Sustainable development

The British High Commission to strengthen digital communities in Kenya

The British High Commission in Kenya has announced a significant funding allocation of Sh390 million for the ‘Strengthening Digital Communities’ project, which will be implemented in Busia and Mandera counties. The initiative is designed to close the digital divide by improving access to digital skills and technology for marginalised groups, including women, youth, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities (PWDs).

By investing in digital inclusion, the project aims to empower these communities and enhance their overall quality of life. Furthermore, with plans to reach over 190,000 individuals, the British High Commission supports Kenya’s ambitious goal of achieving 20 million digitally literate citizens by 2027.

To ensure the project’s success, the British High Commission collaborates with KICTANet and several local institutions, including the National Council of Persons with Disabilities and the Kenya Society for the Blind. That partnership reflects a shared commitment to fostering inclusivity and tackling the challenges faced by underserved populations in these counties.

By harnessing the strengths of these organisations, the initiative aims to cultivate a supportive environment that promotes digital literacy and access to technology. In addition, recognising digital employability as a crucial aspect of this effort, the project will provide training, mentorship, and resources to help young women and youth secure meaningful employment opportunities.

Moreover, community engagement campaigns will focus on raising awareness about cyber hygiene, digital safety, and the advantages of digital inclusion, ensuring that all community members have the knowledge and skills to navigate the digital landscape safely.

Shein faces scrutiny in Italy for ‘greenwashing’ practices

Italy‘s antitrust agency has launched an investigation into a Dublin-based company that runs Shein’s website and app over potentially deceptive environmental claims. The investigation targets Infinite Styles Services Co. Limited, accusing Shein of using unclear and misleading language to present its products as environmentally sustainable. It specifically questions claims related to Shein’s ‘evoluSHEIN’ collection, which may mislead consumers about the use of eco-friendly fabrics and the recyclability of its clothing.

Shein stated that it is prepared to cooperate with Italian authorities and provide necessary information fully. This investigation is part of a larger European push to combat ‘greenwashing,’ with the EU enforcing new rules that require companies to substantiate their environmental claims with clear evidence. Italy’s antitrust body also highlighted inconsistencies between Shein’s sustainability promises and the rise in greenhouse gas emissions the company reported in 2022 and 2023.

The case reflects a wider trend as European regulators intensify scrutiny of companies making environmental claims. Under Italy’s consumer protection laws, companies found guilty of misleading practices could face fines ranging from 5,000 to 10 million euros.

ITU and UNDP join forces to harness digital technology for sustainable development

The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the UN Development Programme (UNDP) have forged a powerful alliance to highlight the transformative potential of digital technology in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By combining their unique strengths, these organisations aim to establish a comprehensive framework that promotes innovation and fosters inclusivity within the digital realm.

Moreover, their partnership is dedicated to addressing critical global challenges by leveraging emerging technologies, ensuring that digital advancements are accessible and beneficial to all sectors of society, particularly marginalised communities. In addition to their commitment to innovation, ITU and UNDP prioritise enhancing digital infrastructure and connectivity in developing regions, fully aware that reliable and affordable internet access is fundamental to sustainable development.

They strive to bridge the digital divide through strategic investments and capacity-building initiatives, empowering local communities with the tools and knowledge to effectively utilise digital technologies. Consequently, this collaborative endeavour is essential for driving economic growth, improving educational opportunities, and enhancing health outcomes in underserved areas, ultimately fostering a more equitable digital ecosystem.

Furthermore, beyond infrastructure development, ITU and UNDP advocate for robust digital governance and policy frameworks that ensure the responsible use of technology. Their initiatives focus on promoting transparency and accountability and prioritise safeguarding privacy and security in the digital age. By emphasising digital literacy and skills development, they are rolling out training programs designed to equip individuals with the confidence to navigate the digital landscape effectively.

US grants $123 million to Polar Semiconductor for plant expansion

The US Commerce Department has finalised a $123 million grant for Polar Semiconductor to expand its Minnesota facility, a development anticipated to nearly double the company’s production capacity for power and sensor chips. This grant marks the first award from the Biden administration’s $52.7 billion semiconductor manufacturing and research subsidy program, designed to strengthen domestic chip production. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo emphasised that this funding will help establish a new US-owned foundry, raising Polar’s output from about 20,000 wafers to 40,000 per month, serving key industries such as aerospace, automotive, and defence.

