Hong Kong has unveiled an ambitious overhaul of its Technology Talent Admission Scheme (TechTAS), introducing a streamlined visa process designed to attract top-tier international professionals in critical technology sectors. The 2025 edition of the program, announced by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government, aims to solidify the city’s reputation as a leading global hub for innovation while addressing talent shortages in high-growth industries such as artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, and biotechnology. Under TechTAS 2025, qualified applicants can expect employment visas to be processed within two weeks, a significant reduction from standard timelines, enabling companies to swiftly onboard talent from abroad. The initiative targets professionals specializing in 14 priority areas, including fintech, quantum computing, robotics, and green technology. By prioritizing sectors aligned with global technological trends, Hong Kong seeks to strengthen its competitive edge in research and development (R&D) while fostering cross-industry collaboration. “This scheme is a strategic move to position Hong Kong at the forefront of technological innovation,” stated a government representative. “By removing bureaucratic barriers, we aim to create a dynamic ecosystem where companies and talent can thrive together.” Prospective candidates must hold a degree in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) from a university ranked among the top 100 globally in STEM disciplines. Exceptions apply for individuals with proven technical expertise or notable industry achievements, such as patents or leadership roles in major projects. Employers must also demonstrate that hires will engage directly in R&D activities rather than auxiliary roles. The program’s focus on academic rigor complements Hong Kong’s existing infrastructure, which includes state-of-the-art research facilities and partnerships with multinational firms like Tencent and Alibaba. Analysts suggest this synergy could make the city a preferred destination for professionals seeking to influence Asia-Pacific tech markets. For companies, TechTAS 2025 simplifies recruitment by allowing firms to apply for pre-approved talent quotas, reducing administrative hurdles. Employees granted visas may bring immediate family members, including spouses and children under 18, enhancing Hong Kong’s appeal as a relocation destination. The scheme also aligns with broader economic initiatives, such as the city’s $100 billion investment in tech infrastructure and its push to develop “smart city” projects. Industry leaders have welcomed the updates. “Speed is critical in tech,” noted a fintech startup CEO. “A two-week visa turnaround means we can respond to market demands without losing top candidates to competitors.” Interested professionals must first secure employment with a Hong Kong-based company registered under TechTAS. Employers sponsor the visa application, submitting proof of the candidate’s qualifications, professional experience, and a detailed R&D plan. While the process is expedited, authorities retain the right to request additional documentation, including original academic transcripts or evidence of technical accomplishments. The initiative arrives as Hong Kong intensifies efforts to rival tech hubs like Singapore and Shenzhen. With its proximity to mainland China’s manufacturing and venture capital networks, the city aims to become a bridge for global firms entering Asian markets, a vision bolstered by recent developments such as the launch of Asia’s first Bitcoin ETFs and expanded funding for AI startups.
Google launches Hustle Academy 2025 to empower African SMEs
Google has announced the opening of applications for the 2025 edition of its Hustle Academy program, designed to support small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) in Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa. This initiative aims to bridge the gap in business skills and funding that often hinders the growth of African SMBs. The 2025 program will focus on AI-powered business training, equipping entrepreneurs with the skills to integrate AI into operations, enhance marketing strategies, and leverage AI insights for strategic growth. Participants will also receive training in core business fundamentals such as strategy, financial management, digital marketing, and leadership development. Eligible businesses must have been operational for at least one year and be seeking to expand. The program offers expert mentorship, practical case studies, and networking opportunities. Additionally, a new season of the “Hustle Academy Brings You” speaker series will feature inspiring stories from successful African entrepreneurs like Adenike Ogunlesi and Brian Jura. Applications for the free, virtual bootcamp are now open at g.co/hustleacademy. This initiative builds on the success of previous years, having supported over 15,000 SMBs since its launch in 2022.
