Tech giants like Google, Amazon, and Meta are increasingly attributing mass job cuts to advancements in artificial intelligence (AI). This shift in justification differs from previous explanations focused on efficiency or over-hiring.

• Several major tech firms, including Meta and Block, have announced significant workforce reductions, citing AI's ability to enhance productivity with fewer employees.
• Mark Zuckerberg of Meta anticipates AI will dramatically change work by 2026, while Jack Dorsey of Block stated, "Intelligence tools have changed what it means to build and run a company."
• Executives may also be using AI as a narrative to justify cuts, making them appear less like cost-cutting measures for shareholders. Investment in AI is also a significant factor, with companies like Amazon planning to pour billions into AI development, potentially leading to cost-saving measures elsewhere, like payroll.

A significant portion of Kenya's Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) are at risk of collapse due to a lack of health protection, despite acknowledging its importance.

• 53 percent of SMEs have no form of insurance coverage, leaving them vulnerable to financial shocks from health issues.
• The oversight is driven by barriers of access, affordability (60 percent cite high premiums), and relevant solutions, as highlighted by Dr Musa Misiani, chief operations officer at Jubilee Health Insurance.
• Health protection is presented as a critical tool for business continuity, talent retention, and overall SME resilience in Kenya.

Chinese tech companies are increasingly choosing Hong Kong as a strategic hub for international expansion due to growing skepticism and regulatory hurdles in US and European markets.

• The number of mainland Chinese firms listing on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange surged by 153% to 76 companies in 2024.
• Companies like Yunji, a delivery robot maker, and MiningLamp Technology, an AI software firm, are leveraging Hong Kong to raise capital and build credibility.
• Hong Kong serves as a crucial "connector to the outside world" and a testing ground for meeting international standards, though firms may still face barriers overseas due to national security concerns and governance transparency issues.