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Melody Chen Unbabel chief executive Vasco Pedro predicts people will no longer be undertaking translation work in three years. The Portuguese startup, founded by the artificial intelligence expert, used its latest AI model to translate "Meditations" by Marcus Aurelius, with the results holding up well when compared to human translations. The archaic English used in the text posed a considerable challenge. Marcus Aurelius, the Roman emperor from 161 to 180 CE, wrote the book to record his private notes and ideas on Stoic philosophy. The model was also used to translate a wide range of content, from casual messages to complex legal documents. Pedro said that while AI has developed, human involvement currently remains essential for high-quality translation, which is why humans account for about 95 percent of the global translation industry. Experts in languages and specific fields like legal translators handling contracts currently perform better than machines. But Pedro still believes that it's hard to imagine AI won't completely surpass humans within two or three years. The godfather of AI, Geoffrey Hinton, warned that the pace of technological change is much faster than expected, and there is a 10 to 20 percent chance that artificial intelligence could lead to human extinction within the next 30 years. Hinton said that most experts believe AI that is more intelligent than humans will be developed within the next 20 years, which is a frightening prospect, and he called for stronger government regulation.
Michigan, Ohio State fight broken up with police pepper spray after Wolverines stun Buckeyes 13-10
West Africa Energy Cooperation Summit (WA_ECS) Celebrated as Milestone for Sustainable Energy Development, with Two Projects Signed
It wasn’t good, but it could’ve been a lot worse. Given the lingering effects of last year’s Hollywood labor strikes, the relative lack of big movies and a dismal first half of the year at the box office, the film industry is breathing a collective sigh of relief as 2024 comes to a close. This year’s box office revenue could total $8.75 billion in the U.S. and Canada, according to estimates from data firm Comscore. That figure would put the box office about 3% lower than in 2023. More dispiriting for theaters, it’s down about 23% compared with 2019. But the numbers also represent a remarkable turnaround considering revenue was down 27.5% just six months ago after a weak slate and a string of high-profile flops, before Pixar’s “Inside Out 2” hit theaters in June. “It was not your typical year because there was no traditional road map to follow through the entire calendar,” said Paul Dergarabedian, senior media analyst at Comscore. “The fact that we’re even here shows that audiences really love going to the movies, but they need a path to follow to get there.” While 2024 presented unique challenges for the film business, moviegoing still faces a slew of hurdles that were accelerated by the pandemic. Once-regular movie watchers aren’t seeing films in theaters at the same rate as before, waiting until their preferred movies show up as premium digital rentals or on streaming platforms. Films are also in theaters for shorter periods, meaning they’re often gone by the time casual moviegoers decide to check out a flick . Last year’s strikes by Hollywood writers and actors also resulted in many movie releases being pushed out of 2024 due to production delays or a need for more marketing time. That meant there weren’t as many wide releases for moviegoers to get excited about. As of Dec. 18, there were 95 domestic releases in 2,000 theaters this year, according to data from the National Assn. of Theater Owners trade group. That paled in comparison with 2023 (101 films). Next year is expected to be stronger, with 110 wide release movies on the schedule. “As we were coming into the year, as a result of the strikes last year, I think there was clearly just some concern about what impact that would have,” said Sean Gamble, chief executive of Plano, Texas-based movie theater chain Cinemark. “The big thing that we’re just continuing to keep an eye on is what is the timing for volume, and where is volume going to fully fill out over the next couple of years.” A lighter release schedule, combined with bombs early in the year, such as Warner Bros. Pictures’ “Furiosa: A Mad Max Story” and Universal Pictures’ “The Fall Guy,” had industry players feeling apocalyptic about the movies . But a strong string of hits throughout the summer and holidays has put some wind back in the sails. “We’re ending the year in a better place than we were at the beginning of the year,” Tony Chambers, head of theatrical distribution at the Walt Disney Studios, said of the industry’s progress. “Part of it was how well these summer titles worked.” Animation was a major win for the year, grossing more than $2 billion — a quarter of annual domestic box office revenue — and the biggest percentage ever for the genre. Summer films like Universal Pictures and Illumination Entertainment’s “Despicable Me 4” and Pixar’s “Inside Out 2,” the latter of which became the highest-grossing film of the year with nearly $1.7 billion in global sales, brought families to theaters in droves. Months later, Disney’s “Moana 2” helped anchor a massive Thanksgiving weekend box office haul. Worldwide, animated films brought in more than $5 billion this year, according to Comscore. Analysts have credited family films — and more broadly, PG-rated titles, such as Universal’s “Wicked” — with boosting this year’s box office. The films not only resonated with their target audience of families, but also featured well-known and beloved characters, which can ease trepidation among families wrestling with whether a trip to the theaters is worth it. While animated movies were a clear winner this summer, some superheroes also did their jobs. Marvel Studios’ latest film, “Deadpool & Wolverine,” grossed $1.3 billion