for example, the sensor can identify the exact moment contact occurs, providing an additional layer of evidence to assist officials.

Football’s Smart Future

The introduction of Trionda highlights FIFA’s ambition to make the 2026 World Cup the most technologically advanced sporting event in history.

Football has evolved beyond simply relying on player skill, tactics and teamwork. Technology is increasingly becoming part of the game, enhancing accuracy, fairness and transparency in decision-making.

With smart sensors embedded inside the match ball and advanced officiating systems operating alongside VAR, the margins for error continue to shrink.

As excitement builds towards the tournament, Trionda stands as a symbol of football’s future — where tradition and innovation meet on the world’s biggest stage.

When the FIFA World Cup 2026 kicks off across Canada, Mexico and the United States, all eyes will be on the players. Yet hidden inside the ball at the centre of every match will be a tiny piece of technology helping shape some of the tournament’s biggest decisions.

Tim Cook, Apple’s outgoing chief executive, told the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) that price increases were “unavoidable” as the situation around memory chips had become “unsustainable”.

He did not say when prices would rise or which products would be affected. It is also unclear whether the price hikes will affect the iPhone 18, which is expected to be launched in September.

Memory chips are essential components in smart devices like mobile phones, but the boom in artificial intelligence (AI) has driven up their prices in recent months.

Later, US President Donald Trump said that Apple had agreed to work with chipmaker Intel to make its chips in the US.

“I decided to help Intel because we need to design and build our Chips right here in America,” he wrote in a post on his social media platform, Truth Social.

The BBC has contacted Apple and Intel for comment.

In August last year, the Trump administration announced that the federal government would take a 10% stake in Intel.

Intel’s shares rose more than 10% when US stock markets opened on Thursday.

‘Less supply’

Speaking to the WSJ, Apple boss Cook said: “We’re doing our best to mitigate the huge increases that are being passed to us, and we’ve been trying to shield our customers from the increases, but the situation has become unsustainable.

“There’s less supply at a time when consumers want devices and the memory guys are passing along huge price increases,” said Cook, who is due to be replaced by John Ternus as Apple’s CEO in September after 15 years in the role.

“We definitely need memory pricing and supply to return to reasonable levels for consumer products. That’s the bottom line.”

The price of Ram – typically one of the cheapest computer components – has more than doubled since October 2025.

In addition to rising AI demand, the war in Iran has also disrupted the global supply of helium, a gas crucial in making semiconductors, adding to the cost of computer chips.

The average selling price of smartphones globally is expected to rise by around 20% in 2026 to an all-time high, according to research firm Omdia.

Apple’s new phones are likely to cost up to $150 more than the iPhone 17s, as the firm is expected to upgrade their specifications to support new AI features, Omdia’s smartphone market analyst Chiew Le Xuan told the BBC.

Most smartphone brands have already raised prices, pulled back on promotions or cut specifications to protect their profit margins in response to rising costs, he added.

“This is the new pricing reality, not a temporary spike.“

Other technology giants have also highlighted pressure in the chipmaking industry.

In an exclusive interview with the BBC this month, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) would not rule out price increases as inflation pushed up its costs.

TSMC makes the most advanced chips designed by companies such as Apple, Nvidia and AMD.

Earlier this year, Samsung said that it expects memory chip supply shortages to make electronic devices more expensive.

In April, Sony raised the price of its PlayStation 5 consoles by £90 in the UK and $100 in the US as a result of “continued pressures in the global economic landscape”.

Nintendo later said it would increase the price of its Switch 2 from September due to “changes in market conditions”.

The iPhone 17 has been popular since the lineup was launched last September. Sales of Apple devices grew by 17% in the first three months of 2026 compared with the same period a year ago, helped by strong demand in China.

Apple removed the entry-level option of its Mac Mini compact computers, raising its starting price by about $200 (£150) earlier this year.

The Fortune Crypto Innovators list highlights organizations advancing the global digital asset ecosystem through breakthrough technology, infrastructure, security, and adoption, spotlighting builders and enablers shaping the future of blockchain and digital assets beyond traditional measures of scale.

“Being named to the Fortune Crypto Innovators list affirms what we have always known: the future of global commerce runs through emerging markets. Yellow Card exists to bring those markets to global companies, powering the infrastructure that gives businesses everywhere the speed, efficiency, and reliability that modern commerce demands. This is not a regional story. This is a global one,” said CEO and Co-founder Chris Maurice.

CTO and Co-founder Justin Poiroux added: “For nearly a decade, the company has been deliberately building the rails that global commerce increasingly depends on. Our infrastructure gives businesses anywhere in the world frictionless access to stablecoins and digital asset rails without needing to be crypto experts. What began as a mission to serve underserved markets has scaled into a globally trusted operation, and this recognition from Fortune reflects the depth and ambition of what we have built.”

In recent months, Yellow Card has accelerated its global expansion strategy, deepening its presence across key emerging markets in Africa, Latin America, and Southeast Asia. The company has also advanced its stablecoin payment infrastructure, fiat settlement rails, and custody wallet services to meet the needs of an increasingly borderless financial system.

Trusted by major global financial institutions and payments companies, including Mastercard, Visa, Thunes, MoneyGram, and PayPal, the company says this reflects its strong compliance standards, reliability, and global interoperability.

As Yellow Card continues to expand its footprint, the recognition serves as both a milestone and a mandate. The company says it remains committed to advancing global payments and digital asset infrastructure, building financial rails that connect businesses worldwide regardless of location.

The awards form part of the 2nd Ghana AI Summit & Awards 2026, scheduled to take place from July 29 to 30, 2026, and aim to recognise excellence, innovation and impact in the field of artificial intelligence across Ghana.

The event follows the successful inaugural Ghana AI Summit in 2025, during which six organisations and three individuals were honoured for their contributions to advancing artificial intelligence in the country.

This year’s awards will recognise outstanding achievements in eight categories: AI Personality of the Year, Most Promising AI Idea of the Year, Best AI for Social Good Award, Best AI Services Solution Provider, Best AI Startup of the Year, Best AI Innovation of the Year, Best AI Company of the Year and Best AI Public Service of the Year.

Speaking ahead of the event, Charles Yeboah, AI Awards Assurance Consultant at Deloitte Ghana, described the awards as a key platform for driving innovation within the country’s growing AI ecosystem.

“The Ghana AI Awards is more than a recognition platform; it is a catalyst for innovation, celebrating excellence, rewarding pioneers, and strengthening the ecosystem that will shape Ghana’s AI-driven future,” he said.

The 2026 summit will be held under the theme: “Artificial Intelligence for Economic Growth and Job Creation: Innovation, Inclusion and Future Jobs.”

Organisers say the event will bring together stakeholders from government, academia, industry, startups and civil society to explore how artificial intelligence can contribute to sustainable development, economic transformation and job creation.

Nominations are open to individuals, organisations and institutions across various sectors, with participation free of charge.

According to the organisers, all submissions will undergo a rigorous assessment process based on innovation, impact, scalability and overall contribution to Ghana’s artificial intelligence ecosystem.

The summit is expected to provide a platform for showcasing groundbreaking AI solutions while fostering collaboration among key actors driving the country’s digital transformation agenda.

Interested applicants have been encouraged to submit their entries through the official nomination portal before the June 15 deadline.

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The announcement was made at the Ghana–UK Investment Summit 2026 at Raffles London, where President John Dramani Mahama is headlining more than 800 senior stakeholders under the theme “Restoring Investor Confidence to Unlock Opportunities and Shared Prosperity.”

The pilot operationalises a Memorandum of Understanding executed between Government and Wahu Mobility — a Ghana-based manufacturer of smart electric two-wheelers — for the national rollout of eMobility at the district level.

Financed through the DACF Grant Mobilisation Programme, the 280-unit pilot places at least one eMoto across all 261 Local Government Authorities and 16 Regional Coordinating Councils.

The partners describe the pilot as the beginning of a long-term programme and a model of effective private-sector and government collaboration — the first phase of a long-term strategy to decarbonise Ghana’s districts.

“We are excited for this initiative to scale the adoption of electric mobility nationally — and beyond just delivery. Government is setting the example every institution needs: moving away from petrol and driving real efficiencies in operations. We are proud to be part of it, and to create more jobs for Ghana’s youth at the same time.”

— Valerie Labi, Co-Founder & CEO, Wahu Mobility

What the vehicles are for

The eMotos exist to solve a long-standing operational bottleneck: districts cannot collect revenue or deliver services they cannot physically reach. Each vehicle equips a district revenue and service-delivery officer to reach taxpayers and citizens in the field — serving property-rate and business-permit assessments, collecting market tolls, and carrying out sanitation supervision, environmental-health inspections, agricultural extension, social-welfare visits, and disaster response. By replacing ageing, fuel-dependent motorcycles with telematics-enabled smart eMotos, the pilot directly strengthens internally generated funds (IGF) mobilisation and restores the field mobility on which local government performance depends.

Every vehicle transmits GPS location, distance travelled, energy use and uptime to a real-time dashboard, giving district leadership — for the first time — the ability to tie officer field activity directly to revenue collected and services delivered.

Impact and savings for districts

The pilot is engineered for measurable return. Each district equips a lead revenue officer; even a conservative 5–10% lift in IGF collection from improved field reach  scaled across participating districts would return a multiple of the investment within the pilot window. On top of that, each eMoto is projected to avoid roughly GHS 9,000–12,000 in fuel and maintenance costs per year against a petrol baseline — recurring savings that flow back into district budgets and frontline services.

Each electric motorcycle that replaces a petrol one avoids approximately 1.8 tonnes of CO₂ a year, with monitoring infrastructure built to satisfy Paris Agreement Article 6.2 requirements. This positions Ghana as the first African government to monetise district-level fleet electrification through a compliance-market carbon programme, with revenue designed to flow back to the districts themselves.

The beginning of a long-term programme

This pilot is the first part of a long-term strategy to decarbonise Ghana’s districts, and an example of what great collaboration between the private sector and government can achieve. It is designed to open the door to the stages that follow.

In the next phase, the partners intend to launch a commercial paper instrument that allows independent investors to participate in the scale-up of EV operations across the districts beyond the pilot — broadening the capital base from public pre-financing to private investment. The long-term plan also envisions rolling out charging infrastructure to every district, anchoring a reliable, nationwide network that supports fleets well beyond the pilot. In parallel, the data generated during the pilot will be leveraged to monetise the carbon avoided, converting verified emissions reductions into a new, long-horizon revenue line that contributes directly to the internally generated funds of participating districts.

Why Wahu Mobility

Wahu operates Ghana’s first completely-knocked-down (CKD) assembly plant for electric two-wheelers, anchoring jobs, technical skills and supply-chain value at home. Its vehicles are field-validated under Ghanaian road, load and climate conditions. Wahu is the first EV company in Africa — and the second in the world — to secure a landmark Paris Agreement Article 6 deal, a sovereign-grade carbon offtake agreement with Switzerland’s KliK Foundation. The company is led by founder and CEO Valerie Labi, who returned to Ghana to build the plant and co-authored Ghana’s Automotive Development Policy.

“This is not just a fleet of motorcycles — it is the infrastructure of local government, made Ghanaian, electric and intelligent, and it is only the beginning. We are giving every district the means to reach its citizens, grow its own revenue, and own a share of the climate value it creates. Ghana is choosing to electrify first, capture the carbon revenue, and build the industry at home.”

— Harry Yamson, Administrator, District Assemblies Common Fund

A platform to scale

The pilot sits within the DACF Grant Mobilisation Programme — the Fund’s vehicle for introducing new technologies with large-scale impact for Ghana. By giving every district a hands-on stake from day one, it builds the operational evidence base and the political coalition required for the stages that follow. A district that has run an eMoto for six months knows exactly what comes next.

About the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF)

The District Assemblies Common Fund is a constitutionally body mandated to ensure equitable regional development by transferring a minimum of 5% of the country’s total annual revenues to Local Government Authorities for grassroots development.
Its Grant Mobilisation Programme channels  resources into new technologies and  sustainable projects with large-scale national impact. The DACF × Wahu pilot is sponsored by DACF and endorsed by the Government of Ghana as a flagship of the Reset Agenda.

About Wahu Mobility

Wahu Mobility is a Ghana-based electric two-wheeler manufacturer and e-mobility platform headquartered in Accra. Wahu designs and manufactures eBikes and eMotos, finances them through a path-to-ownership model, and operates Ghana’s first electric two-wheeler CKD assembly plant. It is the first EV company in Africa, and the second worldwide, to secure a landmark Article 6 carbon deal.

According to claims shown in screenshots and videos shared on social media, Instagram’s AI chatbot allowed users to “hijack” accounts in recent days.

Hackers could reportedly change passwords for other accounts by faking their location and then asking the AI to change the emails associated with them.

“This issue has been resolved and we are securing impacted accounts,” Meta spokesperson Andy Stone told users in a statement on X.

In a response to another post on X, Stone said claims the vulnerability was used to hack into accounts of world leaders were “totally false”.

Tech news outlet 404media reported that posts about the vulnerability coincided “with a series of high-profile Instagram account takeovers” including a verified account used by Barack Obama when he was in the White House.

The former US president’s account reportedly posted pro-Iran content before it was recovered.

