Deepseek, developed by a Chinese firm in Hangzhou, China, has emerged as the most popular AI model in the country. Founded in 2023 by Liang Wenfeng, Deepseek aims to redefine AI by addressing inefficiencies and high development costs seen in existing models. Despite its advancements, the model faces challenges that require ongoing improvement.

China vs. US: The AI Superpower Rivalry
China and the United States have long competed for dominance in technology and innovation. This rivalry extends to AI development, with the US boasting models like ChatGPT, Pi, Claude, and Gemini, while China counters with Baidu’s Ernie, Moonshot AI’s Kimi, and Deepseek. The competition raises questions about whether the US actions against Deepseek are driven by genuine concerns or fear of losing its technological edge.

Security Concerns Surrounding Deepseek
In the past year, Deepseek has faced scrutiny over security and data privacy issues. Countries like Australia and the US have raised concerns about database leaks and consumer protection. Liang Wenfeng, however, assures that Deepseek is still developing and should not be dismissed prematurely. The model’s origin in finance rather than tech adds complexity to the debate.

US Sanctions and Allegations
The US has accused Deepseek of misappropriating proprietary AI technology and infringing intellectual property rights. Trump's nominee for secretary of commerce, Lutnick, vowed to impose sanctions to maintain the US’s competitive edge. Deepseek has already been banned in certain sectors, including government devices and the US Navy, citing national security concerns.

Competition or Fear?
While the allegations against Deepseek remain unproven, the US’s actions suggest a deeper fear of competition. Deepseek’s ability to develop advanced AI at a fraction of the cost incurred by US firms has sparked discussions about the efficiency of the American tech industry. Critics argue that the US should focus on improving its own AI models rather than restricting China’s advancements.

The Path Forward for Deepseek
Despite the challenges, Deepseek continues to make progress in its development. Liang Wenfeng acknowledges the gaps in the model but emphasizes the importance of innovation and improvement in tech. As the US plans further sanctions, it faces criticism for prioritizing competition over collaboration.

Innovation Amid Rivalry
Deepseek represents a significant step forward in AI development, showcasing China’s growing capabilities in the tech sector. While the US raises concerns about security and privacy, the underlying fear of competition cannot be ignored. Rather than imposing restrictions, fostering innovation and collaboration could pave the way for mutual growth in AI technology.

In the heart of East Africa, Rwanda is rapidly emerging as a hub of technological advancement and business innovation. While the country is often remembered for its tragic past—the 1994 genocide, where an estimated 800,000 people lost their lives in just 100 days—it has demonstrated remarkable resilience. This dark chapter has not hindered Rwanda’s ambition to position itself as a leader in Africa across multiple sectors.

Rising from the Ashes: Rwanda’s Transformation
Despite its painful history, Rwanda has risen from devastation to become a leader in driving growth, improving governance, and fostering entrepreneurship. Traditionally, African nations such as Nigeria, Kenya, and South Africa have dominated the continent’s tech landscape, owing to their youthful, tech-savvy populations. However, Rwanda is setting a new benchmark with ambitious government policies, a thriving startup ecosystem, and world-class infrastructure.

Digital Transformation: Rwanda’s Vision 2050 Strategy
A key advantage for Rwanda is its government’s strong commitment to digital transformation. Through its Vision 2050 strategy, Rwanda aims to evolve into a knowledge-based economy by prioritizing investments in:

Initiatives like Smart Rwanda, which seeks to emulate Singapore’s technological success, and partnerships with companies such as Zipline—a California-based robotics company providing medical drone deliveries—illustrate Rwanda’s focus on integrating technology into public services.

Comparing Rwanda’s Tech Approach to Other Nations
While nations like Nigeria and Kenya have strong private-sector-driven innovation, challenges in infrastructure and governance remain a barrier. South Africa, although advanced in fintech and AI, has been slower in government-led tech adoption compared to Rwanda. Rwanda’s proactive, government-driven approach stands out as a model for African innovation.

Kigali Innovation City: A Hub for Entrepreneurship
One of Rwanda’s flagship initiatives is Kigali Innovation City, modeled after Silicon Valley. This hub hosts:

It aims to foster entrepreneurship and innovation. The government has also created a business-friendly environment by offering attractive tax incentives, such as:

These incentives make Rwanda an appealing location for startups and international businesses.

Competing with Africa’s Giants
Kenya’s Silicon Savannah remains a strong contender, home to giants like M-Pesa and Andela. Nigeria excels in fintech innovation, with companies like Flutterwave achieving international recognition. However, Rwanda’s advantage lies in its ease of doing business, ranked among the best in Africa by the World Bank. This makes Rwanda particularly attractive to startups and investors.