The state of Minnesota is contributing $75 million to Polar Semiconductor’s $525 million expansion project. Polar is primarily owned by Sanken Electric, holding a 70% stake, while Allegro MicroSystems owns the remaining 30%. Recently, the company secured investment commitments totalling $175 million from Niobrara Capital and Prysm Capital. Meanwhile, the US Commerce Department has allocated over $35 billion for various semiconductor initiatives, including substantial grants to major companies like Samsung, Intel, TSMC, and Micron Technology.

White House economic adviser Lael Brainard announced that more funding awards will be finalised shortly, with Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo confirming additional financial support for companies expected in the coming weeks. This initiative is part of the 2022 chips law, which aims to boost US competitiveness against China and significantly enhance domestic chip production. Additionally, Congress has recently approved legislation designed to streamline federal permitting processes for semiconductor manufacturing projects, facilitating quicker and more efficient development in the industry.

Meta to expand investment in Vietnam

Vietnam’s President To Lam met with leading US firms in New York, pledging to strengthen the domestic tech sector. Discussions focused on boosting Vietnam’s digital transformation and enhancing strategic industries like AI and semiconductors. The Vietnamese president also held talks with major companies including Apple, Blackstone, and Warburg Pincus.

Meta, which already has millions of Facebook users in Vietnam, committed to increasing its investment in the country. Plans include expanding virtual reality production in Vietnam, signalling a stronger presence in the nation’s tech landscape. Meta’s Nick Clegg expressed confidence in Vietnam’s digital potential.

During Lam’s visit, cooperation agreements with US firms were signed. These agreements cover various sectors such as energy, artificial intelligence, and a new data centre initiative, further solidifying ties between the two nations.

The Vietnamese government emphasised that digital transformation will be key to future economic growth. Lam reaffirmed Vietnam’s commitment to advancing the tech economy and fostering innovation through international collaboration.

Turkey’s low e-waste recycling rate results in economic and environmental concerns

Türkiye ranks as the 17th largest producer of electronic waste globally but grapples with a notably low e-waste recycling rate of just 10 percent. This shortfall results in an annual economic loss of approximately 1 billion euros from the 700,000 tons of e-waste generated yearly.

Ali Rıza Öner, head of a waste-to-energy association, emphasised the need to integrate e-waste into the country’s economy for economic and environmental benefits. Highlighting efficiency, Öner noted that while one kilogram of iron requires processing 200 kilograms of rock, the same amount can be extracted from just two kilograms of electronic waste, indicating potential resource savings through improved recycling practices.

The primary sources of e-waste in Türkiye include small household devices such as toasters and vacuum cleaners, which comprise 37 percent of the total e-waste. Major household goods account for 20 percent, heaters contribute 17 percent, while laptops, computers, and notebooks comprise 15 percent. Mobile phones and lighting products contribute 9 percent and 2 percent, respectively.

That categorisation suggests that targeted recycling initiatives could significantly improve e-waste management in Türkiye. Öner also warned of the cybersecurity risks posed by abandoned technological waste, citing the importance of secure disposal methods to prevent data breaches, as evidenced during Israel’s recent attacks on Lebanon.

Why does it matter?

The slow rate of e-waste recycling underscores the urgency of improving Türkiye’s e-waste recycling practices, addressing economic losses, resource recovery efficiency, cybersecurity risks, and environmental hazards.

India to benefit from Google and Nvidia AI investments

Tech giants Google and Nvidia are increasing their focus on AI in India. The companies made the announcement following a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his recent US visit, signalling plans for deeper involvement in AI development across the country.

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang commended Prime Minister Modi’s keen interest in AI and its potential to transform industries. Huang also recognised growing tech talent and startup ecosystem, which he views as vital to AI innovation and development. Nvidia has formed various partnerships in India to help scale AI capabilities.

Google CEO Sundar Pichai emphasised the Prime Minister’s push for India to adopt AI across sectors, including healthcare, education, and agriculture. Pichai confirmed Google’s intention to continue robust investments in AI to help further India’s digital transformation and ensure AI benefits the wider population.