It is unclear how many Instagram accounts were affected by the apparent exploit.

But among those claiming to have been impacted were security researcher and former Meta employee, Jane Manchun Wong.

Wong, who previously worked at Meta as a security engineer, said in a post on X her Instagram password was “changed without my knowledge” and she had repeatedly seen different password reset attempts.

“Quite concerning,” she added.

The incident comes amid concerns about the impact of increasingly capable and common AI systems on people’s data and security.

Videos shared on social media purported to show how Instagram hacks could take place.

One, shared by cybersecurity researcher Dark Web Informer on X, showed someone searching for the username of an account they wished to gain access to as part of Instagram’s recovery process.

They were also shown to be using a virtual private network (VPN) service to pretend to be in the real account holder’s location.

After selecting the account they wanted to access, they sent a message to Instagram’s Meta AI support assistant asking to link a new email to the account and send it a verification code.

The bot followed through with the request – sending a code to the hacker’s email which, when verified, was followed by an email with a link to change their password.

One X user wrote that they had been unable to find “human support” after their Instagram account was hacked.

“We’re at the point where one AI stole it and another can’t fix it, zero humans in the loop anywhere,” they said.

“Companies in every sector are increasingly turning to AI support tools to replace human customer service, and tech giants like Meta are at the forefront of this revolution,” said Marijus Briedis, chief technology officer at NordVPN.

But he said when AI chatbots have “too much authority and too little verification, they can become a serious security risk”.

As one of the “most sensitive parts of any platform,” Briedis said account recovery “should never rely on convenience alone, because the person asking for access may not be the rightful owner”.

The BBC has asked Meta whether human support workers are available to help users whose accounts have been hacked.

The company has faced scrutiny over lack of support for users when their accounts are hacked or suspended in error.

An independent body which hears disputes from social media users in the EU said last week that Meta virtually never replies when it raises cases of people who say they have been wrongly banned from their accounts.

It also recently made huge cuts to its workforce amid billions of dollars of spending on AI.

The US Attorney for the Southern District of New York said it had charged Michele Spagnuolo, a Google engineer, with violating insider trading laws for several bets he placed on the platform.

Although Spagnuolo is an Italian citizen who lives in Switzerland, he was arrested on Wednesday and brought before a federal judge in New York.

Spagnuolo allegedly used information he had early access to through his work at Google, which is based in the US, to make bets that saw him rack up $1.2m (£894,330) in winnings.

A spokeswoman for Google said the company was “working with law enforcement on their investigation” and that the employee had been placed on leave.

The internal information that was allegedly used was marketing material accessed “using a tool available to all employees, but using such confidential information to place bets is a serious breach of our policies,” she added.

A spokesman for Polymarket said the platform “worked closely” with authorities on the investigation.

“Blockchain trading is transparent, traceable, and bad actors leave footprints,” the spokesman added.

Blockchain is a sort of digital record applied to cryptocurrency, which is the only currency Polymarket accepts.

The US Attorney’s office worked with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) on Spagnuolo’s arrest. He has been released on a $2.25m bond, according to ABC News.

Although Spagnuolo allegedly traded under the account name AlphaRaccoon on Polymarket and his bets were placed with cryptocurrency from several accounts, the FBI said it linked his accounts by identifying one he had opened using an Italian identification card.

Spagnuolo did not respond to an email seeking comment.

According to online profiles, he worked for Google for more than 12 years as an engineer focused on information security.

He started using Polymarket in 2024, and between October and December of last year, the US Attorney’s office said Spagnuolo placed $2.7m in bets related to Google.

By using internal information, he was able to make more than $1m in profits from those bets, it said.

The court papers said Spagnuolo’s most lucrative alleged Polymarket wins involved correctly predicting who would and would not be the most-searched person on Google in 2025.

He allegedly placed bets against names like Bianca Censori and President Donald Trump, and chose the singer D4vd to take the top spot, even though the betting platform had odds of that result at near zero.

The court papers said when Spagnuolo placed that bet in November, he knew that D4vd had become Google’s most-searched person because he had access to information the search giant had collected before it was released to the public.

D4vd, a musician, is currently in jail for allegedly murdering a teenage girl.

Hosted at the Ghana International School (GIS) in Accra, the prestigious national competition challenged young minds to design technology-driven solutions for food security and modern agriculture.

The event, organized by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and The MakersPlace, was in collaboration with Google, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation, GIS, the National Communications Authority (NCA), TME Education, Design|PxD, and APEXJAB Enterprise.

The event drew massive national interest, showcasing an impressive ecosystem of 50 teams of 400 young talents, mentorship, and community support.

As a core component of the ITU’s global AI for Good initiative, the competition encouraged the students to move past theoretical knowledge employing concepts in designing, programming, testing, and debugging custom robots engineered to conquer real-world agricultural challenges.

Under intense time pressure on the competition field, the students showcased remarkable resilience—constantly adjusting strategies, troubleshooting hardware glitches, and rewriting code on the fly.

The experience served as an intensive, hands-on masterclass in coding, artificial intelligence, engineering, team communication, and critical thinking.

Category Placement Team Name School
Junior (Ages 10–14) 1st Place B-Weh Trailblazers B-Weh Schools

2nd Place Beta Gold-JT Ahtoo Montessori School

3rd Place Redeemer Innovators My Redeemer School

Senior Category:
Senior (Ages 15–18) 1st Place Klone Right To Dream

2nd Place Fusion Innovators Ghana International School

3rd Place My Redeemer Tech My Redeemer School

The first-place champions—B-Weh Trailblazers and Team Klone have officially booked their tickets to represent Ghana on the global stage at the Robotics for Good Youth Challenge Grand Finale, held during the AI for Good Global Summit 2026 in Geneva, Switzerland.

The national qualifiers underscored the immense potential unlocked when young students are equipped with proper STEM tools, mentorship, and healthy competition.

Reflecting on the event’s success, Douglas Ayitey, Founder and CEO of The MakersPlace, emphasized the deeper impact of robotics:

“This event shows the power of giving young people the right platform. When students build robots, they are not only learning coding and engineering. They are learning how to think, test, collaborate, and solve problems that matter. Ghana has brilliant young talent, and our responsibility is to create more pathways for them to grow.”

Speaking at the event, Communications minister, Samuel Nartey George commended, The MakersPlace and other affiliates for the competition.

He noted that these qualifiers are a vital piece of a larger mission to weave robotics, AI, electronics, and digital literacy into the fabric of Ghanaian education.

“By bridging the gap between local talent and global standards, the event successfully united schools, government bodies, and tech leaders around a singular, powerful vision that is transforming Ghana’s youth from mere consumers of global technology into the very pioneers who create it,” he said.

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The meeting focused on Ghana’s digital transformation agenda, policy reforms, and opportunities for collaboration in areas such as digital skills development, satellite technology, connectivity expansion, and innovation.

The U.S. delegation included Brooke Donilon, Jaisha Wray, Laurie Kelleher, Acting Commercial Counselor at the U.S. Embassy, and Victoria Agbai, Commercial Specialist.

During the discussions, the delegation expressed appreciation to the Minister for Ghana’s role in hosting, for the first time, the satellite training programme organised by the United States Telecommunication Training Institute.

Briefing the delegation on ongoing policy and regulatory reforms within Ghana’s digital sector, Sam George highlighted the government’s efforts to review key legislation, develop Ghana’s Artificial Intelligence strategy, and position the country as a leading digital hub on the African continent.

The Minister also underscored the importance of the government’s One Million Coders Programme, which seeks to equip young Ghanaians with digital and coding skills needed for the future economy. He called for stronger partnerships to support the initiative.

He further stressed the need for effective regulatory frameworks to guide the deployment of satellite technology in a legal and responsible manner that protects national interests, promotes fair competition, and ensures security.

The U.S. delegation commended Ghana’s ambitious digital agenda and expressed readiness to deepen collaboration with the Ministry.

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to continued engagement aimed at promoting inclusive digital development, innovation, and economic opportunities for Ghanaians.

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The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by the Minister for Education, who is also the Member of Parliament for Tamale South, together with Google for Education’s Global Managing Director, Kelvin Kells.

The agreement is expected to accelerate Ghana’s push toward a more technology-driven education system by strengthening digital literacy, enhancing teacher training, and promoting innovation in classrooms nationwide.

Under the partnership, students are expected to gain improved access to modern learning tools, while teachers will be supported to integrate digital platforms and AI-assisted methods into their daily teaching practices. The broader goal is to equip learners with the skills needed for a fast-changing global job market.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, the Education Minister described the deal as a turning point in Ghana’s education reform agenda, stressing that it reflects government’s commitment to using technology and global partnerships to improve learning outcomes.

He noted that the collaboration would help ensure that Ghanaian students are not left behind in the global digital revolution, but instead become active participants in it.

The agreement also places Ghana among countries actively embracing Artificial Intelligence in education, with a focus on building a more inclusive, innovative, and future-ready system.

Officials say the initiative forms part of a wider national vision to modernize education and prepare the next generation for a world increasingly shaped by technology and digital transformation.

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It means neither the user’s nor the AI’s responses will be monitored if the feature is activated, and past conversations will disappear from the user’s chat.

Will Cathcart, the head of WhatsApp, said he felt people wanted to have private conversations with AI on sensitive subjects, including health, relationships and finances and didn’t want them to be accessible.

But a cybersecurity expert has told the BBC this could lead to a lack of accountability for WhatsApp if things go wrong, as they would have no access to chat history.

WhatsApp is owned by Meta, which also owns Instagram, Facebook and Messenger.

When Meta AI was added to WhatsApp last year, it was criticised by some users angry at not being able to turn it off.

But in May 2025, Meta boss Mark Zuckerberg said Meta AI had reached a billion users across its apps.

“We’ve heard from a lot of people that they feel some discomfort about sharing [personal] information with the company, yet they want the answers,” Cathcart said of the latest announcement.

Currently, most AI companies store some data from chatbot use, and outside of businesses that pay premiums for enterprise accounts, that data can also be used to train future models of the product.

Zuckerberg described it as the “first major AI product where there is no log of your conversations stored on servers”.

The technology behind WhatsApp’s incognito mode is not the same as the end-to-end encryption the platform uses to protect other messages, but it is “the equivalent,” Cathcart added.

Prof Alan Woodward, a cybersecurity expert at Surrey University, said there was a low risk of compromising WhatsApp’s existing security by introducing a second system.

However, there are concerns that incognito mode could hide AI malfunctions or abuse.

A number of AI companies, including OpenAI and Google, have been the subject of wrongful death lawsuits.

Woodward said there was a risk of a lack of accountability for the AI’s responses.

“Personally I think what you ask an AI should remain private as some people ask it very personal matters – but you are placing a great deal of trust in the AI not to lead users astray,” he told the BBC.

The concern is that disappearing messages, which cannot be retrieved by the user or by Meta, would mean it would be impossible to find evidence whether somebody’s chats led to harm, death or suicide.

Cathcart said incognito mode would initially process text rather than images, and Meta AI’s guardrails would err on the side of caution by refusing to answer requests that could be interpreted as harmful or illegal.

WhatsApp has blocked other AI chatbots from being accessible from its systems, so the only AI that its billions of users can interact with on the platform is Meta’s own.

“Meta is on track to shell out $145bn [£107bn] on AI infrastructure in 2026, and investors want to see a lot more bang for those mega bucks,” said Susannah Streeter from investment platform Wealth Club.

“Investors are nervous about the scale of the spending, but Meta is counting on the push leading to significant returns. It’s building out AI infrastructure to supercharge its platforms, and if it works, it could make its advertising and commerce empire even more dominant.”

Speaking at the 15th anniversary launch of the Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications in Accra, the Minister said the initiative forms part of efforts to accelerate Ghana’s digital transformation agenda and expand access to high-speed internet services across the country.

According to him, the rollout of 5G infrastructure is expected to improve connectivity, support innovation, and create opportunities for businesses, education, healthcare, and financial technology services.

“We are determined to ensure that by Independence Day in 2027, at least 70 per cent of Ghana’s population will have access to 5G services,” Mr. George stated.

He noted that government considers digital connectivity a critical driver of economic growth and national development.

“Digital technology is no longer a luxury. It is the backbone of modern economies, and we must position Ghana to fully benefit from the opportunities of the digital age,” he said.

The Minister added that government will continue to collaborate with industry players and regulators to ensure the rapid deployment of infrastructure required to support the nationwide expansion of 5G services.

Mr. George also stressed the importance of public-private sector collaboration in bridging the digital divide and ensuring underserved communities are not left behind in the country’s technological advancement.

Meanwhile, the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications, Sylvia Ankomah, commended the Ministry for what she described as strategic efforts to position Ghana to benefit from 5G technology.

“We commend the Ministry for the bold steps being taken to fast-track Ghana’s digital transformation through 5G deployment,” she stated.

Ms. Ankomah noted that the adoption of 5G technology would unlock opportunities for innovation, investment, and economic inclusion across several sectors of the economy.

She added that the telecommunications industry remains committed to supporting government initiatives aimed at improving digital access and enhancing connectivity for Ghanaians.

The 15th anniversary celebration of the Chamber brought together stakeholders within the telecommunications and digital technology ecosystem to discuss the future of connectivity and innovation in Ghana.