worldwide, boosting the Disney-owned studio’s prospects after a string of lackluster films . The film also proved there is a niche for R-rated and irreverent storylines within the House of Mouse’s largely family-friendly and PG-13 superhero universe. The summer may have been bolstered by blockbusters, but Osgood Perkins’ original indie “Longlegs” also contributed to the box office momentum. The breakout horror film, which stars Nicolas Cage, handed independent distributor Neon its biggest opening ever, with $22 million, and came after an extensive and cryptic marketing campaign . As summer turned into fall, the string of hits continued with Tim Burton’s “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice,” Ridley Scott’s “Gladiator II” and the heavily marketed “Wicked.” The continued momentum helped affirm that theatrical movies are still in demand, said Gamble of Cinemark. In a recent meeting in Los Angeles with studio executives, he said a common topic of conversation was the meaning of this year’s box office for the health of theatrical exhibition. “Everybody’s viewed the collective results of this year as a really positive thing,” Gamble said. “What we continue to see are examples that suggest the enthusiasm for moviegoing remains very robust.” Disney had an especially good year, as the studio crossed the $2-billion mark in domestic box office with three of the top five films of 2024 — “Inside Out 2” and “Deadpool & Wolverine,” each of which cracked $1 billion globally at the box office, and “Moana 2,” which has now grossed almost $821 million worldwide. That puts the Burbank media and entertainment giant at about 25% of this year’s box office. “The successes we’ve had this year show that audiences are eager for that unbeatable experience of watching a great movie in a theater with a crowd of people who are enjoying it just as much as they are,” Alan Bergman, co-chairman of Disney Entertainment, said in a statement. While blockbusters filled seats in theaters this year, there were also plenty of duds. Oscar-winning director Francis Ford Coppola’s massive, $120-million passion project “Megalopolis” hit a hard wall at the box office , grossing just $4 million in its opening weekend and less than $14 million total worldwide. The loosely Roman-themed fable about an architect in a futuristic New York was anathema to major studios, leaving Coppola to shoulder much of the financial risk himself. Kevin Costner’s western epic “Horizon: An American Saga — Chapter 1” met a similar fate, grossing just $38 million worldwide after the “Yellowstone” actor put up his own property to fund the film . The movie was the first in a planned four-part saga. After the first movie’s reception, the sequel was pulled from its scheduled August theatrical release . Despite the success of “Deadpool & Wolverine,” other superhero-related films didn’t fare as well theatrically, including Sony Pictures’ “Madame Web” and “Kraven the Hunter,” along with Warner Bros.’ comic book sequel-turned-musical “Joker: Folie à Deux.” Eli Roth’s video game adaptation “Borderlands” also failed to connect with audiences, as did Lionsgate’s reboot of horror film “The Crow.” Still, film industry executives and analysts say they feel hopeful about 2025 — a year in which the effects of the strikes and the pandemic are further in the rearview mirror, and the cadence of movies gets closer to normal. Industry leaders said 2025 should be a return to the trajectory the business was on before the pandemic and the strikes. Next year’s slate is stocked with superhero fare (“Captain America: Brave New World,” “Thunderbolts” and a new DC reboot of “Superman”), action films (“Mission: Impossible — The Final Reckoning” and “Jurassic World Rebirth”) as well as sequels to popular films (“Now You See Me 3,” “Zootopia 2” and “Wicked: For Good”). The success of — and reliance on — sequels and reboots is also going to force a future reckoning for new stories. Though original films like A24’s “Civil War,” Amazon MGM Studios’ “Challengers” and “Longlegs” cashed in at the box office, the entirety of the top 10 highest-grossing films domestic or worldwide this year were sequels or films based on existing stories (“Wicked,” as an adaptation of the 21-year-old Broadway play and a revision of the classic “Wizard of Oz,” is included in this). “What studios and exhibition and the industry needs to focus on is possibly how to cut through with original content,” said Chambers of Disney. “Being able to have original titles cut through, that’s going to be the challenge.”Photos: Remembering Jimmy Carter, the 39th US president
In the digital age, Christmas has taken on a new dimension, with the proliferation of technology and online platforms transforming how we celebrate this festive season. While the advancements in digital tools offer convenience, connectivity, and innovation, there are also potential pitfalls and wrong approaches that can detract from the true spirit of Christmas. From the overemphasis on materialism and digital disconnect from loved ones to the environmental impact of our digital activities and the risk of digital overload, it is crucial to navigate the digital landscape mindfully to preserve the essence of Christmas. This piece explores the wrong approach to Christmas Day in the digital age, highlighting the challenges and implications of falling victim to these pitfalls. The Christmas spirit is palpable as we don our festive sweaters and sip hot cocoa. Yet, in this digital age, are we truly embracing the essence of the holiday season? With social media at our fingertips and endless online shopping options, how are we navigating this traditional day of celebration in a world dominated by technology? Let us delve into how the digital era has reshaped our experiences and explore how we can ensure that the true spirit of Christmas is not lost in the virtual realm. Indeed, in the digital age, Christmas Day has taken on a new level of excitement and interconnectedness. Here are a few ways in which the holiday is experienced in the digital era: 1. Online shopping : The rise of e-commerce has made purchasing gifts for loved ones quicker and easier. People can browse and buy presents from the comfort of their own homes, with many retailers offering special discounts and promotions for the holiday season. 