Digital Financial Inclusion: Rwanda’s Edge
Rwanda is quickly digitizing its financial sector, with impressive mobile money penetration. The MoMo Pay system, powered by MTN Rwanda, has facilitated widespread cashless transactions, supporting SMEs and boosting e-commerce growth.

While Nigeria and South Africa boast mature fintech ecosystems with robust banking and international investments, Rwanda’s government-backed model of digital financial inclusion could inspire other African nations to expand financial access in rural areas.

Investing in Emerging Technologies
Rwanda isn’t stopping at existing technologies—it’s actively investing in:

Lessons for Other African Nations
Rwanda’s success provides valuable insights for other countries:

Punching Above Its Weight
Despite its small size, Rwanda is proving to be a major player in business innovation and technology. By combining government-backed policies with a thriving private sector, Rwanda is solidifying its position as a leading tech hub in Africa. For other nations, Rwanda’s journey offers a blueprint for building a digitally driven, innovation-powered future.

Artificial intelligence is the new workforce language around the globe, with most sectors embracing this technology to match the current technological wave. From health, logistics, education, biotech, defence & aerospace, finance and investment, retail and commerce they have integrated AI in their operations.

AI in China: Historical Roots and Current Landscape
Introducing AI and AI-powered services and processes in China presents a complex landscape concerning GDP and the labor market. Although the roots of AI in China are traced to the 1970s, the Chinese government embraced AI in the early 2000s. Baidu’s Ernie Bot is the most used AI in China and is mostly preferred due to its efficiency in understanding the natural Chinese language.

Economic Growth and AI’s Role in China
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) data indicates that as of 2025, the Chinese GDP is around 19.5 trillion dollars, marking a growth rate of about 2.8% and an estimated growth rate of about 4.5% in 2026. The growth is attributed to various factors, including manufacturing and high-tech investment, which have relied on AI.

AI’s Impact on the Labor Market
AI has taken over most sectors in the Chinese community and the globe, which are economically and socially impactful. While the country trains employees to work in various fields, the automation of processes has a detrimental impact on the labor market, including outpacing new job creation. According to the IMF, AI is likely to affect 40% of jobs globally, and the Chinese workforce is no exception.

Balancing GDP Growth and Job Losses
Despite the argument that AI is contributing to the growing GDP of China, there is a need to evaluate the contribution of job losses to the GDP and whether it is likely to hinder anticipated GDP growth. It is key to evaluate probable outcomes and develop strategies to maintain a balance and steer economic growth.

Confidence in AI Models and Regional Trends
According to the IZEA China Trust report, Chinese individuals are more comfortable engaging with AI influencers compared to Americans. This demonstrates the level of confidence in AI models in China and most Asian countries. Increased AI livestream hosts and high audience engagement further reflect this trend.

AI’s Role in Economic Growth Across Asia
The Asian continent, led by China, has historically been known for its innovation and embracement of technology. In China and Singapore, AI has steered economic growth through sectors such as logistics, healthcare, and manufacturing.

Automation and Workforce Challenges
In the next two decades, China looks forward to further automating about 26% of existing jobs, creating a different scenario for the livelihood and survival of Chinese employees. Despite the positive implications of AI, such as the anticipated GDP growth of 10-18% by 2030, it is critical to evaluate whether policies are protecting the well-being of employees.

The Shrinking Labor Market and Economic Slowdown
The labor market is already shrinking. Software development, education, healthcare, finance, customer service, and sales have faced worker displacement and decline. Although China is undergoing a recession after the Covid-19 pandemic, it is also experiencing an economic slowdown due to a shrinking workforce and other factors.

The Need for Balanced Policies
China, in its quest to dominate AI and overtake the US, must consider creating a balance to mitigate economic challenges due to innovation. The Chinese government should develop policies that maximize AI benefits while mitigating impacts such as income inequality and job displacement.

Financial literacy—the ability to understand and effectively manage financial matters—is essential for individual prosperity and national economic growth. However, in Kenya, financial literacy levels are alarmingly low, with only 38% of adults demonstrating basic financial understanding. This deficiency has far-reaching implications, including increased poverty rates, limited financial inclusion, and economic inequality.