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The removal of end‑to‑end encryption (E2EE) on messages amounts to a major U‑turn by parent company Meta, which previously championed the tech as the gold standard for user privacy.

E2EE is the most secure form of online messaging – allowing only the sender and recipient to view messages – but has long been opposed by campaigners who say it allows extreme content to be spread online without the authorities being able to intervene.

That means Meta’s decision has been welcomed by groups including children’s charities – but condemned by privacy advocates.

By switching off E2EE, Instagram will now be able to access all the content of direct messages, including images, videos and voice notes.

In 2019, Meta pledged to introduce the technology across messaging on Facebook and Instagram, saying “the future is private”.

The company completed the rollout on Facebook Messenger in 2023 and later made the feature optional on Instagram with plans to make it default.

But, after seven years, Meta has decided not to proceed with the wider deployment to Instagram, which will now only offer standard encryption.

Standard encryption means an internet service provider can access private material if needed. It is the common system in most major online services such as Gmail.

The decision has been welcomed by child protection groups, including the NSPCC, which has long warned the technology could put children at risk.

“We are really pleased,” said Rani Govender from the charity, adding E2EE “can allow perpetrators to evade detection, enabling the grooming and abuse of children to go unseen.”

Privacy campaigners, however, say the move represents a step backwards.

Maya Thomas from Big Brother Watch was “disappointed” by the decision and said E2EE was “one of the key ways children can keep their data safe online, so we’re concerned that Meta may be caving to government pressure.”

Years-long fight

Since 2019, Meta has defended its plans amid criticism, while working through the technical challenge of bringing the technology to Facebook and Instagram.

The company did not publicly announce its decision to abandon plans for the Instagram rollout.

Instead, it quietly updated the app’s terms and conditions in March.

“End‑to‑end encrypted messaging on Instagram will no longer be supported after 8 May 2026.

“If you have chats affected by this change, you will see instructions on how to download any media or messages you may wish to keep,” it said.

Meta told reporters the decision was taken because too few users were opting in to use the feature.

But commentators say take‑up of optional features is often low, as requiring users to opt in creates extra friction.

Some analysts, including cyber security expert Victoria Baines, professor of IT at Gresham College, believe the decision reflects a shift in Meta’s attitude towards privacy.

“Social media platforms monetise our communications — our posts, likes and messages — so they can serve targeted advertising,” she said.

“And increasingly, companies like Meta are focusing on training AI models, for which messaging data can be extremely valuable. I think the decision is more complex.”

Instagram has previously said direct messages are not used to train AI.

The company declined to comment further on its decision to reverse course on privacy, and Instagram boss Adam Mosseri declined to be interviewed.

Last month, Meta told staff their clicks and activity on work devices would begin to be collected as training data for the company’s AI models.

Campaigners such as Big Brother Watch say Meta’s decision could influence the wider social media industry.

Until recently, the spread of E2EE had been the clear direction of travel.

• E2EE is the default on Signal, WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, Apple’s iMessage and Google Messages

• Telegram offers it as an option, but not by default
• X, formerly Twitter, offers an similar system for direct messages, though critics say it does not meet industry standards
• Snapchat uses it for direct message photos and videos and has previously said it plans to extend it to text
• Discord plans to make voice and video calls end‑to‑end encrypted by default

However, in March, TikTok told the BBC it had no plans to introduce the technology for direct messages.

Fourteen days later, Instagram updated its terms and conditions to confirm it would not proceed with its rollout.

Commentators including Baines believe these decisions may slow the spread of E2EE, leaving it largely confined to dedicated messaging apps in the future.

The programme is particularly relevant in Africa, where rapid digital transformation and expanding technology ecosystems are driving the need for advanced AI expertise across sectors such as finance, healthcare, education, telecoms, and public policy.

Unlike traditional PhDs, which are primarily academic, OPIT’s doctorate emphasises applied research with real-world impact, equipping professionals to design and implement AI-driven solutions within their organisations. Assessment focuses not only on academic rigour but also on the practical value of research outcomes.

“In a world where knowledge evolves at an unprecedented pace, education can no longer be considered a phase of life but must be a continuous process,” says Francesco Profumo, Rector of OPIT. “Innovative doctoral programmes like this prepare professionals to lead technological and social change.”

The programme is designed for professionals, executives and managers across key industries, as well as academics and researchers seeking to apply artificial intelligence in practical and applicable contexts.

“We are seeing a very clear demand across countries like Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, and Cameroon for leaders who can use AI responsibly and productively, translating technical possibilities into decisions and results,” says Riccardo Ocleppo, Founder of OPIT. He added that, “This professional doctorate was created to fill that gap, offering a flexible pathway for working professionals. We therefore look forward to welcoming strong doctoral candidates from all these major African technological hubs.”

Applicants must hold a master’s degree in a STEM discipline. Candidates with a master’s degree in another field may also apply if they have at least five years of professional experience in areas where AI has significant impact.

The programme also includes an intermediate exit option. From the second year, participants who choose not to continue can obtain a Master of Philosophy (MPhil) in Applied Artificial Intelligence.

“The challenge is not simply understanding AI, but applying it rigorously and responsibly to generate value,” says Lorenzo Livi, Associate Professor and Programme Head at OPIT. “We train professionals capable of leading AI-enabled transformation while ensuring ethical and sustainable adoption.”

Applications for the inaugural class of the Professional Doctorate in Applied Artificial Intelligence are now open.

About OPIT

OPIT – Open Institute of Technology is a fully accredited online higher education institution recognised and accredited by the Malta Further and Higher Education Authority (MFHEA), under both the European Qualification Framework (EQF) and Malta Qualification Framework (MQF). OPIT programmes therefore hold full validity across Europe and are professionally recognised by employers.

For more information, kindly visit OPIT: https://www.opit.com/

Speaking at the launch of the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy on Friday, April 24, the President said the facility will serve as the backbone of Ghana’s AI development agenda.

“I am pleased to announce major financial commitments towards our AI agenda. Ghana will invest $250 million to establish a world-class AI computing centre,” he stated.

He explained that the centre will function as a hub for research, innovation and enterprise, enabling Ghanaian talent to develop solutions not only for the local market but also for the wider African continent.

“The proposed AI computing centre will serve as a nerve centre for research, innovation and enterprise, enabling Ghanaian talent to build solutions not only for our country but also for the wider African continent,” he said.

In addition, President Mahama announced a further $20 million allocation to support the short- to medium-term implementation of the National AI Strategy, describing the combined investment as critical to Ghana’s long-term development.

“These investments are bold but necessary,” he emphasised.

The President stressed that achieving the country’s AI ambitions will require strong collaboration across sectors, including government, academia, industry, civil society and development partners.

“Success will require strong partnerships among the state, academia, civil society, industry and our development partners,” he noted.

He acknowledged contributions from key stakeholders involved in developing the strategy, including the Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation, international partners such as the UK High Commission, GIZ, the United Nations, and the Responsible AI Lab at KNUST.

President Mahama outlined key pillars of the strategy, including ethical AI development, education and skills training, industrial innovation, data governance, research, and improved public sector services.

He underscored the importance of capacity building, noting that skilled human resources, strong institutions and reliable infrastructure are essential for the success of the AI agenda.

“At the heart of all these pillars is one imperative: capacity. Without skilled people, strong institutions, secure infrastructure and sound governance, no AI strategy can succeed,” he said.

The President also highlighted the strategic importance of digital infrastructure, likening it to traditional development assets such as roads and energy systems.

“Data, computing power, connectivity and energy are now as strategic to the digital age as roads, ports, railways and power plants were in earlier eras,” he added.

He assured that government is deliberately strengthening Ghana’s digital backbone to support innovation and meet the growing demands of artificial intelligence systems.

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He made the declaration at the official launch of Ghana’s National AI Strategy on Friday, April 24, describing it as a major step toward harnessing emerging technologies for national development.

The strategy provides a comprehensive framework to guide the development, deployment and regulation of AI systems across key sectors of the economy.

It is expected to drive innovation while ensuring ethical standards, data protection and inclusive access to technology.

Addressing stakeholders at the event, Mr George stressed the importance of collaboration among government, the private sector, academia and the public to fully realise Ghana’s AI ambitions.

He noted that artificial intelligence is already transforming industries such as healthcare, education, agriculture, finance and governance, and should no longer be viewed as a future concept.

“I trust that the judiciary will guide our ethical and legal application of artificial intelligence. Ghana stands capable and ready to lead and become Africa’s AI hub by strengthening collaboration between government, industry, academia and citizens,” he said.

The Minister added that government is committed to building a future-ready economy driven by technology and innovation.

The National AI Strategy will also prioritise capacity building through the promotion of STEM education, support for research institutions and the development of innovation hubs to create local solutions tailored to Ghana’s needs.

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The company told employees in a memo on Thursday that it planned to cut 10% of its workforce – roughly 8,000 staff. It said it would also not fill thousands more open jobs it had been hiring for.

A key reason for the layoffs is Meta’s increased spending in other areas of the company, including AI, for which it will spend $135bn (£100bn) this year. This is roughly equal to the amount it has spent on AI over the previous three years, according to a person who viewed the memo.

A spokesman for Meta confirmed the planned job cuts but declined to comment further.

Mark Zuckerberg, Meta’s co-founder and chief executive, made public comments in January that essentially telegraphed the company would be cutting jobs again this year.

The Meta boss said he had seen how much more productive workers who relied heavily on AI tools had become, noting a single person could now complete projects that would have previously required a large team.

“I think that 2026 is going to be the year that AI starts to dramatically change the way that we work,” Zuckerberg said.

Last week, Reuters reported that Meta was planning to cut more than 10,000 employees this year. The memo to employees on Thursday was first reported by Bloomberg.

While Meta has already cut around 2,000 workers in two smaller rounds of layoffs already this year, employees had been braced for weeks for a much deeper cut, as the BBC previously reported.

Meta’s spending and internal focus had shifted heavily in recent months toward catching up on the development of AI models and tools.

The company just this week informed employees that it would begin tracking and logging their interactions with work computers in order to help train and improve its AI models, a move one employee called “dystopian” given the looming layoffs.

“This company has become obsessed with AI,” they told the BBC.

Since 2022, Meta has enacted several rounds of job cuts, shedding tens of thousands of workers.

But it had started hiring again, and last year its overall number of employees looked to be at around the same level it had been at before its initial layoff.

The upcoming jobs cuts will be Meta’s largest layoff since 2023.

A number of other tech firms, most of which are also spending huge sums on building tools and infrastructure for AI technology, have also enacted swathes of job cuts this year.

Amazon has laid off more than 30,000 workers. Oracle laid off more than 10,000 workers.

Block, which is among the smaller tech companies, laid off nearly half of its staff totaling more than 4,000 workers. And Snap, another smaller tech company, has laid off around 1,000.

Also on Thursday, Microsoft told employees that it would offer voluntary buyouts to thousands of workers with longer tenure at the firm.

Nearly all of the companies have cited the growing capabilities of, or increased investment in, AI technology as a factor in executives’ perceived need for fewer employees.

He says the company is now relying more on advanced technology to track suspicious transactions and identify patterns linked to fraudulent activity among mobile money agents.

He explained that the shift is part of broader efforts to strengthen trust in Ghana’s fast-expanding digital payments ecosystem, where mobile money remains a dominant channel for financial transactions.

According to him, the system can now trace transaction histories once a fraud report is filed, allowing the company to identify repeated behavioural patterns and respond quickly to potential threats.

“Thanks to the power of artificial intelligence, we are strengthening our monitoring mechanisms, shifting from just rule-based applications to more behavioural analysis, which makes it a lot easier for us to narrow down the elements and deal with them,” he said in a Citi FM interview.

His comments come amid growing concerns about mobile money fraud in Ghana, where increasing digital adoption has also created new opportunities for scammers targeting unsuspecting users.

Mr Haruna noted that the integration of AI marks a significant upgrade from earlier systems that relied mainly on fixed rules to detect suspicious activity. The new approach, he said, focuses more on behavioural patterns, making it easier to isolate and investigate fraudulent actors.

He stressed that MobileMoney Fintech Limited is committed to sanitising the ecosystem and ensuring that fraudsters are swiftly identified and dealt with.

The company operates at the centre of Ghana’s mobile money industry, which has become a key pillar of the country’s financial inclusion drive over the past decade. With millions of users relying on mobile money for daily transactions, industry players have increasingly turned to technology to strengthen security and reduce losses.

As part of this broader digital transformation, financial technology firms are investing heavily in data analytics and AI tools to keep pace with evolving fraud tactics.

Mr Haruna assured that the company will continue to enhance its systems to protect users and maintain confidence in the mobile money platform, which remains critical to Ghana’s cashless economy ambitions.

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Qualcomm Incorporated today announced the selection of 10 startups for its fourth year of the Qualcomm® Make in Africa Mentorship Program. This initiative is part of the Qualcomm Africa Innovation Platform, which supports the development of Africa’s deep-technology ecosystem. It provides mentorship and training programs, with a focus on advanced connectivity and processing technologies such as Edge AI/ML, compute, IoT, and Qualcomm’s AI development platform from Arduino.

Highlights:

▪︎At the program’s finale, one startup will be awarded a Social Impact Fund grant from Qualcomm for Good.

▪︎All participating startups will be eligible for a $5,000 stipend upon successful completion of program requirements.

