Author: Ugochukwu Levi F

In February 2026, a software flaw involving one of the Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools at the heart of productivity software shocked businesses, privacy professionals and regulators around the world. The error, disclosed by Microsoft, resulted in confidential emails being accessed and summarised by its Copilot AI assistant, bypassing established security controls designed to protect sensitive communications. The issue raised profound questions about how next‑generation AI systems handle data in enterprise environments and, in turn, how organisations manage risk as they adopt these tools. This column takes a comprehensive look at what happened, why it matters, and what lessons policymakers, business leaders…

Artificial intelligence has moved from research labs into everyday work, shaping hiring, productivity, and even promotion decisions. While organisations see efficiency gains, many workers experience growing uncertainty and a loss of control. Such disruption is not new, but the speed, scale, and opacity of today’s AI systems set this moment apart. Across sectors, shared anxiety about algorithmic decision-making is emerging as a potential catalyst for renewed worker organisation. This article explores how AI-driven workplace anxiety is taking shape, why it could fuel a new workers’ movement, and what this means globally. Understanding AI Anxiety in the Workplace Artificial intelligence refers…

Artificial intelligence has moved beyond experimental tools to become a central force in film and media production. Advances in generative video are reshaping how stories are created and distributed, challenging long-standing industry norms. At the centre of this shift is Seedance, a fast-growing Chinese AI application whose ability to produce cinematic-quality video quickly and at low cost has unsettled Hollywood studios and creative unions. Its rise is prompting a reassessment of creative labour, intellectual property, and competitiveness in a traditionally high-cost industry Defining Seedance and the core concept behind it Seedance is an artificial intelligence platform that generates video from…

High-quality visuals are now essential across commerce, media, and creative fields. AI-powered background removal tools have revolutionised image editing, automating tasks that once required manual masking and specialist skills. They offer speed, accessibility, and precise results, even on fine details like hair or transparent objects. This article reviews the top seven AI background-removal tools, detailing their strengths, use cases, and core functions. Where manual selection once demanded time and expertise, AI models trained on millions of labelled images now automatically separate subjects, refine edges, and allow optional touch-ups. These innovations make professional-quality visuals accessible to students, creators, and entrepreneurs, enabling…

Artificial intelligence is no longer confined to specialist software or research environments. It is now embedded directly into everyday work tools. Google has been central to this shift, integrating AI into widely used productivity applications at no cost to users. These tools support writing, data analysis, communication, and collaboration, lowering barriers for professionals, students, and organisations. Google’s approach to AI-powered productivity Google’s AI strategy prioritises integration rather than replacement. Instead of asking users to adopt a standalone assistant, AI is built into familiar tools, reducing friction and encouraging everyday use. Users interact with intelligence through interfaces they already know. At…

Bill Gates has withdrawn from the India AI Impact Summit in Delhi, hours before he was due to deliver the keynote, his philanthropic organisation confirmed. The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation said the decision came after “careful consideration” to ensure the summit remained focused on its key priorities, without offering further details. Gates’ withdrawal follows renewed scrutiny over his past connections to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after newly released files by the US Department of Justice referenced him. Gates’ spokesperson called the claims “absolutely absurd and completely false,” and Gates has expressed regret for spending time with…

Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming healthcare worldwide, offering tools that can improve diagnostics, streamline administrative tasks, and expand access to quality care. In Africa, where health systems often face severe workforce shortages, limited infrastructure, and uneven service quality, AI has the potential to address long-standing challenges while creating new opportunities for efficiency and inclusivity. OpenAI’s Horizon 1000 initiative, launched in collaboration with global partners, represents a concerted effort to bring AI solutions directly to primary healthcare clinics across the continent. By 2028, the initiative aims to support 1,000 clinics, providing AI tools that assist frontline health workers, reduce administrative burdens,…

Nigeria’s digital landscape is evolving at an unprecedented pace. As fintech, e-commerce, and digital services continue to expand, the underlying technology infrastructure has become a strategic battleground. In this context, Chams Holding Company Plc, one of Nigeria’s oldest indigenous ICT companies, has taken a bold step: creating a new subsidiary, ChamsCorp Plc, focused on artificial intelligence (AI) and data centre infrastructure. The move, announced in a recent regulatory filing, positions Chams at the forefront of Nigeria’s next-generation digital economy. It is a deliberate pivot from its legacy in identity management and payments solutions toward the foundational technology that will underpin…

“DataLens Africa, an initiative of CipherSense AI, is positioning the continent at the heart of the global AI revolution with the launch of its ‘AI Talent Network’. The workforce development platform aims to train and certify thousands of young Africans for roles in the international artificial intelligence data economy. Since a soft launch in January 2026, more than 150 participants have completed early training cohorts, underscoring strong demand for structured AI career pathways. The programme has ambitious plans to train more than 3,000 professionals in data-related AI roles. Olaoye Anthony Somide, Founding Partner and CEO of CipherSense AI, emphasised the…

Gebeya has announced the rapid expansion of its AI platform, Dala, positioning it among Africa’s fastest-growing artificial intelligence ecosystems as demand for local AI talent and digital transformation accelerates across the continent. Dala, developed by the Ethiopian tech company, is designed to connect African AI engineers, data scientists and digital professionals with global enterprises seeking specialised artificial intelligence capabilities. The platform integrates talent sourcing, project deployment and AI-driven workflow management, enabling organisations to build and scale AI solutions efficiently. Scaling Africa’s AI Workforce The growth of Dala comes at a time when African governments and private-sector stakeholders are investing heavily…