Global and Regional Financial Literacy Comparisons
A global survey revealed that many Kenyans struggle with fundamental financial concepts such as risk diversification, interest calculations, and transaction costs. In contrast, European countries boast high financial literacy rates, with Denmark, Norway, and Sweden at 71% and Canada at 68%. Globally, only 33% of adults are financially literate, leaving 67%—or 3.5 billion people—lacking basic financial knowledge.

In Africa, Botswana leads with a financial literacy rate of 52%, followed by South Africa at 42% and Kenya at 38%. Somalia ranks lowest in the region, with a rate of just 15%. This disparity underscores the urgent need for comprehensive financial education initiatives in Kenya and beyond.

The Impact of Mobile Loans and Debt Management
The rise of mobile loan applications has made borrowing more accessible, but many users lack an understanding of interest rates and repayment terms. By May 2023, approximately 19.97 million loan accounts were blacklisted by the Credit Reference Bureau, reflecting widespread challenges in debt management. This financial instability limits access to future credit and exacerbates economic hardships for many Kenyans.

Savings Behaviors and Investment Awareness
While 74% of Kenyans reportedly engage in saving behaviors, most rely on mobile money wallets, which offer minimal interest and lack long-term growth potential. This trend highlights the need for increased awareness of diversified savings and investment instruments that can yield better returns and promote financial security.

The Role of Education in Financial Literacy
Kenya’s education system lacks a standardized curriculum focusing on personal finance, leaving graduates unprepared to navigate financial challenges. Integrating financial education into schools could equip students with essential skills for financial well-being. Gender disparities in saving behaviors also persist, with 74% of men saving compared to 73% of women in 2021. Targeted interventions are needed to promote financial inclusion for all.

The Influence of Informal Financial Systems
Many Kenyans rely on informal financial systems like chamas (savings groups), which, while beneficial, may not provide comprehensive financial tools and knowledge. Factors such as high banking fees, strict loan requirements, and long distances to bank branches push many toward these informal systems. However, this reliance can limit exposure to formal financial education, structured investments, and modern banking services.

Including financial education within chamas and encouraging members to engage with formal financial institutions could help bridge the financial literacy gap.

Initiatives to Enhance Financial Literacy
Organizations like the Kenya Bankers Association have launched campaigns to improve public understanding of financial matters. Collaborative efforts between financial institutions, educational bodies, and the government can amplify these initiatives, ensuring they reach diverse populations, including those in rural areas.

Regulating Mobile Loan Providers
The government should enforce stricter regulations on mobile loan providers to ensure transparency in interest rates and lending terms. Such measures can protect consumers from predatory lending practices and promote responsible borrowing.

Bridging the Financial Literacy Gap
Addressing Kenya’s low financial literacy levels is crucial for fostering individual financial stability and national economic development. By implementing comprehensive education programs, promoting inclusive financial practices, and regulating lending platforms, stakeholders can work together to bridge the financial literacy gap. Empowering Kenyans with the knowledge and tools to manage their finances effectively will pave the way for a more sustainable and prosperous society.

Morocco’s Value Added Tax (VAT) rate stands at 20%, making it the second highest in Africa after Djibouti’s 33%. Madagascar shares the same VAT rate as Morocco, followed by Cameroon at 19.25%, while Nigeria has the lowest VAT rate in Africa at 7.5%. Globally, Bhutan leads with the highest VAT rate of 50%. Morocco’s high VAT rate is attributed to government policies aimed at managing the budget deficit and its reliance on exports.

US Tariff Proposal and Its Implications
In February 2025, President Trump proposed imposing equal tariffs on countries using VAT systems to protect US domestic producers. This policy would directly impact Morocco, whose exports to the US include motor vehicles, semiconductors, chemical fertilizers, and mixed minerals. In 2023, Morocco exported automobiles worth $8 billion globally, with goods valued at $1.98 billion imported by the US. The proposed 20% tariff on Moroccan goods could make them less competitive in the US market compared to domestic products and imports from countries with lower VAT rates.

Economic Consequences for Morocco
The imposition of equal tariffs could lead to several economic challenges for Morocco:

Strategic Restructuring for Morocco
To counter the anticipated policy changes, Morocco should consider the following strategies:

Preparing for Change
The proposed US tariff policy presents significant challenges for Morocco’s economy and trade relations. By implementing strategic restructuring, diversifying trade partnerships, and strengthening domestic markets, Morocco can mitigate the impact of these changes and foster sustainable economic growth. Proactive measures will be essential to navigate the anticipated policy shifts and ensure long-term stability.