▪︎Qualcomm provides the startups with a variety of resources such as product design guidance on Arduino AI platforms, business coaching, access to engineering consultation, and free IP education such as L2Pro Africa.

For this year’s edition of the one-of-a-kind equity-free African mentorship program, 10 early-stage startups were chosen from a record number of over 1,200 applications from over 45 African countries, based on their ability to apply advanced connectivity and processing technologies to innovative end-to-end systems solutions. The industries represented by the startups include agriculture, assistive technology, smart cities and utilities, smart infrastructure, EV transportation, and education.

The 2026 cohort includes the following startups (listed in alphabetical order):

Amperra Charging Company (Namibia):
AI-driven, grid-adaptive smart EV charging platform designed to enable scalable electric mobility across Africa

Anatsor Ltd (Nigeria): Integrated digital poultry management system that improves productivity, health tracking, and farm efficiency
D-Olivette Labs (Nigeria): Bio-intelligence platform delivering data-driven insights for sustainable and efficient agricultural production
Mindora Corporation (Zimbabwe): Braille keyboard solution that improves digital accessibility for visually impaired users
MVUTU (Republic of the Congo): Solar-powered IoT cold storage solution that reduces post-harvest losses for smallholder farmers
QualiKeeper Investments Ltd (Zambia): Affordable AIoT livestock monitoring system designed for low-connectivity rural environments
SafeSip (Tanzania): Smart water access and monitoring solution that ensures safe, reliable drinking water in urban and peri-urban areas
Sesi Technologies Ltd (Ghana): AI-powered field device that enables early cocoa quality assessment and transparent supply chains
TWave Ltd (Uganda): Automated, solar-powered fish feeding system that optimizes aquaculture productivity
Zerobionic (Kenya): Assistive robotics solutions designed to enhance inclusion and independence for persons with disabilities

“This year’s startups’ achievements are a powerful testament to Africa’s flourishing innovation ecosystem,” said Wassim Chourbaji, President, Middle East and Africa, and Senior Vice President, Government Affairs, Europe, Middle East and Africa at Qualcomm. “Four years into Qualcomm Make in Africa, what stands out is not only the growing number of applications we receive, but the increasing sophistication of the solutions being built. These startups are pushing the boundaries of what technologies such as Edge AI and 5G can enable, and how they can be deployed at scale across the continent. Qualcomm is proud to support and help guide this next wave of African high-tech innovation, from early design and product development to real-world commercialization, and I look forward to seeing where these startups go next.”

Participants will receive free edge-AI capable platforms from Arduino, alongside 1:1 technical mentorship and business coaching. “Arduino® UNO™ Q and the upcoming Arduino® VENTUNO™ Q give the 2026 Qualcomm Make in Africa cohort a fast path from idea to intelligent machine,” said Fabio Violante, Vice President and General Manager of Arduino, Qualcomm Technologies Inc. “By bringing perception, decision-making, and actuation onto a single, affordable board, founders can prototype and deploy edge-AI solutions directly where challenges exist — in farms, clinics, factories, and cities.”

They will also access engineering consultations for product development and guidance on protecting intellectual property. This includes patent filing consultation from Adams & Adams, Africa’s leading IP law firm, and free IP courses through L2Pro Africa – an IP e-learning platform designed to empower startups, SMEs, and researchers in Africa to protect, secure, and maximize their innovations.

At the end of the mentorship cycle, startups will be eligible for the Social Impact Fund through Qualcomm for Good, supporting societal and market impact through wireless technology. All participants will also receive a $5,000 stipend upon successful program completion. Finally, those who file patents during the program can claim up to $5,000 in filing fee reimbursements.

Reflecting the program’s relevance across the continent, the African Telecommunications Union (ATU) returns as a partner for the fourth consecutive year. “The ATU’s key mandate is to ensure that Africa’s telecommunications ecosystem serves Africa’s people. Qualcomm Make in Africa embodies that same principle by putting cutting-edge technology directly in the hands of African innovators to solve African challenges. Having seen firsthand the quality of the startups this program produces, returning as a partner in 2026 was not a question of if, but of how we could deepen our contribution. We look forward to seeing this cohort carry that work forward,” said Secretary General John Omo.

For more information about Qualcomm Make in Africa, please visit: https://www.qualcomm.com/company/locations/africa/qualcomm-make-in-africa

About Qualcomm
Qualcomm relentlessly innovates to deliver intelligent computing everywhere, helping the world tackle some of its most important challenges. Building on our 40 years of technology leadership in creating era-defining breakthroughs, we deliver a broad portfolio of solutions built with our leading-edge AI, high-performance, low-power computing, and unrivaled connectivity. Our Snapdragon® platforms power extraordinary consumer experiences, and our Qualcomm Dragonwing™ products empower businesses and industries to scale to new heights. Together with our ecosystem partners, we enable next-generation digital transformation to enrich lives, improve businesses, and advance societies. At Qualcomm, we are engineering human progress.

Qualcomm Incorporated includes our licensing business, QTL, and the vast majority of our patent portfolio. Qualcomm Technologies, Inc., a subsidiary of Qualcomm Incorporated, operates

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The update enables users to modify the portion of their email address that appears before “@gmail.com”, offering a level of flexibility that has previously not been available. The feature is being rolled out first in the United States, with access across Android devices, iPhones, iPads and desktop browsers.

The company said the change is intended to give users greater control over how they present themselves online, particularly for those who created email addresses years ago that may no longer reflect their personal or professional identity.

To address concerns about disruption, Google indicated that updating a Gmail address will not affect access to existing services. Users will still be able to log in to Google platforms and third-party applications using either the old or new address, while emails sent to both will continue to be delivered without interruption.

The feature operates in a manner similar to an email alias, ensuring continuity across linked accounts. Existing emails, contacts and data will remain intact, allowing users to transition seamlessly without losing information or access.

However, Google has introduced safeguards to prevent abuse of the system. Users will be permitted to change their Gmail address name only once every 12 months, with a lifetime limit of three changes per account. The restriction is aimed at reducing the risk of fraud and impersonation.

The development comes as Gmail approaches its 22nd anniversary, with millions of users worldwide still relying on addresses created in the early years of the service. The new option offers an opportunity for users to update outdated or poorly chosen usernames without having to create entirely new accounts.

Google said the feature will be expanded to other regions outside the United States in due course, although no specific timeline has been announced.

The rollout is part of broader efforts by the company to enhance user experience and modernise its services in response to evolving digital needs.

Speaking at a National Validation Workshop held in partnership with UNESCO, the Minister for Communications, Digital Technology and Innovation, Samuel Nartey George, announced that the strategy has received Cabinet approval.

He disclosed that Cabinet has also approved a $250 million investment for the establishment of a national AI centre to support local research and innovation.

According to the Minister, the initiative will promote the adoption of AI across various sectors, enhance service delivery, and create opportunities for homegrown technological solutions.

He noted that artificial intelligence will improve public services, boost agricultural productivity, support healthcare delivery, and expand financial inclusion.

The strategy is expected to position Ghana as a leading hub for AI development in Africa while ensuring responsible and inclusive use of the technology.

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Addressing participants at the LSE Africa Summit 2026, Dr Bawumia noted that AI will significantly transform labour markets but stressed that the outcome will depend on policy choices and preparedness.

“We should be clear at the outset: most people do not experience ‘AI’ as a single model… They experience AI as a stack,” he explained, referring to the interconnected systems of infrastructure, data, and processes that shape real-world impacts.

He cited global estimates indicating that about 40 per cent of jobs are exposed to AI-driven change, but clarified that this does not necessarily mean mass job losses.

Instead, he said AI is more likely to reshape tasks and improve productivity.

“The point is not that ‘40% of jobs will vanish,’ but that AI will reshape tasks and productivity across a large share of work,” he noted.

He added that the key policy challenge is ensuring workers transition into roles where AI complements their productivity.

Dr Bawumia also warned that Africa’s large informal sector presents unique challenges, requiring tailored strategies focused on inclusion, skills development, and support for small businesses.

He concluded that with the right policies, AI could drive shared prosperity.

“If we get this right, AI can become a productivity engine for agriculture, health, education, climate resilience, and digital trade,” he said.

He presented these proposals as part of his keynote address at the LSE Africa Summit 2026 held at the London School of Economics and Political Science.

Dr Bawumia stressed that Africa must move beyond discussions and adopt practical, measurable actions to build a competitive AI ecosystem.

He noted that success in the digital age will depend on deliberate planning, sustained investment, and strong institutional capacity across the continent.

“Technological revolutions reward those who build foundations: institutions, infrastructure, skills, and rules before they chase the latest applications,” he said, adding that Africa must act “boldly, but methodically” to secure its place in the global digital economy.

Outlining his proposals, he called for investments in reliable electricity, broadband infrastructure, and secure data systems, as well as the development of trustworthy data ecosystems and large-scale talent development programmes.

He also emphasised the need for stronger public sector procurement capacity and the integration of ethical standards into AI deployment.

“Build AI foundations… build trustworthy data ecosystems… build talent at scale,” he said, listing the priorities, while also highlighting the importance of cross-border collaboration to create interoperable digital markets across Africa.

Dr Bawumia concluded with a call to action for African leaders and institutions to seize the moment and shape the future of AI.

“Africa should be poised to shape the global AI conversation not as a passive consumer, but as a builder of responsible systems,” he stated, adding that “if we unite borders through infrastructure, skills, governance, and markets, then AI can become a force for shared prosperity.”

With the use of high-speed optical character recognition, as well as AI, these systems help convert images of license plates into actionable, digital data.

So how do ALPR cameras fit in across traffic management and toll collection in particular? How does it play its part in technology and law enforcement? Let’s take a look at where they are a necessity for these areas of day-to-day life.

ALPR in traffic management

ALPR helps with many aspects of traffic management, especially when it comes to congestion. The systems ALPRs use help to track traffic flow, identify any bottlenecks, and monitor travel times, all in real-time. They alert traffic control centers to deal with traffic jams and potential accidents.

As well as that, cameras help to manage access to specific zones, where only authorized vehicles are permitted to enter. The data collected through these cameras also helps urban planners to make informed decisions regarding road infrastructure improvements.

ALPR in toll collection

The use of ALPR helps to provide free-flow or barrier-free tolling, enabling vehicles to simply pass through at highway speeds without needing to stop. This can help greatly with congestion that builds at toll plazas and, in turn, helps to lower CO2 emissions.

Instead of transponders, the cameras themselves will capture the license plate, and that’s automatically matched up with a user account to ensure fast and accurate, contactless billing.

With high-resolution sensors, it can accurately count, classify, and identify the vehicles, reducing the influence of human error and preventing revenue loss.

ALPR in technology and law enforcement

ALPR acts as a 24/7 surveillance tool, helpful in identifying stolen vehicles, cross-checking plates against databases of interest, and tracking criminals.

Fixed and mobile ALPR units are helpful for average speed calculations over a distance and help enforce traffic laws, as well as enhancing road safety.

With a modern ALPR camera, they’re highly integrated, often using infrared for day/night visibility with edge computing, which processes data and reduces the need for extensive backend infrastructure.

Much of ALPR technology has evolved to provide efficient, secure, and automated solutions for modern transportation. Some systems are already in use globally for both police surveillance and electronic tolling.

Future of ALPR 

There’s still a lot of potential to be had with ALPR and plenty of advancements to be made in order for them to be even better for performance. These include:

AI and deep learning integration

Next-generation ALPR will use AI to improve accuracy and allow for easy recognition even in low-light and poor weather conditions.

Beyond the plate

Future ALPR systems are heading towards the Make, Model, and Color recognition. This enables the identification of vehicles, even when the plate is removed, dirty, or obscured.

Smart city and IoT integration

ALPR is becoming central to many smart city efforts when it comes to managing traffic flow, optimizing parking, and integrating with 5G networks for comprehensive, urban mobility data.

Private sector adoption

While it’s traditionally used by law enforcement, adoption of its use is rising in fleet management, logistics, and many areas of the private sector.

The use of ALPR cameras has its benefits, so it’s great to explore the potential of where they can fit in many aspects.

The test, led by the UK government, will see 300 teens involved have their social apps disabled entirely, blocked overnight or capped to one hour’s use – with some also seeing no such changes at all – in order to compare their experiences.

It will run alongside the government’s consultation on whether the UK should follow Australia’s lead and make it illegal for under-16s to access many social media sites.

Technology secretary Liz Kendall said it was about “testing different options in the real world.”

“These pilots will give us the evidence we need to take the next steps, informed by the experiences of families themselves,” she added.

Children and parents involved in the government-led trial will also be interviewed before and after the pilot scheme to assess its impact.

Meanwhile, the government’s consultation about banning social media for children will continue until 26 May.

Such a move has widespread political support – with countries including France, Spain and Indonesia also considering emulating Australia’s ban – and the backing of some campaigners and children’s charities.

Other experts are more sceptical, warning that such restrictions could be easily circumvented or could push children to darker corners of the internet.

But some believe tech companies should make their platforms safer, not just be banned for children.

Rani Govender, associate head of child safety online policy at the NSPCC, said that while the charity welcomed the government’s efforts to find the best way to keep young people safe online, it must also be ready to take “decisive action” when its pilot and consultation end.