Disney is laying off nearly 6% of its workforce amid declining TV viewership
The Walt Disney Company is set to lay off approximately 200 employees, representing nearly 6% of the workforce in its ABC News Group and Disney Entertainment Networks divisions. This decision comes as part of a broader restructuring effort to address shifts in consumer behavior and the ongoing decline of traditional cable television. According to reports first published by The Wall Street Journal, the layoffs will impact several key areas within the company. ABC’s long-running news programs, 20/20 and Nightline, will be merged into a single unit. Additionally, Disney plans to eliminate the team behind FiveThirtyEight, the political and data analysis website founded by Nate Silver. Production staff at Good Morning America are also expected to be affected, while cuts in programming and scheduling operations are anticipated within Disney Entertainment Networks, which oversees cable channels like FX. The layoffs shows the challenges Disney faces as it adapts to a rapidly evolving media landscape. The rise of streaming services and cord-cutting has significantly reduced cable television viewership, putting pressure on traditional broadcast businesses. Compounding these issues, Disney’s flagship streaming platform, Disney+, has experienced subscriber losses in recent quarters. In late 2023, the platform reported a decline of 1.3 million subscribers following a price hike, though it managed to reduce its streaming business losses by $300 million during the same period. Despite these setbacks, Disney’s most recent earnings report exceeded Wall Street expectations. The company credited cost-cutting measures and strong performance in its theme parks and experiences segment for its financial resilience. However, Disney has acknowledged that it expects a modest decline in Disney+ subscriptions in the near term. Disney’s restructuring efforts reflect an industry-wide shift as major media companies rethink their business models to stay competitive in a digital-first world. Over the past year, Disney’s stock has declined by approximately 4%, underscoring investor concerns about its ability to navigate these headwinds. This latest round of cuts, marks another chapter in the entertainment giant’s efforts to balance its legacy broadcast operations with its growing focus on streaming and digital content.
Global telecom revenue projected to hit $1.3 trillion by 2028 despite sluggish growth
The global telecommunications industry is set to generate $1.3 trillion in revenue by 2028, according to PwC’s Global Telecom Outlook 2024-2028 report. While the sector continues to expand, its growth rate is slowing due to pricing challenges and increasing commoditization of services. In 2023, total service revenue from fixed and mobile networks grew by 4.3% to reach $1.14 trillion. However, PwC forecasts a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of just 2.9% through 2028, below the projected rate of inflation, leading to a modest increase in total revenue to $1.3 trillion. Nigeria’s telecommunications industry has emerged as one of the fastest-growing markets globally, driven by a surge in mobile subscriptions. In 2024 alone, mobile service revenue in the country reached $7.6 billion, with the sector expected to grow at a CAGR of 8% between 2023 and 2028. Subscriber numbers are projected to rise at an impressive CAGR of 9.8%, although average revenue per user (ARPU) remains under pressure. Fixed-line services in Nigeria are expected to decline during this period, with ARPU decreasing at a CAGR of -1.4%. However, the rapid expansion of mobile services highlights the country’s potential as a key player in global telecom growth. The report shows a fundamental challenge faced by telecom companies worldwide: the commoditization of core products and services. This trend has made it difficult for operators to raise prices despite substantial investments in infrastructure, including advancements in 5G and broadband technologies. PwC predicts an additional $200 billion in incremental revenue growth across the sector by 2028, presenting opportunities for companies that can innovate and create new value streams from existing services. Emerging markets such as India, Nigeria, Egypt, and Kenya are leading global telecom growth with above-average CAGRs, while mature markets like Japan and Switzerland are experiencing stagnation or decline. For instance: Fixed broadband and mobile subscriptions are expected to grow steadily at CAGRs of 3.8% and 4.3%, respectively. Fixed voice subscriptions are projected to decline at a CAGR of -1.8%. Mobile revenue growth also varies significantly across regions, with Colombia leading at a CAGR of 10.5%, followed by India and Argentina. In contrast, mature markets like Japan and Switzerland are seeing declines. Telecom operators globally are under increasing pressure to find innovative ways to generate value. Emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), advanced data analytics, and enhanced connectivity solutions could play a pivotal role in driving future growth. Despite its challenges, the telecommunications sector remains critical to global economic development, with emerging markets providing significant opportunities for expansion in the years ahead.