America has long been a cradle of innovation. Notable past inventions include the electric light bulb (1879) by Thomas Edison, which revolutionized modern-day lighting; the airplane (1903) by the Wright brothers, which transformed global travel; the digital computer (1937) by George Stibitz, contributing to the digital age; the Internet Protocol (IP) (1970s) by Vinton Cerf and Bob Kahn, leading to today's internet; and the Global Positioning System (GPS) (1994), developed by the U.S. Air Force and Department of Defense, now essential for global navigation.

Entrepreneurial Hubs Driving Transformation
Entrepreneurs, scientists, and business leaders across bustling metropolises like New York, São Paulo, Toronto, Buenos Aires, and Mexico City are shaping the future with groundbreaking ideas and transformative solutions.

Silicon Valley and Beyond: Tech Giants and Startups
From the tech giants of Silicon Valley to the rapidly growing startup ecosystems in Latin America, the Americas have established themselves as a global force in innovation. Companies like Apple, MercadoLibre, Nubank, and Shopify are redefining industries, while AI research labs (Google AI, Vector Institute, LG AI Research Centers, Microlit AI Research Centre), fintech disruptors (Stripe, Plaid, Robinhood, Dailypay, Parafin, Nubank, Creditas, Kavak, Ualá, Konfío), and biotech pioneers (Genentech, Amgen, Gilead Sciences, Biogen, CRISPR Therapeutics, Bioceres, Instituto Butantan, Tecpar, Biomanas, Grupo Insud) push the boundaries of what’s possible.

Fintech, AI, and Biotech: Pushing Boundaries
These sectors are leading the charge in transforming how we live and work. Fintech startups are making banking more inclusive, AI labs are advancing machine learning and automation, and biotech firms are tackling critical health and agricultural challenges.

Government Initiatives and Educational Powerhouses
One of the driving forces behind this innovation is the region’s entrepreneurial spirit, supported by strategic government initiatives such as:

Strong educational institutions such as the University of São Paulo (USP), Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile (UC), University of Campinas (Unicamp), Stanford University, and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) are creating fertile ground for startups to thrive.

Startups Thriving in a Technology-Driven Economy
Programs like Start-up Chile, Brazil’s SoftBank Latin America Fund, and Canada’s AI research centers—Vector Institute for AI, Mila - Quebec AI Institute, and Alberta Machine Intelligence Institute (Amii)—demonstrate how the region embraces a technology-driven growth economy.

Real-World Problem Solvers: Innovation with Impact
What makes innovation in the Americas particularly unique is its focus on solving real-world problems. Fintech startups are revolutionizing banking for unbanked populations, edtech platforms are bridging educational gaps, and sustainable energy projects are tackling climate change, from wind farms in Argentina to solar initiatives in the southwestern U.S.

Smart Cities: The Future of Urban Living
Cities like Bogotá, Santiago, and Austin are becoming testing grounds for smart city technologies. These cities integrate data-driven urban planning, AI-driven transportation systems, and green infrastructure to create more habitable and sustainable environments.

Seamless Digital Economies: E-Commerce and Digital Payments
E-commerce platforms such as Amazon, eBay, Walmart, Etsy, MercadoLibre, B2W Digital, and Linio continue to grow, while digital payment services like PayPal, Venmo, PagSeguro, MercadoPago, PicPay, and Square are making cross-border business transactions more seamless than ever before.

Challenges to Innovation: Inequality, Infrastructure, and Regulation
Despite the progress, innovation in the American region is not without its challenges. Issues such as digital inequality, infrastructure limitations, and talent shortages still pose barriers. Rural areas struggle with access to funding, while regulatory hurdles slow down growth and adoption of new technologies.

Turning Barriers into Opportunities
However, these challenges also present significant opportunities. Governments, private investors, and academic institutions are increasingly working together to bridge gaps by providing funding for startups, improving digital literacy, and fostering international collaboration.

A Collaborative Future for Business and Technology
With increased cooperation, knowledge sharing, and investment, the Americas are poised to strengthen their position as a global innovation hub. A unique blend of established tech powerhouses (Apple, Facebook, IBM, Google, OLX, Glubotant, Nubank) and emerging innovators (Creditas, Savvi AI, Hohonu, Telepath, Mujin, Simplex Wireless) ensures continuous momentum.

Innovation Without Borders
As we move further into the 21st century, the American region stands at the forefront of business transformation and technological breakthroughs. The future isn't just about competition—it’s about collaboration, creativity, and resilience. Whether it’s in AI, fintech, clean energy, or e-commerce, the Americas are proving that innovation knows no borders.