“This must include ensuring tech companies build safety into every device, platform and AI tool so children do not see harmful or illegal content and can only use age-appropriate services,” she told the BBC.

“Failure to deliver on this and a social media ban for under 16s would be better than the status quo.”

The Molly Rose Foundation meanwhile said it was “entirely right” for the government to be consult on its next steps rather than “rushing to implement” bans that may not work as intended.

“Parents want decisive and evidence-based measures to protect children online and these tests will provide welcome insights into the practicality and feasibility of further interventions,” said its chief executive Andy Burrows.

How will it work?

The pilot scheme will run in the homes of 300 teenagers.

Participants from across the UK will be split into four groups, three of which will try out the different kinds of interventions while the fourth will act as a control group.

The group in which the most popular apps are made totally unavailable is intended to mimic what a social media ban would look like.

The other two groups are intended to provide insights into how more limited restrictions would work, either by capping app use at 60 minutes per day or making them unavailable between 21:00 and 07:00.

Participants will be asked about the impact of limiting social media on their family life, sleep and schoolwork.

The government says they will also be quizzed about the practical challenges they faced, such as the ability to set-up parental controls or “workarounds that the teenagers may find to bypass them”.

Data from the pilots will be assessed by officials and academics alongside consultation responses from parents and children.

The government says it has received nearly 30,000 responses so far.

Ministers say the pilot schemes will be complemented by what they call the “world’s first major scientific trial looking at the effects of reducing social media use among adolescents”.

The independent study, funded by the Wellcome Trust, is set to begin later this year. and will be co-led by the Bradford Institute for Health Research and University of Cambridge psychologist Prof Amy Orben.

Prof Orben told the BBC she was “really proud that the UK is home to this really important research”.

The study will recruit 4,000 students aged 12 to 15 from ten Bradford secondary schools and seek to assess the impact of having less access to social media – particularly on areas of their wellbeing such as sleep, anxiety levels, social interactions, as well as absence and bullying in schools.

Prof Orben says it is meant to address the current lack of high-quality data on both the impact social media currently has on children and the difference restricting it might make.

The presentation took place at the MTTD Headquarters in Accra during a brief ceremony where the President of BMW Club Ghana, Solomon Bekoe, officially handed over the items to DCOP Alex Kodjo Wowolo. The event was attended by members of the Club as well as officers of the MTTD.

The donated equipment, which included high-visibility safety vests and light directional batons, is expected to enhance the visibility and effectiveness of traffic officers as they manage traffic flow, prevent accidents, and ensure the safety of motorists and pedestrians.

In addition to the donation, BMW Club Ghana organised a health screening exercise for MTTD officers, conducted by medical professionals within the Club. The screening provided officers with access to essential health checks, including blood pressure monitoring, blood glucose testing, body mass index (BMI) assessments, and general medical consultations.

The initiative was aimed at encouraging preventive healthcare and promoting the wellbeing of officers who spend long hours managing traffic on busy roads.

Speaking at the ceremony, the President of BMW Club Ghana highlighted the importance of supporting frontline institutions whose work directly impacts public safety.

Founded in March 2018, BMW Club Ghana is a registered non-governmental organisation that brings together BMW owners and enthusiasts with a shared passion for responsible driving, automotive excellence, and community engagement.

Headquartered in Accra, the Club comprises professionals, entrepreneurs, and motoring enthusiasts who participate in a range of organised activities including tourism drives, motorsport experiences, professional networking forums, youth mentorship programmes, and community outreach initiatives.

Beyond celebrating the BMW brand, the Club actively promotes road safety awareness and social responsibility through corporate social responsibility initiatives spanning health, education, and public safety.

Through activities such as this donation and health outreach, BMW Club Ghana continues to strengthen its role as one of the country’s leading automotive communities, using its platform not only to celebrate the driving experience but also to contribute meaningfully to safety, wellbeing and community development across Ghana.

As part of this effort, the club has launched an initiative called “Coding & AI Without Computers”, aimed at teaching students the fundamentals of coding even in areas where computers and internet access are unavailable.

The initiative was launched at the African University of Communications and Business (AUCB).

Founder of Ghana Code Club, Ernestina Edem Appiah, explained that the programme was created to bridge the gap between schools that have ICT facilities and those that do not.

According to her, although the government has shown strong commitment to promoting digital literacy, limited infrastructure continues to slow down its full implementation, especially at the basic school level.

She noted that in response to these challenges, the Ghana Code Club designed a practical and scalable initiative known as “Coding & AI Without Computers.”

Madam Appiah further indicated that schools can begin equipping students with coding skills, computational thinking, and basic artificial intelligence concepts even before adequate infrastructure is provided.

She added that the approach would enable teachers to start teaching future-ready digital skills immediately, particularly in schools with limited resources.

Founder of AUCB, Kojo Yankah, also emphasised that digital literacy has become a vital part of modern education needed to strengthen students’ abilities for the future.

He therefore encouraged students to make good use of the initiative by learning coding and artificial intelligence so they can create programmes and innovations that will positively impact their lives and their communities.

Speaking in a sideline interview at the Mobile World Congress 2026 in Barcelona, the minister explained that government policy is to ensure that all telecom operators launch 5G services at the same time through a coordinated national rollout.

According to him, the approach is designed to create a level playing field in the telecommunications market while preventing any operator from securing a dominant head start in deploying next-generation network infrastructure.

“I have been clear in my policy direction to the regulator. One network will not roll out 5G. All networks will roll out 5G on the same day,” Mr George said.

“We will have a national launch that will carry everybody,” he added.

The minister indicated that the rollout strategy will be supported by the planned auction of 5G spectrum by the National Communications Authority (NCA), with licensing conditions requiring operators to sign onto a national roaming framework.

Under this arrangement, he explained, telecom companies that secure spectrum licences will be required to allow other operators to access their 5G sites at cost price for a limited period to prevent unfair market advantages.

“If telecom company ‘A’ gets the licence and telecom company ‘B’ doesn’t, company ‘A’ will have to allow company ‘B’ to roam on its 5G sites at a cost price until they can condition their network,” he said.

Mr George’s comments follow recent claims by Next-Gen Infraco (NGIC) that it had received confirmation from the regulator that it had met the requirements to begin commercial wholesale 4G and 5G operations under its licence.

However, the minister described those claims as misleading, arguing that the limited number of sites currently deployed by the company cannot be considered a nationwide rollout.

“In Greater Accra alone, we have over 1,600 cell sites. So if someone has about 43 sites and says they have rolled out in Greater Accra, or two cell sites in the Ashanti Region and says they have rolled out 5G, how is that a rollout?” he questioned.

He also revealed that the company is currently in default of certain licensing obligations, including payments owed to the regulator since September last year.

According to him, the regulator has formally notified the company about the breach while engagement with industry players continues on the national roaming framework ahead of the spectrum auction.

Beyond the planned 5G rollout, the government is also implementing regulatory reforms aimed at encouraging investment and expanding network infrastructure across the telecommunications sector.

Mr George noted that policy measures such as technology neutrality and adjustments to quality-of-service benchmarks have already prompted major telecom operators to accelerate network expansion.

Companies, including MTN Ghana and Telecel Ghana, have announced plans to deploy hundreds of new cell sites this year to improve coverage and service quality across the country.

The minister said these investments reflect the government’s broader strategy of shifting the role of the regulator from strict enforcement to enabling innovation and growth within Ghana’s digital economy.

Speaking at the closing ceremony of the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology (IYQ2025) in Accra, the Minister said the gathering of leading figures in science, policy and education reflects a shared global understanding that science and innovation remain central to human progress.

According to him, UNESCO’s proclamation of 2025 as the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology signals the growing importance of quantum science in the modern world, while also placing responsibility on nations to ensure scientific development benefits society.

“Over the past year, attention has focused not only on discoveries, but also on the responsibility that accompanies scientific development,” he noted.

Mr Iddrisu pointed out that significant gaps remain globally, revealing that about 145 countries are yet to develop national quantum strategies, a situation he said must be addressed to ensure inclusive participation in frontier science.

He highlighted the practical impact of quantum technologies, noting their application in agriculture, food systems, climate forecasting, soil and water monitoring, and national security.

“For countries like Ghana, where agriculture sustains livelihoods, quantum science is not optional, it is significant and paramount,” he stressed.

The Education Minister said hosting the closing ceremony under the Global Scientific Dialogue platform affirms Africa’s place in the future of frontier science, adding that African talent, perspectives and intellectual contributions must be fully recognised.

He further emphasised that education remains the most powerful driver of scientific progress, noting that sustained investment in teachers, researchers and young people will determine how effectively quantum science and its applications serve Africa and the wider world.

During a call with financial analysts on Wednesday to discuss the Facebook-owner’s 2025 financial results, the company said it expects to spend up to $135bn (£97bn) this year, mostly on infrastructure related to AI.

That is nearly twice the $72bn Meta spent last year on AI projects and infrastructure.

In the last three years, the technology giant has spent roughly $140bn to get ahead of the AI boom.

Zuckerberg said on Wednesday that he is expecting “2026 to be the year that AI dramatically changes the way we work.”

His comments came as Meta’s figures showed expenses rose faster than revenues, squeezing profit margins during the last three months of 2025.

Meta shares were around 6.5% higher in extended trading in New York after the announcement.

In addition to outlining the potential benefits of such a massive AI investment, Zuckerberg’s comments suggested further layoffs at the tech giant.

“We’re starting to see projects that used to take big teams now be accomplished by a single, very talented person,” he said.

This year, Meta has already laid off several hundred workers, mainly in its Reality Labs division, which focuses on its “metaverse” ambitions, hardware products, and AI initiatives.

Zuckerberg said Meta is investing more across the company in AI tools that help employees, like software engineers, complete more work.

As workers use the tools to become “significantly more productive,” he said, there is “a big delta between the people who do it and do it well and the people who don’t.”

“What we were talking about is, I think it’s very hard for anyone exactly to predict what the shape of how organisations working is going to feel, but I just think the fact that agents are really starting to work now is quite profound,” he added.

Some in the industry warn that such major investments risk creating an AI bubble, similar to the dotcom boom, which peaked in 2000.

Chuck Robbins, chairman and chief executive of Cisco Systems, told the BBC that while AI could end up “bigger than the internet”, the current market is probably a bubble and some companies “won’t make it”.

JPMorgan Chase boss Jamie Dimon has voiced similar concerns, while Google CEO Sundar Pichai said there was some “irrationality” to the AI boom.

Sam Altman, whose company OpenAI helped spark the current AI obsession in the tech industry, was more direct.

“Are we in a phase where investors as a whole are overexcited about AI? My opinion is yes,” he said last year.

At its core, music has always been about tools. From drum skins to DAWs, from tape machines to streaming platforms, AI is simply the next tool—but one that touches songwriting, production, promotion, distribution economics, and identity all at once. That’s why the tension feels heavier.

Let’s look at all sides—clearly, fairly, and without panic.

Songwriters: Ideas to Records

For songwriters, AI quietly unlocks something powerful: independence. Traditionally, many songwriters depended on artists or labels to hear their ideas. Today, AI allows a songwriter to generate high-quality demo tracks, experiment with arrangement, tempo, genre, and even vocal direction—enough to pitch convincingly or release independently. This doesn’t replace musical skill; it compresses the distance between idea and execution.

A songwriter who understands AI can now present a near-finished track for pitching, learn basic production literacy, and build a catalog without studio dependency. But here’s the new responsibility that comes with this freedom: understanding money flow. Who owns the publishing? How are splits defined when AI assists? Who controls metadata, performance rights, and licensing revenue? Without this literacy, autonomy can quietly turn into value leakage.

In Africa especially—where access to studios, producers, and funding is uneven—this is a quiet revolution. It doesn’t eliminate collaboration; it makes collaboration optional, not compulsory. But without strong publishing education and rights enforcement, the same old extraction risks can simply wear new AI clothing.

Artists: The Real Asset Was Never the Studio

Artists often fear AI will flood the internet with “fake music.” That fear is understandable—but misplaced. Here’s the truth: music has never been the artist’s biggest asset. Connection is.

An artist who understands songwriting—or collaborates deeply with songwriters—becomes more consistent, less stressed, and far more strategic. Production becomes cheaper, creative blocks become manageable, and output becomes regular. If an artist already built a fan base before the AI wave, that fan base is now priceless.

Why? Because AI can generate sound—but it cannot replace live performance energy, emotional memory, shared cultural moments, and human presence. People don’t attend concerts because the song is perfect. They come because the artist feels real. And live performance remains the most expensive and wealth-generating capital in music—far beyond streams.

What AI changes for artists is not relevance, but trust. Audiences are becoming more emotionally intelligent. If fans sense dishonesty, over-automation, or hidden shortcuts, brand trust erodes. But when artists are transparent and intentional with AI, audiences often lean in—not away. AI doesn’t weaken artists; it exposes who never invested in connection.

Producers: From Beat Makers to Sonic Architects

Producers are not being erased—they are being elevated. The producer of the future is not competing with AI. They are directing it, working at higher dimensions of frequency intelligence, sample fusion, cultural sound design, and emotional texture. AI handles repetition; producers handle taste.