2. Virtual celebrations : With many families living far apart, video calls and online platforms have become popular for connecting with loved ones on Christmas Day. People can gather virtually to exchange gifts, share meals, and participate in holiday traditions, even miles apart. 3. Social media : Christmas is widely shared on social media platforms, with people posting photos of their decorations, meals, and celebrations. It has become a way to spread holiday cheer and connect with others worldwide who are also celebrating. 4. Digital decorations : With the rise of innovative technology, many people use digital displays and light shows to decorate their homes for the holidays. Technology has made it easier to create a festive atmosphere, from colourful LED lights to synchronised music displays. 5. Online entertainment : Streaming services offer a wide range of holiday-themed movies, songs, and shows for people to enjoy on Christmas Day. Families can cosy on the couch and watch their favourite Christmas classics or discover new holiday content together. In the digital age, Christmas has become more connected, convenient, and customisable. From online shopping to virtual celebrations, technology has transformed the holiday season and brought people closer together, even when they are physically apart. How has the digital age revolutionised how we celebrate Christmas, leading to highly cost-effective methods of spreading holiday cheer? From virtual gatherings to online gift exchanges, the impact of technology on our festive traditions is undeniable. As we navigate this new landscape of digital celebrations, have we lost sight of the true essence of Christmas in favour of convenience and affordability? Let us delve into the implications of this cost-effective approach to Christmas celebrations and explore how we can balance embracing technology and preserving the magic of the holiday season. One highly cost-effective way of celebrating Christmas in the digital age is using digital resources and platforms. Here are some ways this can be achieved and the impact it can have overall: 1. Virtual gift exchanges : Instead of purchasing physical gifts, consider organising a virtual exchange with friends and family. Websites and apps like Elfster allow participants to create wish lists, draw names, and exchange gifts online, saving money on shipping and reducing waste from packaging. Impact : This can reduce the financial burden of buying multiple gifts and minimise the environmental impact of traditional gift-giving practices. 2. DIY digital greetings and decorations : Create personalized digital greeting cards or decorations using online design tools or apps. These can be shared digitally with loved ones, saving the cost of purchasing physical cards and decorations. Impact : This saves money and reduces paper waste and the carbon footprint of producing and distributing physical cards and decorations. 3. Online subscription services : Consider gifting an online subscription service (such as streaming services, e-books, or online courses) to loved ones. These gifts can be more cost-effective than physical items and provide ongoing entertainment or learning opportunities. Impact : This reduces the accumulation of physical goods and encourages sustainable consumption practices. 4. Virtual experiences : Instead of attending expensive holiday events or parties, consider hosting virtual gatherings with friends and family. Platforms like Zoom or Skype can be used to connect with loved ones for virtual celebrations, games, or activities. Impact: This can save money on travel expenses and event costs while still allowing for meaningful connections and shared experiences. Essentially, leveraging digital tools and resources for Christmas celebrations can be cost-effective and positively impact the environment, reducing waste and promoting sustainable consumption practices. Embracing digital alternatives can help make the holiday season more affordable, accessible, and environmentally friendly in the digital age. What lessons can we extract from the intersection of economic development, sustainability, and the holiday season in the digital age? As we navigate a world shaped by technology and interconnectedness, how can we leverage these lessons to create a more sustainable and prosperous future for all? Through the lens of Christmas traditions and practices, what insights can we gain about balancing economic growth with environmental stewardship? Join us in exploring the implications of applying lessons from the holiday season to broader economic development and sustainability issues in the digital era. The Christmas season in the digital age offers several lessons for economic development and sustainability that can be applied more broadly to society: 1. Embracing innovation : The digital age has transformed traditional holiday practices, encouraging individuals and businesses to adapt to new technologies and digital platforms. This demonstrates the importance of embracing innovation and leveraging technology for economic development and sustainability. By adopting digital solutions, businesses can streamline operations, reduce costs, and reach wider audiences, leading to economic growth and increased sustainability. 2. Sustainable consumption : The shift towards digital alternatives for gift-giving, decorations, and celebrations during the Christmas season highlights the importance of sustainable consumption practices. Individuals can decrease their environmental impact by choosing digital gifts, reducing packaging waste, minimising energy consumption through virtual gatherings and contributing to a more sustainable future. These practices can be applied year-round to promote responsible consumption and minimise resource depletion. 