标签： Africa

The global competition for critical minerals and metals, essential for powering modern technology, has intensified between the United States and China, with Africa emerging as a strategic battleground. The continent, rich in resources like lithium, cobalt, and rare earths, plays a pivotal role in the supply chains for electric vehicles, AI data centers, and advanced weapon systems. China has long dominated this market, leveraging its domestic reserves and extensive investments in African mining operations. However, the US has recently surpassed China as the largest foreign direct investor in Africa, marking a significant shift in the geopolitical landscape. According to the China Africa Research Initiative at Johns Hopkins University, the US invested $7.8 billion in Africa in 2023, compared to China’s $4 billion. This marks the first time since 2012 that the US has reclaimed the lead. The US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC), established in 2019, has been instrumental in this effort, explicitly aiming to counter China’s influence in strategic regions. One beneficiary of this investment is Rwandan mining company Trinity Metals, which secured a $3.9 million grant from the DFC to develop its tin, tantalum, and tungsten mines. The company now exports tungsten to a processing plant in Pennsylvania, reflecting a growing trend of US-focused supply chains. However, economists like Sepo Haimambo of FNB Namibia caution African nations to assert their interests in negotiations with US entities. She advocates for diversified frameworks, such as joint ventures and local equity participation, to ensure long-term economic benefits. Meanwhile, US companies like ReElement Africa are building refineries in Africa to process minerals locally, aiming to capture more value and foster industrial development. Despite these efforts, some experts argue that US trade tariffs on African nations have dampened enthusiasm for American investments, potentially hindering the US from capitalizing on African discontent with Chinese projects. As the competition heats up, other nations like Brazil, India, and Japan are also increasing their presence in Africa, signaling a broader scramble for the continent’s mineral wealth.

Dubai is solidifying its position as a leading global hub for digital innovation, with the Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy supporting the establishment and expansion of 582 digital startups in the first nine months of 2025. This remarkable growth underscores the emirate’s rising influence in technology entrepreneurship and its strategic efforts to attract the next generation of global digital pioneers. Notably, 70% of these startups are international companies, reflecting Dubai’s growing appeal as a gateway to Middle Eastern, African, and Asian markets. Artificial intelligence (AI) leads the charge, accounting for 21% of supported firms, while HealthTech, Software-as-a-Service (SaaS), and FinTech collectively represent another 17%. This momentum aligns with Dubai’s D33 Economic Agenda, which aims to double the emirate’s economy by 2033 and position it among the world’s top three cities for business and innovation. Omar Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications, emphasized Dubai’s commitment to fostering a dynamic business environment that enables digital companies to scale globally. Nearly half of the supported firms benefited from establishment assistance, accelerator programs, and incubator services, while 32% utilized the chamber’s “Business in Dubai” platform, a one-stop service model connecting startups with investors and regulatory support. Beyond direct assistance, the chamber has invested in knowledge creation and global outreach, releasing four research reports and organizing 15 sector-specific events and 16 international roadshows across 17 cities in 10 countries. These efforts have positioned Dubai as a “launchpad city” for global startups, bridging East and West with its policy support, funding access, and fast-moving regulatory environment. The UAE’s progressive visa reforms and digital infrastructure have further attracted record levels of talent, with digital startups now contributing over 11% of the UAE’s non-oil GDP. As 2025 progresses, Dubai’s innovation engine shows no signs of slowing, redefining what it means to build, scale, and succeed on a global stage.

The Khatoon Entrepreneurs Summit & Awards 2025, held in the UAE, celebrated visionary leaders who are reshaping innovation and leadership across the Emirates. Among the notable honorees was Romain Gerardin-Fresse, an internationally acclaimed lawyer and strategic advisor, who was awarded the prestigious ‘Top 50 UAE Personality’ distinction. He also received the Lawyer of Influence & Corporate Legal Visionary Award, presented by Sheikha Aisha Humaid Al Mulla. The event, themed ‘Innovation, Leadership, and Legacy,’ highlighted the UAE’s commitment to fostering excellence and entrepreneurship. Attendees included prominent figures such as Sheikh Zayed Bin Jamal Al Qassimi, Sheikha Aysha Bint Saud Al Qasimi, and Aarefa Al Fahali, among other royal dignitaries and business leaders. Gerardin-Fresse’s recognition underscores his unique blend of legal expertise and strategic entrepreneurship, which has significantly contributed to global partnerships and cross-border corporate transformations. His work exemplifies the values of integrity, foresight, and excellence that drive the UAE’s entrepreneurial spirit. The award not only honors his professional achievements but also acknowledges his holistic approach to leadership, where legal acumen serves as a catalyst for innovation and sustainable growth.