Globally, top producers are already using AI to speed up workflows while focusing on what humans do best: decision-making and emotional judgment. The producer becomes less of a laborer and more of a sonic architect. Yet there is a quiet tension emerging: credit erosion and pricing pressure. As AI reduces technical barriers, producers must increasingly defend their value through identity, authorship clarity, and creative leadership. Those who don’t reposition risk doing more work—for less recognition.

The Middle Ground: AI as Force Multiplier, Not Author

The healthiest future isn’t “AI vs humans.” It’s AI as amplification. Songwriters gain autonomy, artists gain consistency and leverage, and producers gain scale and precision. Across Africa, Europe, and the U.S., independent artists are already increasing output, lowering costs, and reaching global audiences faster—without major labels. But this shift is not about technology alone. It’s about who understands platforms, algorithms, ownership structures, and audience psychology. AI rewards those who combine cultural intelligence with systems thinking.

Africa’s Advantage — and Its Risk

Africa sits at a critical edge. AI lowers barriers in regions long excluded from global music infrastructure. A songwriter in Accra, Lagos, or Nairobi can now reach global ears faster than ever before. But most AI systems are trained on Western data, Western languages, Western musical frameworks. Without deliberate African participation in data training, policy, and infrastructure, African sounds risk being absorbed, remixed, and monetized elsewhere—without ownership or credit. This makes AI policy, language inclusion, data sovereignty, and internet access cultural survival issues, not just technical ones.

The Unfinished Chapter: Copyright and Ethics

Now comes the unresolved question: ownership. Who owns AI-generated music? Who trained the model? Whose cultural sound was learned? What happens when AI imitates a style too closely?

This is no longer a music issue—it’s a global ethical negotiation still unfolding. Governments, creative unions, and tech firms are yet to agree on a universal standard. This uncertainty isn’t a flaw—it’s a signal that we are early. Copyright will be the next chapter. And how we write it will determine whether AI becomes extractive—or empowering.

The Future Isn’t Synthetic — It’s Hybrid

AI will not erase music; it will filter out complacency. The future belongs to creatives who understand culture and systems, emotion and tools, art and strategy. Those who see AI not as a shortcut—but as a force multiplier. Music is still human. AI just changed who gets heard—and how fast.

And that, if handled wisely, is not a threat. It’s an opening.

As a recent school leaver, you may find yourself wondering, “What comes next?”, “Which course should I pursue in the coming year?”, or “Will I secure a place at my preferred institution?”

The great news is that the Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA) Professional Qualification, offered by The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA), opens doors for recent school leavers. Whether you are eager to continue your studies or considering a career change into finance, the CGMA Professional Qualification provides a clear pathway, even if you have little or no background in finance or accounting.

About the CGMA Professional Qualification

The CGMA Professional Qualification is recognised worldwide and is designed to shape finance professionals who not only understand the numbers but also help businesses make meaningful decisions. Its main objective is to boost your employability by equipping you with the skills, competencies and mindset that today’s employers value most.

Built on foundations of finance, management, strategy and technology, it is widely acknowledged as one of the most relevant finance qualifications for careers in business and finance.

It empowers finance professionals to stand out both in a competitive job market and within their organisations. This forward-thinking qualification prepares you to thrive in an ever-evolving business landscape shaped by innovation, global challenges and new opportunities.

The Upgraded CGMA Professional Qualification Syllabus

CIMA continually updates the CGMA Professional Qualification to match the demands of modern finance. The latest upgrade, launching in 2026, is designed to prepare students for the future of finance, meeting the increasing expectations for finance professionals to operate as high-performance business partners who confidently use technology and apply strong critical thinking skills.

The new syllabus places greater emphasis on key competencies and behaviours that employers value most, which are finance business partnering, analytical thinking and strategic planning. It also broadens its scope to include essential areas shaping the future of business, such as sustainability (for example, green finance, environmental costing and disclosures under IFRS S1/S2) and cutting-edge financial technologies, including Generative AI.

You Could Qualify To Enrol In The CGMA Professional Qualification

A key advantage of the CGMA Professional Qualification is its flexibility; you do not need a background in accounting to get started. School leavers can begin at the Certificate level, while graduates and degree holders are often able to enter directly into the Professional levels.

No matter your starting point, if you are ambitious and eager to build a career in finance, business or strategy, the CGMA Professional Qualification has a place for you.

Pursuing the CGMA Professional Qualification not only sets you on a path to becoming a finance professional, but it also shapes you into a versatile business partner who knows how to drive value, harness emerging technologies and shape the future of finance.

To learn more about the CGMA Professional Qualification, contact us on our website: www.myfuture.cimaglobal.com. You can also reach our team on +233 263 011 992.

A viral video can topple a politician or spark a national debate in seconds. But behind the speed and excitement of digital journalism lies a growing dilemma: how do we keep our facts straight, stay ahead of fake news, and protect our credibility in a world where the tools we use aren’t always ours to control?

Journalism in Ghana used to be a straightforward, one-directional business: print newspapers in the morning, evening broadcasts on radio and TV done. You’d get your information from a few trusted voices like the Daily Graphic, Joy FM, or GTV.

Reporters carried notebooks, flip phones (if they were fancy), and a good dose of courage. The newsroom was the heart of the operation, and deadlines were sacred.

Then technology walked in slowly at first, then like a gale wind. Today, the newsroom fits in your pocket, and journalists tweet news before the newsroom even hears about it. Let’s dive into how tech has re-engineered storytelling, audience engagement, and the very soul of Ghanaian journalism.

From Pen and Paper to Pixels and Platforms

Then, in the early 2000s and before, journalists travelled long distances to file stories. The tools of the trade were analogue: typewriters, cassette recorders, and physical archives. If you missed the evening news, you simply missed it.

Now, technology has flattened these barriers. Mobile phones, affordable internet, lightweight audio/video recorders, and platforms like WhatsApp, Telegram, and Twitter have made every journalist a walking newsroom.

Multimedia storytelling is now the norm video clips, photos, and voice notes, all uploaded in seconds.

Even fact-checking can happen in real time using digital tools.
Case in point: Viral stories on platforms like Facebook reach millions before traditional outlets even react.

Democratising News: Everyone’s a Reporter?
The rise of “citizen journalism” means anyone with a smartphone can break news. This has democratized information but also created challenges. Misinformation, propaganda, and fake news have become real threats.

Platforms like Adomonline, MyJoyOnline, GhanaWeb and Citinewsroom now compete with bloggers, influencers and even taxi drivers live-streaming events.

There has been a shift from the old approach. Journalists must now be even more credible, faster, and more tech-literate.

Newsrooms train their staff in digital ethics, social media analytics, and multimedia production skills that would’ve seemed alien to the old guard.

Broadcasting Goes Live and Interactive
Live broadcasting, once expensive and limited to major stations, is now accessible to anyone. With Facebook Live, X Spaces (formerly Twitter Spaces), and TikTok, even rural reporters can stream breaking news directly from the scene.

Stations like Multimedia Group and Citi FM use social media to broadcast political shows, interact with listeners, host polls, and receive feedback instantly. Gone are the days when the audience was silent.

I remember my days at Life FM in Nkawkaw, where we relied mostly on newspapers for news stories and monitoring the major stations for stories with no means of recording actuality.

Time has really changed.
The next wave is already here. Podcasts offer long-form storytelling, AI tools assist in transcription and fact-checking, and data journalism is emerging slowly but surely.
Newsrooms in Ghana are experimenting with AI-assisted content creation, providing transcription tools and image recognition for research, which has become a game-changer.

Podcasts and webinars are now providing media houses with the platform to reach niche audiences, to mobile journalism kits for remote reporting. We’re only beginning to scratch the surface of what’s possible.

The Challenges associated with this technology are many, and the management of newsrooms must catch up.

Speed often trumps accuracy. That’s a problem. Lack of verification is becoming a threat. With the pressure to be first, journalists sometimes publish unverified information.

In 2021, during the alleged kidnapping of musician Castro and the incident involving the Takoradi “fake pregnant woman”, several outlets rushed online with breaking news only for later facts to expose inconsistencies.

Just recently, after the six female potential recruits of the Ghana Armed Forces died in a stampede, letters flew all over the internet, indicating the Deputy Defence Minister had resigned, with some media houses broadcasting without verification. It was later labelled as fake information.

The rush for clicks undermined trust, and it highlighted the need to balance speed with fact-checking.

Also, Ownership of platforms is a challenge we can not overlook because Stories live on platforms that are not owned by creators, but by Facebook and YouTube. Their rules can change overnight.

Ghanaian media houses like Adom TV, Joy News, GHOne TV, Adom FM and others rely heavily on social media for live streams and content distribution.

However, if Facebook randomly flags a broadcast or YouTube changes its algorithm, viewership plummets.

In 2023, several Ghanaian channels were unexpectedly demonetised or shadow-banned due to stricter content rules, reminding us that these platforms are rented space and not owned territory.

Technology didn’t just change Ghanaian journalism; it shook its foundations. The role of the journalist is evolving from gatekeeper to curator, moderator, and educator.

The promise? More voices, more access, smarter storytelling. The challenge? Staying credible and innovative in a crowded, noisy world.

The path forward is clear: blend traditional values with modern tools. Journalism may look different now, but its purpose remains deep by telling the truth, giving the voiceless a platform, and holding the powerful accountable.

Ghanaian journalism is evolving. And that’s a good thing.

He made the call at the 24th Graduation Ceremony of BlueCrest College, where he was among graduates honoured with a Master of Science degree in Information Technology.

The event, themed “Transforming Dreams into Impact: A Sustainable Future Anchored on Values,” celebrated academic excellence and innovation, aligning perfectly with Jerome’s message of perseverance and technological advancement.

Speaking to the media after the ceremony, Jerome emphasized that success in today’s digital world requires discipline, determination, and a willingness to embrace new technologies.

“Education is a journey, not a race. It may not be easy, but perseverance and hard work always pay off. The future belongs to those who keep learning and adapting,” he said.

Jerome’s academic milestone marks a major step in a career that blends Cybersecurity, Digital Health Implementation, System Engineering, and IT Project Management.

He currently serves as a System and Network Engineer at Lightwave eHealth Solutions, a company driving digital transformation in Ghana’s healthcare sector.

As part of his master’s research, Jerome developed a system to track counterfeit drugs, designed to improve health security and protect consumers.

He explained that the project reflects his passion for using technology to solve real-world problems and enhance public safety.

In addition to his degree, Jerome holds several professional certifications including Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA), Lead Auditor for ISO/IEC 27001, Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) from ISACA, and MTCNA, among others.

He is also pursuing a degree in Law to strengthen his understanding of technology governance and digital policy.

Beyond his personal achievements, Jerome is active in organizations that promote the use of technology to advance healthcare and strengthen information systems across Africa.

He concluded by encouraging graduates and young professionals to view education as a lifelong investment.

“Technology is transforming every sector, from health to agriculture. Let’s embrace it, not fear it. With persistence, Ghana’s youth can lead the next wave of digital innovation,” he said.

ALSO READ:

• Cybersecurity Amendment Bill could gag the media – GJA President warns

• Cybersecurity, misinformation bills meant to uphold truth, not gag media – Mahama

Richard Stott, from Beverley, East Yorkshire, said he had applied for a freelance copywriting role but turned down the interview after he was told it would be “led by AI”.

“It didn’t sit well so I told them if interviewing in person wasn’t worth their time then the role wasn’t worth mine and I left it,” he said.

The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) said employers need to “strike the right balance between AI and human interaction when hiring”.

Mr Stott, who is a freelancer, voiced his concerns about the AI interview on social media and said he received “unanimous support” from people saying it was “not a good idea”.

“It felt disrespectful that they weren’t willing to put time into speaking to candidates,” he added.

“When you’re going into a company or team personality is important and you can’t quantify that in data, so to have AI remove that seems counterintuitive.”

Despite this, Mr Stott said AI “can be fantastic” when used correctly, such as taking away jobs that are laborious.

“Not everyone can turn down a job interview but if they’re using AI and enough of us say no then it won’t take off,” he added.

‘One-way train’

Luke Bottomley, 37, director at James Ray Recruitment in East Yorkshire, said AI was becoming “increasingly important”.

“I think AI will be something that needs to be integrated into business or they will be left behind.

“It’s on a one-way train at the moment and everyone needs to be looking at it.

“That said, when it comes to the human element, I don’t think it will be replaced.”

Mr Bottomley explained that using AI for job applications would mean that businesses “will miss out on potentially exceptional candidates”.

“Having a one-to-one interview gives the chance to know an individual and what they can bring to a role, you can’t get that through a robot,” he added.

Hayfa Mohdzaini, senior technology adviser at CIPD, which is the professional body for HR and people development, said: “Employers need to strike the right balance between AI and human interaction when hiring and consider candidate preferences so that they don’t miss out on great talent.

“While an AI chatbot might be a cost-effective option for an employer, it might put off some candidates from applying.

“Employers should tell candidates upfront when AI will be used and explain how it will benefit them.”

Source: BBC  

She made the call while speaking at the 4th International Conference on Information Systems and Emerging Technologies (ICISET-25), themed Emerging Technologies and Industrial Revolution for Sustainable Development.

Dr. Ocansey emphasized the urgent need for Africa to transform its resources, industries, and cultural values through integrity and innovation.