EFCC partners with France to boost cybercrime investigations and asset tracking
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has announced a strengthened partnership with the French government to enhance efforts in asset tracking, cybercrime investigations, and security training in Nigeria. This agreement was formalized during a meeting on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, at the EFCC headquarters in Abuja. Lieutenant General Régis Colombet, Director of Security and Defence Cooperation at the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, led the French delegation and met with EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede. The collaboration shows the importance of international cooperation in addressing cross-border financial crimes and cyber threats. During the meeting, Colombet highlighted France’s extensive efforts in regional security, including the establishment of specialized training centers. He pointed to initiatives such as the Cyber School in Dakar, Senegal, which provides training on cyber investigations, ransomware threats, and asset tracking. Additionally, he referenced an academy in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, focused on counterterrorism training. “In our cooperation, we prioritize developing academic centers and training hubs, particularly in cyber investigations and security threats,” Colombet said. “Since crime knows no borders, international collaboration is essential, and the EFCC’s role in combating financial and cybercrimes is crucial to our collective security efforts.” Colombet also noted that this visit builds on a strategic meeting held in December 2024 aimed at deepening Nigeria-France security ties. The partnership extends beyond cybercrime to include cybersecurity, civil defense, and broader security concerns. EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede welcomed the renewed partnership, emphasizing the longstanding relationship between Nigeria and France in combating crime. He stressed the need for joint efforts to address transnational financial offenses such as money laundering and cybercrimes. “Nigeria and France have a long history of collaboration in crime prevention and investigation,” Olukoyede stated. “Given the borderless nature of financial and cybercrimes, international cooperation is crucial in curbing these offenses.” Olukoyede cited a recent success story where an international criminal syndicate operating across Europe and Asia was dismantled before it could establish operations in Nigeria. He noted that some victims of this syndicate were based in France, further underscoring the importance of sustained collaboration. The EFCC chairman also highlighted the differences between investigative approaches in Nigeria and Europe. While European agencies often rely on digital tools for immediate access to records, Nigerian investigations frequently require extensive fieldwork. He expressed optimism that combining Nigeria’s practical expertise with France’s advanced technological tools would create a more effective strategy for combating crime. “We appreciate the opportunities for training and capacity building,” Olukoyede added. “By working together, we can significantly reduce the chances of criminals finding safe havens anywhere in the world.” The partnership reflects a shared commitment to tackling financial crimes linked to arms trafficking, terrorism, and civil unrest. Both parties emphasized that international cooperation is vital for global security. This collaboration marks another step forward in addressing modern security challenges through technology-driven solutions and cross-border partnerships
Google’s Gemini AI introduces real-time video and screen sharing features
Google has unveiled a groundbreaking update to its AI assistant, Gemini, allowing users to interact with the chatbot in real-time through video and screen sharing. The announcement was made during the Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2025 in Barcelona, showcasing how the new features enhance user experience by providing more interactive and practical solutions. The new “Screenshare” feature enables users to share their phone screens with Gemini, allowing the AI to analyze and respond to what is being displayed. For example, during a demonstration, a user shopping for baggy jeans asked Gemini for styling suggestions. The AI quickly analyzed the video and suggested complementary clothing options, such as matching jackets and accessories. Another standout feature is Gemini’s ability to process live video input. Users can film their surroundings or specific items and ask questions in real time. In one demo, a ceramicist sought advice on which glazes would best suit newly fired vases for a mid-century modern aesthetic. By moving the camera around, the user allowed Gemini to analyze various glaze options and provide tailored recommendations. These updates are designed to improve communication between users and the AI by making interactions more dynamic and visually intuitive. For users who struggle to articulate their queries in text, these features provide a hands-on way to demonstrate problems or seek advice. This functionality is particularly useful for tutorials or lessons, where screen sharing can facilitate more interactive learning experiences. The live video and screen-sharing features will roll out to Gemini Advanced subscribers on Android devices later this month. Currently available only in English, Google plans to expand these capabilities to other languages and its Workspace Business and Enterprise customers soon. This announcement follows a series of updates to Gemini over recent months. Google recently introduced a memory feature that allows the AI assistant to recall past conversations, enabling more personalized responses. Additionally, January saw the release of Gemini 2.0 Pro with enhanced reasoning capabilities through its “Flash Thinking Experimental” model, aimed at improving performance and explainability. Google’s rapid innovation with Gemini reflects the intense competition in the AI chatbot market. Rivals like OpenAI are also pushing boundaries with their models. OpenAI recently launched ChatGPT-4.5, which boasts improved understanding of human intent and excels in creative tasks like writing and design. With GPT-5 expected later this year, the race between Google and OpenAI continues to heat up as both companies strive for dominance in the AI space.