Author: Ugochukwu Levi F

Alibaba Group has unveiled a new artificial intelligence (AI) chip designed to strengthen its computing capabilities and reduce reliance on foreign semiconductor technology, marking a further step in China’s drive for tech self-sufficiency. The chip was announced by Alibaba’s semiconductor unit, T-Head, during a company cloud and AI event. The company said the processor is built for high-performance AI workloads, including large language model inference, real-time data processing, and large-scale cloud computing tasks. “The chip is purpose-built for the emerging wave of AI agents that demand extensive working memory and real-time coordination,” Alibaba said in a statement. Alibaba said the…

Google has announced a major expansion of its artificial intelligence strategy, introducing a redesigned AI-powered Search system and reviving its smart glasses initiative. The company said the changes represent a shift toward a more integrated, AI-driven ecosystem across its products. The updated Search experience is built around generative AI, allowing users to interact with the platform through conversational queries rather than traditional keyword searches. The system supports text, voice, image, and video inputs, and produces synthesised responses such as summaries, plans, and structured recommendations. A Google spokesperson said the company is moving toward a new model of information access, stating:…

One in three university students in the United Kingdom believes artificial intelligence-driven job losses could lead to social unrest, according to a new study highlighting growing anxiety among young people about the economic impact of emerging technologies. The research, conducted by the King’s College London Policy Institute and the King’s Institute for Artificial Intelligence, found that 34% of students fear that rapid job displacement caused by AI could spark civil disorder. The figure compares with 22% among the wider British public. The study surveyed 2,000 members of the public, 1,000 university students, 1,000 young people aged 16 to 29, and…

The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, has called for the accelerated adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and other disruptive technologies in customs administration and public-sector operations, describing them as critical tools for enhancing efficiency, transparency, and accountability. Adeniyi made the call while delivering a keynote address at the 4th Biennial International Conference, organised by the Faculty of Communication and Information Sciences of the University of Ilorin, in collaboration with the Faculty of Philology at RUDN University, Russia. The conference, themed “Disruptive Technology: Human and Artificial Intelligence in the Digital Economy,” brought together scholars, policymakers, technocrats and…

Kenya is pressing ahead with an ambitious plan to position itself as East Africa’s artificial intelligence hub, despite ongoing political unrest, economic pressure and growing concerns over digital rights. President William Ruto’s administration has placed artificial intelligence and digital infrastructure at the centre of its economic transformation agenda, arguing that emerging technologies can create jobs, improve public services and attract foreign investment. The government’s Kenya National AI Strategy 2025–2030 outlines plans to expand digital infrastructure, support AI research, strengthen governance frameworks and encourage innovation across sectors, including agriculture, healthcare and finance. Government officials say the country aims to capitalise on…

The Inter-University Council for East Africa (IUCEA), together with the East African Science and Technology Commission (EASTECO) and the German development agency GIZ, has launched a regional Artificial Intelligence alliance to coordinate East Africa’s fragmented AI initiatives and accelerate innovation across the region. The initiative, unveiled during the 4th East African Community (EAC) Regional Science, Technology and Innovation Conference in Kigali, Rwanda, introduces the EAC AI Alliance and its flagship program, the Regional Network on Artificial Intelligence in Education and Research. Held under the theme “Harnessing Artificial Intelligence for a Resilient, Inclusive and Innovative East Africa,” the conference brought together…

Standard Chartered is set to cut more than 7,000 jobs over the next several years as the bank accelerates the use of artificial intelligence across its operations, according to reports citing company executives and internal restructuring plans. The London-based lender said the cuts would affect about 15% of its corporate functions workforce by 2030 as part of a broader strategy to improve efficiency and boost profitability. The reductions are expected to primarily affect back-office and operational roles that can increasingly be automated by AI-powered systems. Chief Executive Bill Winters said the move was part of a long-term transformation plan rather…

The 3rd Edition of the Bluechip Data & AI Summit is set to bring together more than 7,000 executives, innovators, and decision-makers at Eko Hotel & Suites, in what organisers describe as a defining moment for business leadership in the age of artificial intelligence. With the theme: AI-Driven ‘The Future, Now: AI Driven Transformation for Africa, the summit positions itself as a major platform for advancing conversations on how artificial intelligence is reshaping industries and redefining enterprise strategy across the continent. Organised by Bluechip Technologies Limited, the event will focus on the growing urgency for organisations to adopt AI-driven approaches,…

Malta’s partnership with OpenAI signals a shift in how governments may approach artificial intelligence, not just as a commercial tool, but as part of national infrastructure. Instead of limiting access to advanced AI to individuals who can afford subscriptions, the initiative embeds ChatGPT Plus within a broader public strategy focused on digital skills, education, and economic readiness. The key idea is straightforward but ambitious: make AI widely accessible while ensuring citizens are also trained to use it effectively. Overview of the Agreement The agreement links government-led digital policy with OpenAI’s technology connectivity. Citizens are offered access to ChatGPT Plus, but…

A 24-year-old self-taught software developer from Ethiopia has gained international recognition after reportedly winning a major global artificial intelligence competition organised through Amazon Web Services (AWS), drawing attention to Africa’s growing role in the global technology industry. Natnael Getenew Zeleke emerged as the global winner of the AWS AIdeas challenge, defeating more than 10,000 participants from over 100 countries with an AI-powered educational platform called “Ivy.” The innovation has attracted widespread praise because it addresses one of Africa’s most pressing technological challenges: limited internet access. Unlike many AI platforms that depend heavily on cloud computing and constant connectivity, Ivy was…