“The world is evolving rapidly. Africa must not be left behind,” she said. “It’s time we revolutionize our resources, our culture, and our systems with truth and integrity to harness the full potential of emerging technologies.”

At the event, Dr. Ocansey unveiled her latest publication, which outlines strategic ways Africans can leverage emerging technologies to foster growth, close innovation gaps, and create new opportunities across various sectors.

She also encouraged Ghanaians to take pride in local fashion, artifacts, and craftsmanship, highlighting that supporting local industries preserves cultural heritage while boosting employment and economic growth.

“When we wear African-made clothes and use our own artifacts, we’re not just celebrating our identity—we’re creating jobs and building industries that benefit everyone, from artisans to entrepreneurs,” she said.

Dr. Ocansey reaffirmed her vision of an Africa where every skill and talent is developed and utilized for progress—an Africa that not only participates in the global technological revolution but leads it with purpose and innovation.

“My ambition is to see an Africa where every talent contributes meaningfully to our collective progress,” she concluded.

Source: Kodwo Mensah Aboroampa

This would be a significant change to Apple’s infamous “closed system” where apps can only be downloaded from its own App Store.

But the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has designated both Apple and Google as having “strategic market status” – effectively saying they have a lot of power over mobile platforms.

The ruling has drawn fury from the tech giants, with Apple saying it risked harming consumers through “weaker privacy” and “delayed access to new features”, while Google called the decision “disappointing, disproportionate and unwarranted”.

The CMA said the two companies “may be limiting innovation and competition”.

But the regulator said it did not “find or assume wrongdoing” from the firms.

“The app economy generates 1.5% of the UK’s GDP and supports around 400,000 jobs, which is why it’s crucial these markets work well for business,” said Will Hayter, the CMA’s executive director for digital markets.

“Around 90-100% of UK mobile devices running on Apple or Google’s mobile platforms,” the CMA has previously said, adding this meant the firms “hold an effective duopoly”.

According to analysis from Uswitch, 48.5% of UK mobile owners use an iPhone, which runs Apple’s iOS operating system (OS) – with the vast majority of the rest using Google’s Android OS.

It comes after a separate decision taken in October, where the CMA designated Google’s search division as having strategic market status.

Apple hits back

The CMA’s investigation focused on how prominent Apple and Google’s own apps are compared with rivals, as well as their browsers and operating systems.

It is unknown what changes the regulator will look to request, but in July, it published roadmaps outlining potential measures it could take.

These include requiring it to be easier for people to easily switch between Apple and Android devices, and for both firms to rank apps “in a fair, objective and transparent manner” in their app stores.

Apple specifically may be required to allow alternative app stores on its devices and let people download programs directly from companies’ websites.

This would follow a similar ruling in the European Union (EU), which fined Apple in April, accusing it of anti-competitive behaviour.

Apple warned the UK could lose access to getting new features, as has happened in the EU, which the company blames on heavy regulation.

For example, some Apple Intelligence features which have been rolled out in other parts of the world are not available in the EU.

“Apple faces fierce competition in every market where we operate, and we work tirelessly to create the best products, services and user experience,” the company said in a statement.

“The UK’s adoption of EU-style rules would undermine that, leaving users with weaker privacy and security, delayed access to new features, and a fragmented, less seamless experience.”

Google also livid

Android users can currently use third-party app stores – though critics say they are not as smooth as Google’s own Play Store.

The CMA’s roadmap said Google may have to “change the user experience” of downloading apps directly from websites, as well as “remove user frictions” when using alternative app stores, such as listing them directly on the Google Play Store.

“We simply do not see the rationale for today’s designation decision,” Google competition lead Oliver Bethell said.

Mr Bethell said “the majority of Android users” use alternative app stores or download apps directly from a developer’s website, and claimed there is a far greater range of apps available for Android users compared to those on Apple devices.

“There are now 24,000 Android phone models from 1,300 phone manufacturers worldwide, facing intense competition from iOS in the UK,” he said.

Android is an open-source operating system, which means developers can use and build on top of it for free.

Google argues this means it opens up competition.

But consumer group Which? said curbs on these companies’ power in other countries “are already helping businesses to innovate and giving consumers more choice”.

“Their dominance is now causing real harm by restricting choice for consumers and competition for businesses,” said its head of policy and advocacy, Rocio Concha.

Source: BBC  

These companies are leaders in a variety of industries, including tech, finance, healthcare, and consumer goods, and part of the reason the DJIA—known on trading platforms like Exness as the US30 index—is so popular is because it provides a benchmark for overall market performance in the US: if the US30 is rising, then the market is doing well.

There are many investors, however, who track the US30 index not because they want to invest directly in the US market, but because they want to make smarter decisions in emerging markets.

Doing this is all about managing risk, spotting opportunities, and formulating careful strategies, but through the US30, the art of getting it right has become easier, especially when it comes to gaining the confidence needed to back certain tactics.

So why is this the case, and how can you track the US30 index effectively to make the right calls?

US30’s relationship with emerging markets

Let’s start by examining why the US30 is so closely tied to emerging markets. Perhaps the most pressing reason is because many of the companies in the index have extensive global operations, meaning their performance directly affects international trade, supply chains, and investor sentiment.

When it comes to international trade, strong performance from US30 companies often translates into increased demand for goods and services, which is then sourced from emerging markets like India or Brazil.

For example, a surge in production by one of the biggest tech giants can drive exports of raw materials or components from India, which then boosts local economies and increases revenue for exporters, creating new investment opportunities for businesses and investors alike.

Supply chains, too, are relied upon by US30 companies, and that thereby extends into emerging markets.

These networks involve suppliers, manufacturers, distributors, and more, all of which provide critical components and labour essential to the operations of companies like Apple or Microsoft.

Any disruption – whether due to shifts in the US30 or regulatory changes – can therefore impact production timelines, costs, and employment in emerging markets, causing ripple effects that will determine certain investing decisions.

When it comes to investor sentiment, the same principle is true. Sure, a company like Apple is different to a company like Infosys, but movements in the US30 often signal broader confidence – or caution – in the global economy, with a rising index boosting optimism and a falling index triggering risk aversion.

Tracking the US30, then, allows investors in emerging markets to anticipate these shifts and adjust their strategies accordingly.

By observing each trend in the index, they gauge when to increase exposure to certain sectors, potentially hedging against risks or taking advantage of opportunities created by global market movements.

In essence, the US30 acts as a barometer for both economic conditions and investor confidence, providing valuable guidance for making more informed, smarter decisions.

How to track US30

This makes it a strong benchmark to monitor if you’re planning on investing in emerging markets, but doing so isn’t as easy as checking your phone and looking at the headlines.

If you want to really make the most out of it, you need to be analysing the chart and paying attention to all the necessary details.

To give an example, imagine the US30 has been steadily declining over several weeks, but then forms a reversal flag pattern on the chart, as can be seen on platforms such as Exness.

This pattern signals that the downward trend may be losing momentum and that a potential upward reversal could be coming, so for an investor in an emerging market, spotting it early could indicate that global investor confidence is about to improve.

Another example could be when the US30 shows a double top pattern – where the index reaches a certain high, pulls back, and then tests that same high again without breaking through.

For those unaware, this pattern often signals that upward momentum is weakening and a potential downward correction may be coming, so for an investor in an emerging market, recognising it could suggest caution, and prompt them to reduce exposure to riskier assets in anticipation of a shift.

Tracking and applying smartly

The key is to combine technical analysis with broader market context. Yes, we’ve just given those examples, but tracking the US30 effectively means not just spotting chart patterns like reversal flags or double tops, but also monitoring macroeconomic indicators, corporate earnings, and geopolitical news that could influence US markets.

Your job as an investor is to regularly update your chart, noting key support and resistance levels, and watching for trend confirmations before you make any decisions. By utilising this knowledge, you will be able to anticipate potential ripple effects and apply that knowledge more accurately to your own investments.

Again, let’s say certain geopolitical events have triggered uncertainty in US markets, causing the US30 to show signs of volatility.

By observing how the index reacts—whether it holds key support levels or starts forming bearish patterns—you can gauge the potential impact on emerging markets. From there, you can adjust your assets in emerging markets accordingly.

If the US30 signals sustained weakness, you might reduce exposure to riskier equities, while if it signals strength, you could selectively increase exposure to high-potential stocks or commodities that are likely to benefit.

Conclusion

This isn’t to say that tracking the US30 will automatically guarantee success in emerging market investments.

On the contrary, smart investment decisions require far more context, both in global market trends and local economic conditions.

It will also depend on your own initiatives as an investor, and your ability to analyse data and act proactively, rather than reactively.

But it does provide a valuable lens through which to view related trends and potential risks. The point is that the US30 can give you actionable insight for timing, allocation, and risk management.

All you have to do is monitor it effectively and integrate its signals smartly into your broader investment strategy!

The event convened more than 2,000 global fintech leaders, investors, and innovators to explore the future of financial technology on the continent.

Bringing entertainment and payments together in one seamless experience, the BlacVolta App connects users to Ghana’s lifestyle, events, nightlife, and hospitality ecosystem.

Complementing the app, the BlacVolta Visa Lifestyle Card is a premium lifestyle and payment solution powered by Visa, supported by Onafriq and First Atlantic Bank, and developed in partnership with Shrinq.

Cardholders enjoy exclusive benefits, including discounts at top venues, express entry, and curated experiences—redefining access and convenience across Africa’s entertainment scene.

“This is more than a product launch—it’s a statement of intent,” said Joseph Adjei, founder and CEO of BlacVolta. “We’re building a system that connects culture, creativity, and commerce while empowering Africans to take ownership of their lifestyle experiences. The BlacVolta ecosystem makes payments and access seamless for both locals and the diaspora returning home this December.”

“Our mission goes beyond convenience,” added Foster Akugri, Strategy and Commercialization Lead at BlacVolta. “We’re positioning BlacVolta as the infrastructure for Africa’s entertainment and creative economy—bridging fintech and culture to create real economic value for people and partners across the continent.”

“In a market where finding events, getting access, and making payments are usually separate steps, BlacVolta brings it all together in one tap,” said Fabrice Konan, General Manager Visa Ghana.

“By uniting a dynamic lifestyle platform with a trusted payment layer, we’re unlocking new opportunities for venues, creators, and consumers—and setting a new standard for how Africa experiences entertainment.”

The BlacVolta App and BlacVolta Visa Lifestyle Card are now available to users in Ghana—arriving just in time for the “December in Ghana” festive season. Together, they mark a new chapter for Africa’s entertainment ecosystem, powered by innovation, inclusion, and experience.

For more information or partnership inquiries, visit www.blacvolta.com or follow blacvolta across all social platforms.

About Visa

Visa (NYSE: V) is a world leader in digital payments, facilitating transactions between consumers, merchants, financial institutions, and government entities across more than 200 countries and territories.

Our mission is to connect the world through the most innovative, convenient, reliable, and secure payments network, enabling individuals, businesses, and economies to thrive.

We believe that economies that include everyone everywhere, uplift everyone everywhere, and see access as foundational to the future of money movement. Learn more at Visa.com.

The game addresses alarming rates of forest loss caused by galamsey, charcoal production, excessive logging, and unsustainable farming by making sustainability education engaging and memorable. It helps people become aware of the consequences of these practices and inspires them to change their behaviours.

The United Nations emphasises that education is essential for protecting forests and natural resources.

In Ghana, however, low levels of environmental awareness continue to drive rapid deforestation and illegal mining. ATi offers an innovative response by making culture a central tool for learning.

With unique cultural features, incorporating local names, references to forests and communities, and a currency modelled after Ghana’s pesewa, the game translates sustainability education into everyday cultural experiences. In doing so, it empowers people in Ghana and across Africa to understand environmental issues and take meaningful action.

Introducing the games, she explained:

“We used local Ghanaian names like Atta, Asibi, Aidoo, Nana, and Dzifa in both games so that our target audience can see themselves and their lived experiences reflected in the gameplay. This approach makes the game more personal and culturally relevant, showing respect for people’s traditions while directly connecting to the environmental challenges their communities face.”

Two Versions, One Mission

ATi represents Ghana’s first game to bring environmental sustainability education into both physical and digital mainstream platforms, making environmental issues more accessible than ever before.

Ms Kporwofa, a PhD student of Communication at the University of Cincinnati, where her research focuses on gaming, environmental communication, and technology, created the board game in 2024 as a practical tool to teach people about the harmful activities that destroy forests and water bodies, as well as the actions that protect them.

It is currently being introduced in schools and communities across Ghana, with the long-term goal of reaching every educational, government, and corporate institution in the country.

Building on this foundation, she later designed a mobile version to provide wider access and a more immersive learning experience. While the board game creates direct engagement in classrooms and community spaces, the mobile format ensures that sustainability education can be accessed anywhere and at any time.

Explaining this evolution, she noted:

“We started with the board game to create immediate, tangible awareness in communities. As we visited schools, students began asking if they could access the game on their phones, saying that they wanted to download it on their parents’ devices so they could play with family and friends. We heard the same requests in the communities we engaged. That was when we realised the need for a mobile version, one that would allow people to access the game anytime, anywhere, and keep sustainability education always within reach.”