Internal documents from Meta, reviewed by Reuters, reveal that the tech giant projected 10% of its 2024 revenue—approximately $16 billion—would come from advertisements promoting scams and banned goods. These documents, spanning from 2021 to 2025, highlight Meta’s struggle to curb a flood of fraudulent ads on its platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp. Despite internal warnings, Meta’s automated systems only banned advertisers if they were 95% likely to be fraudulent, while charging higher rates for those deemed suspicious but not conclusively fraudulent. This approach has allowed Meta to profit significantly from scam ads, with users exposed to an estimated 15 billion high-risk advertisements daily, generating $7 billion annually. The company’s ad-personalization system further exacerbates the issue by showing users more scam ads based on their interests. Meta’s internal assessment acknowledges the scale of abuse on its platforms but reveals a reluctance to implement stricter measures that could harm its revenue. Regulatory bodies worldwide, including the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and UK authorities, are pressuring Meta to address the issue. Meta has pledged to reduce scam ads by 50% in certain markets by 2025 and has already removed over 134 million pieces of scam content in 2025. However, internal documents suggest that Meta’s leadership has prioritized business interests over aggressive enforcement, with concerns that abrupt reductions in scam ad revenue could impact financial projections. The company anticipates regulatory fines of up to $1 billion but continues to earn billions from scam ads, far exceeding potential penalties. Meta’s strategy includes charging suspected fraudsters higher ad rates to deter them, though this approach has had mixed financial results. Critics argue that Meta’s efforts remain insufficient, with user reports of scams often ignored or dismissed. The revelations come as Meta invests heavily in artificial intelligence and other technologies, raising questions about its commitment to user safety and regulatory compliance.

The UAE’s app economy is undergoing a transformative shift, moving from user acquisition to profitability, driven by loyalty, retention, and innovative engagement strategies. According to recent data from AppsFlyer, presented at the MAMA Dubai event, finance app installs have surged by an astonishing 700% between 2021 and 2024, while ad fraud on Android has dropped by 50%. These trends underscore the market’s growing sophistication and trust in digital ecosystems. Sarah Maina, Regional Manager for France and the Middle East at AppsFlyer, highlighted that the UAE is setting a global benchmark for sustainable app growth, emphasizing the importance of data integrity, user trust, and creative innovation. The finance sector’s remarkable growth is attributed to the UAE’s push toward a cashless economy and the rapid digital transformation of traditional banks. Shopping apps are also thriving, supported by hybrid retail models and buy-now-pay-later (BNPL) solutions. Meanwhile, gaming apps, once dominant, have plateaued, prompting developers to focus on hybrid monetization and immersive experiences. Maina stressed that the focus has shifted from downloads to loyalty and retention, with user acquisition spending increasing by 32% on Android and 36% on iOS. The decline in ad fraud, down 50% on Android and 25% on iOS, reflects improved education and technology. Super apps, which integrate shopping, travel, and payments, are gaining traction as brands leverage data and AI to personalize user experiences. With UAE users spending an average of 4.6 hours daily on their phones, the app economy’s future lies in trust, loyalty, and innovation.

Kiara Jewellery has been honored with the title of Best Luxury Jewellery Brand 2025 at the esteemed Khatoon Entrepreneur Summit and Luxury Awards in Dubai. This accolade was bestowed following a rigorous evaluation process by the summit’s jury, which meticulously assessed candidates across various industries. Organized by Khatoon Luxury Events Organising LLC, the summit is renowned as a leading business platform in Dubai, celebrating groundbreaking innovations and bringing together accomplished entrepreneurs, investors, and senior professionals from sectors such as fashion, real estate, and hospitality. The awards recognize brands that excel in highly competitive fields. Kiara Jewellery’s recognition stems from its exceptional collections, which showcase advanced artistry and a seamless operational process from design to production. The brand’s co-founder, Ada Panday, also moderated the Wealth and Lifestyle panel, highlighting Kiara’s active role in Dubai’s thriving luxury market. With plans for further expansion, Kiara Jewellery continues to solidify its position as a leader in the luxury jewellery industry.