Both Google and Nvidia are committed to supporting India’s technological growth, recognising its pivotal role in shaping the future of AI globally. Their collaboration with the Indian government aims to boost innovation and provide advanced AI solutions for various industries.

UN adopts ‘Pact for the Future’

On 22 September 2024, world leaders convened in New York to adopt the ‘Pact for the Future’ – a comprehensive agreement designed to reimagine global governance in response to contemporary and future challenges.

The ground-breaking Pact includes a Global Digital Compact and a Declaration on Future Generations, aiming to update the international system established by previous generations. The Secretary-General stressed the importance of aligning global governance structures with the realities of today’s world, fostering a more inclusive and representative international system.

The Pact covers many critical areas, including peace and security, sustainable development, climate change, digital cooperation, human rights, and gender equality. It marks a renewed multilateral commitment to nuclear disarmament and advocates for strengthened international frameworks to govern outer space and prevent the misuse of new technologies. To bolster sustainable development, the Pact aims to accelerate the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), reform international financial architecture, and enhance measures to tackle climate change by committing to net-zero emissions by 2050.

Digital cooperation is notably addressed through the Global Digital Compact, which outlines commitments to connect all people to the internet, safeguard online spaces, and govern AI. The Compact promotes open-source data and sets the stage for global data governance. It also ensures increased investment in digital public goods and infrastructure, especially in developing countries.

Why does it matter?

The ‘Pact for the Future’ encapsulates a detailed, optimistic vision geared toward creating a sustainable, just, and peaceful global order. The Summit of the Future, which facilitated the adoption of this Pact as an extensively inclusive process, involves millions of voices and contributions from diverse stakeholders. The event was attended by over 4,000 participants, including global leaders and representatives from various sectors, and was preceded by Action Days, which drew more than 7,000 attendees. Such a forum shows firm global commitments to action, including pledges amounting to USD 1.05 billion to advance digital inclusion.

Three Mile Island plant set for restart amid new deal

Microsoft has announced a deal with Constellation to help restart a unit of the Three Mile Island facility, which has been dormant since 2019 due to operational issues. This agreement has led to a significant increase in Constellation’s shares, which surged by 22%. It’s worth noting that no US nuclear plant has reopened after being shut down.

Jefferies analysts estimate that Microsoft may pay between $110 and $115 per megawatt-hour (MWh) for its 20-year fixed-price agreement with Constellation Energy, marking a notable premium compared to the market expectation of around $100 per MWh. This pricing reflects the growing recognition of the value of nuclear energy as a clean and reliable power source, particularly amid rising demand from data centres driven by AI technology.

Analysts emphasised that customers are increasingly willing to pay substantial premiums for nuclear energy contracts, which supports the financial viability of such projects and enhances the overall volume of power available in the market at competitive rates. This trend could encourage further investments in nuclear energy and strengthen the role of such facilities in meeting the country’s energy needs.

Qualcomm and Intel discuss potential merger

Qualcomm has approached Intel to discuss a potential acquisition, a move that could transform the semiconductor landscape. CEO Cristiano Amon is personally engaged in these early talks, which have yet to produce a formal offer. Reports suggest that Qualcomm is especially interested in Intel’s PC design unit and its overall portfolio as part of this exploration.

Intel, once the dominant force in chip manufacturing, has seen its stock plummet nearly 60% this year, highlighting its current vulnerability. A deal with Qualcomm would likely face intense scrutiny from antitrust regulators in the US, China, and Europe, possibly requiring Qualcomm to divest parts of Intel to gain approval.

If successful, this acquisition would mark a historic move in the tech sector, rivalling Broadcom’s attempted $142 billion takeover of Qualcomm in 2018. However, how Qualcomm would finance the deal, given its $13 billion cash reserves and Intel’s $122 billion valuation, remains unclear. Additionally, Qualcomm would need to navigate the complexities of managing Intel’s extensive manufacturing operations, a challenge for a company that currently relies on external contractors for chip production.

Intel is actively seeking to revitalise its business by prioritising AI processors and restructuring its operations, which includes pausing factory construction in Poland and Germany. As discussions with Qualcomm progress, both companies will need to navigate significant challenges in a rapidly changing market.