How ATi Games Work

In both versions, ATi uses a simple but effective mechanic: players navigate spaces that represent either destructive or sustainable practices. Red spaces symbolise harmful actions such as illegal mining, illegal logging, charcoal burning, and unsustainable cocoa farming, causing players to lose progress. Green spaces reward sustainable practices such as tree planting, afforestation, and clean cooking, allowing advancement. This direct link between choices and consequences helps players understand the real-world impact of environmental decisions.

The mobile game also features artificial intelligence that enables players to compete against AI opponents, as well as a global leaderboard that connects users worldwide.

From Classroom to National Initiative

What began as a class project has since evolved into a transformative national initiative. According to her, the game was first developed for a school assignment, but after recognising its potential to address deforestation and illegal mining on a larger scale, she established a non-profit organisation, Eco Games Foundation, to expand the project nationally and position it for global impact.

Designed for ages six and above, ATi makes environmental education accessible to both children and adults. The former Ghana Institute of Journalism student explained that her inspiration came from personal experiences with the devastating effects of deforestation and galamsey.

She recalled extreme heat, air pollution, land degradation, and river pollution caused by illegal mining as turning points that motivated her to develop this educational tool.

The Eco Games Foundation is set to launch both the board and mobile versions of ATi in Ghana this November. The mobile version will be available for download on the Play Store by the end of the year, following its official launch. Together with the board game, it marks a major step toward making sustainability education accessible to every classroom, household, and community in Ghana — and eventually across Africa and beyond.

Interesting Facts About ATi Games

1. UN Sustainable Development Goals Alignment: The game’s content and structure are built around six interrelated SDGs, including SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 14 (Life Below Water), SDG 15 (Life on Land), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). Through its interactive design, ATi educates players on pressing issues such as air pollution, extreme heat, and clean cooking, while promoting green practices like tree planting, reforestation, and sustainable land use.

2. Cultural Integration with Economic Benefits: The character Atta, a common name across most ethnic groups in Ghana, plants shea nut trees in one of the green spaces. This promotes a sustainable environment while highlighting the shea tree’s vital economic role for communities that process its nuts for income. This clever design encourages players to engage in activities that are environmentally friendly and economically rewarding.

3. Government Initiative Alignment: The game supports the Government of Ghana’s annual national tree planting initiatives, the fight against galamsey, and the Blue Water Guard initiative for a greener environment. This alignment ensures ATi complements existing national environmental efforts.

Amanda currently serves as a lab assistant in the Games Lab at the University of Cincinnati, assisting with game design and research. She holds a Master’s degree in Communication from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.

It comes as an all-party parliamentary group is launched to represent UK creators and influencers.

Its co-chair Feryal Clark, Labour MP for Enfield North, described them as “trailblazers of a new creative revolution” who had been “undervalued in Westminster for too long”.

British content creator Lilly Sabri – who has nearly six and half million followers on the platform, where she posts fitness videos – welcomed the research and the creation of the parliamentary group.

“For many years people have questioned whether being a content creator is a real job, and whether you can actually build a sustainable career from it,” she told the BBC.

While all-party parliamentary groups are informal and have no official power, with around 500 of them representing various sectors and interests, they are able to provide industry insights directly to policy-makers.

For many content creators and influencers, the new group is a symbol of long-overdue recognition for their work.

They say the challenges they face include access to training and funding opportunities, finding suitable studio spaces, and acquiring film permits.

“This new cross-party forum will put that right: tearing down the barriers that stifle talent, championing creators as pioneers of our time, and making sure Britain leads the world as the ultimate home of creativity, innovation and ambition,” Ms Clark said.

Ms Sabri stressed she was also a qualified professional but told BBC news streaming had been central to her career.

“I started as a content creator on YouTube eight years ago, launched my first business around three years ago and my second shortly after.

“Even though my physiotherapy degree is an integral part of what I do, without YouTube I wouldn’t be where I am today and I wouldn’t have launched these businesses and employed as many people as I do.”

This is not the first sign that streamers and influencers are entering the political mainstream.

This summer Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer invited 90 influencers to a reception at 10 Downing Street, and in the US the White House has opened up its press briefings to include content creators and influencers alongside traditional journalists.

Source: BBC

At its annual developers conference, “Meta Connect,” the social media giant’s boss, Mark Zuckerberg, announced an array of devices in partnership with sunglasses brands Ray-Ban and Oakley.

The firm also introduced a so-called neural wristband that pairs with its Meta Ray-Ban Display glasses to allow users to carry out tasks like sending messages with small hand gestures.

The event comes as the Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp owner faces ongoing scrutiny over the impact of its products, particularly on children.

He called the technology a “huge scientific breakthrough” before an audience of hundreds gathered on the company’s Silicon Valley campus.

The Meta Ray-Ban Display comes with a full-colour high-resolution screen in one lens where users can conduct video calls and see messages. It also features a 12-megapixel camera.

During his demonstrations to the audience, things didn’t always go to plan.

A call via WhatsApp – which is also owned by Meta – to the glasses did not go through despite repeated attempts.

“I don’t know what to tell you guys,” Mr Zuckerberg said to attendees.

“I keep on messing this up.”

Despite the hiccup, Mr Zuckerberg hopes Meta’s line of smart accessories will be a key platform for integrating its artificial intelligence tool, Meta AI, into people’s lives.

Analysts say smart glasses are likely to be more successful than the firm’s multi-billion dollar Metaverse project – virtual worlds to connect users across digital environments.

“Unlike VR headsets, glasses are an everyday, non-cumbersome form factor,” said Forrester VP, Research Director Mike Proulx.

But, he added, “the onus is on Meta to convince the vast majority of people who don’t own AI glasses that the benefits outweigh the cost.”

The company said it does not discuss sales information but it is understood to have sold around two million pairs of smart glasses since it entered the market in 2023.

The Display will be available this month and sell for $799 (£586), hundreds of dollars more than Meta’s current smart glasses.

Leo Gebbie of CCS Insight said he is sceptical that it will gain as much traction as Meta’s other smart glass models.

“The Ray-Bans have done well because they’re easy to use, inconspicuous and relatively affordable,” Mr Gebbie said.

Mr Zuckerberg also unveiled $499 Oakley Meta Vanguard glasses, which are aimed at sports enthusiasts, as well as the second generation of the Ray-Ban Meta glasses, priced at $379.

Meta is currently in the middle of a massive spending spree as it bolsters its AI operations.

Mr Zuckerberg said in July that the company would spend hundreds of billions of dollars on building sprawling AI data centres in the US.

One of the sites is expected to cover an area that is nearly the size of Manhattan.

That AI infrastructure investment is complemented by huge spending on hiring top talent away from rival companies.

Meta has said it would develop what it called “superintelligence,” AI technology that can out-think human beings.

Parents protest

Earlier on Wednesday, activists and family members of suicide victims protested at Meta’s New York headquarters, demanding more safeguards for children on social media platforms, including those owned by the company.

Last week, two former Meta safety researchers testified before the US Senate that Meta covered up potential harms to children stemming from its virtual reality products.

Jason Sattizahn and Cayce Savage said the company told in-house researchers to avoid work that could produce evidence of harm to children from its VR products.

Meta has denied the allegations and called the claims “nonsense.”

Source: BBC

The iPhone Air comes with a high-density battery and a brand new processor, and will be priced starting at $999. Wall Street had been watching to see whether the company would increase the price of iPhones, or seek alternative routes to make up for tariff costs, such as increasing the cost of iPhone versions with more storage.

The model was the star of the company’s annual product launch event, with CEO Tim Cook saying, “we’re taking the biggest leap ever for iPhone.”

Apple called it the most durable iPhone yet. It will use the A19 Pro, a processor chip that it said it had tweaked for better energy efficiency and performance to match the device’s thinner battery. Rivals, including Samsung, already sell phones marketed for their extremely thin profile.

The iPhone Air’s price is slotted in between the company’s other models, as analysts had predicted. Apple also launched the iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Pro, the latest upgrade to its flagship smartphone, as well as a new version of its AirPods Pro wireless headphones and a blood pressure monitor in its latest Apple Watch.

A 256-gigabyte version of the iPhone 17 base model will start at $799, the same as the previous iPhone 16 model with half the storage space.

The iPhone 17 Pro will start at $1,099 for a 256-gigabyte model, the same as the previous year’s model with the same storage size, but without the option of a smaller-capacity phone at a lower $999 like the iPhone 16 Pro.

Apple did not raise the price on watch models or the new AirPods Pro 3 either.

The prices were an indication that Apple was ready to swallow the cost of tariffs to ward off competition from Samsung, Alphabet’s Google and domestic rivals in China, even as it has predicted that the levies would cost it more than $1 billion in the current fiscal quarter.

Apple shares were down 1.6% after the company announced pricing of the smartphones.

“They’re leveraging their scale to try to keep prices where they are,” said Tom Mainelli, head of IDC’s Device & Consumer Research Group. “I think Apple, like most tech vendors, are acutely aware, particularly in the U.S., that tariffs are going to impact consumers’ ability to spend in the second half of this year. So … they’re going to hold a line on prices and try to make it possible for people to upgrade between now and the end of the year at the same price as last year.”

The iPhone Air will go head-to-head against Samsung Electronics’ Galaxy S25 Edge, and analysts told Reuters it could be a stepping stone toward competing with Samsung’s folding phones, which are in their seventh generation. A foldable phone is important for Apple to appeal to customers in China, where consumers like foldables and the company has been losing market share.

“This new device will bring a sense of newness to the iPhone, which has remained the same for too long,” said PP Foresight analyst Paolo Pescatore. He said the “new and much-improved iPhone line-up looks impressive, which puts (Apple) in a strong position to cater for different segments.”

BLOOD PRESSURE MONITOR

The event was light on commentary on how Apple aimed to close the gap with the likes of Google, which has used its latest flagship phones to showcase the capabilities of its Gemini AI models. The company has leaned on a partnership with ChatGPT creator OpenAI to power many AI features on its devices.

Apple sidestepped “the heart of the AI arms race while positioning itself as a longtime innovator on the AI hardware front, with silicon and device-level integration,” said eMarketer analyst Gadjo Sevilla.

Apple said the iPhone Air will also feature a new “N1” chip to handle Wi-Fi communications and new “C1X” modem for cellular data. Chips for those functions in Apple’s premium devices were long supplied by Broadcom and Qualcomm whose shares were down 2.3% and 1.1%, respectively, late on Tuesday afternoon.

“This is MacBook Pro levels of compute, in an iPhone,” Tim Millet, one of Apple’s chip executives, said during the presentation at the company’s Cupertino, California, headquarters. The iPhone Air will have two cameras and eliminate the physical SIM card slot, freeing up more room for battery capacity.

Apple said the base model iPhone 17 will have a brighter, more scratch-resistant screen. It will also have a better front-facing camera with a differently shaped sensor to make horizontal selfies look better.

The new AirPods Pro 3 will feature live translation of languages. Apple also said that if both people in a conversation are wearing the new AirPods Pro 3, the earbuds will translate conversations in near real time.

The blood pressure monitor feature is pending regulatory approval, Apple said. The watch will not detect every case of high blood pressure but the company said it expects the feature to notify 1 million people and will make it available in 150 countries.

Source: Reuters

Organised by Promark Elite Ltd. in partnership with leading financial and technology stakeholders, the two-day summit is themed “Unlocking Africa’s Digital Economy Through Innovation & Regulation.”

It promises to be the most influential gathering of digital asset leaders ever held on the continent.

High-Level Engagements and Global Voices

The summit will bring together African central banks, securities regulators, stock exchanges, fintech pioneers, blockchain innovators, institutional investors, and policy experts from across Africa and around the globe.

Discussions will cover regulatory frameworks, tokenisation of traditional assets, blockchain-powered financial inclusion, and the integration of artificial intelligence into financial services.

“This is not just a conference; it is Africa’s opportunity to design the blueprint for a tokenised digital economy,” said Peter Frimpong Manso, a member of the organising team of DASA 2025. “Our sessions will move beyond theory into practical strategies for regulation, innovation, and investment.”

Key Programme Highlights

• Keynote addresses from regulators, exchange leaders, and global tech innovators
• Policy roundtables with the Bank of Ghana, Ghana Stock Exchange, SEC Ghana, and regional counterparts
• Fireside chats on the implications of the U.S. Congress Digital Assets Bill for Africa
• Panels on tokenisation, CBDCs, DeFi, AI integration, cybersecurity, and institutional adoption
• Special focus on women and youth leadership in digital assets

Opportunities for Sponsors and Delegates

With over 300 delegates expected, including decision-makers from Africa’s financial sector and international investors, DASA 2025 offers a powerful networking and brand visibility platform.

Sponsors will benefit from media exposure, speaking slots, and exclusive VIP networking events.

Delegates can register online via the official website https://dasummitafrica.com.

Shaping Africa’s Digital Finance Future
As global adoption of blockchain and tokenised assets accelerates, Africa is positioning itself not as a follower but as a leader in building inclusive, innovative, and well-regulated digital economies.

DASA 2025 will mark a pivotal moment in that journey.

“This summit is a call to action,” added Appiah. “If you are serious about digital finance in Africa, Accra is where you need to be this September.”

Registration and Sponsorship Enquiries:
info@dasummitafrica.com
https://dasummitafrica.com

https://promarkelite.com/

Source: Promark Elite Ltd

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