3. Global connectivity : The digital age has facilitated global connectivity and communication, allowing individuals to connect with loved ones, businesses, and communities worldwide. This interconnectedness offers opportunities for economic development through international trade, collaboration, and knowledge sharing. By leveraging digital platforms for networking and cooperation, countries can foster economic growth, innovation, and sustainable development on a global scale. 4. Flexibility and resilience : The digital age has underscored the importance of flexibility and resilience in adapting to rapidly changing circumstances. The ability to pivot to online platforms, remote work, and virtual events during the Christmas season demonstrates the value of agility and adaptability in navigating economic challenges and environmental risks. By fostering a culture of flexibility and resilience, individuals and organisations can better respond to crises, promote economic development, and enhance sustainability in an uncertain world. Coherently, the Christmas season in the digital age offers valuable lessons for economic development and sustainability, emphasizing the role of innovation, sustainable consumption, global connectivity, and resilience in shaping a more prosperous and sustainable future for humanity. By applying these lessons to broader societal contexts, we can work towards building a more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable economy for all. What are the consequences of taking the wrong approach to Christmas Day in the digital age? How can we course-correct and ensure that our celebrations in this technology-driven era are meaningful and fulfilling? Join us as we delve into the potential pitfalls of our current approach to the holiday season and consider alternative paths that prioritise connection, authenticity, and joy in the digital age. While the digital age has brought about numerous benefits and opportunities for celebrating Christmas, there are also potential pitfalls and wrong approaches that can detract from the holiday spirit. Here are some examples of the wrong approach to Christmas Day in the digital age: 1. Overemphasis on materialism : With the convenience of online shopping and digital gift-giving, there is a risk of placing too much emphasis on material possessions and consumerism during Christmas. The pressure to buy extravagant gifts or showcase a perfect holiday on social media can lead to a focus on material wealth rather than the true meaning of Christmas, such as love, kindness, and family. 2. Disconnecting from loved ones : While digital technologies can help us stay connected with friends and family members who are physically distant, there is a risk of using these tools as a substitute for meaningful face-to-face interactions. Spending excessive time on smartphones, social media, or gaming during Christmas Day can detract from the joy of spending quality time with loved ones and building genuine relationships. 3. Environmental impact : The increased use of electronic devices, online shopping, and digital decorations during Christmas can have a significant environmental impact, contributing to electronic waste, energy consumption, and carbon emissions. Failing to consider the environmental consequences of our digital activities during the holiday season can undermine sustainability efforts and harm the planet in the long run. 4. Digital overload : The constant bombardment of digital messages, advertisements, and notifications during Christmas Day can lead to information overload and digital fatigue. Spending excessive time online, engaging in virtual events, or constantly checking social media feeds can detract from mindfulness, relaxation, and in-person interactions, ultimately diminishing the joy and peace of the holiday season. Notably, the wrong approach to Christmas Day in the digital age involves prioritising materialism over spiritual values, disconnecting from loved ones in favor of digital distractions, ignoring the environmental impact of digital activities, and succumbing to digital overload. By being mindful of these potential pitfalls and striking a balance between digital and real-world experiences, we can ensure a more meaningful, sustainable, and enjoyable Christmas celebration for all. In conclusion, as we navigate the digital age and embrace the conveniences and opportunities it offers, we must reflect on our approach to celebrating Christmas and ensure we do not lose sight of the true essence of the holiday season. By being mindful of the potential pitfalls discussed, such as materialism, digital disconnect, environmental impact, and digital overload, we can strive to cultivate meaningful and sustainable Christmas celebrations that promote love, kindness, and genuine connections with loved ones. By striking a balance between our digital interactions and real-world experiences, we can uphold the values of Christmas and create lasting memories that transcend the fleeting nature of technology. Ultimately, by approaching Christmas Day in the digital age with intentionality and mindfulness, we can ensure a more enriching, fulfilling, and meaningful holiday season for ourselves and those around us.
Spending squeeze ‘could cost more than 10,000 Civil Service jobs’‘We didn’t have a good day’: Greens set to suffer significant election losses
RICHARDSON, TX / ACCESSWIRE / December 11, 2024 / Optex Systems Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq:OPXS), a leading manufacturer of precision optical sighting systems for domestic and worldwide military and commercial applications, announced today it has been awarded a three-year, Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract for Optically Improved Periscopes from DLA Land and Marine with a maximum value of $6.5 million and two additional option years. Danny Schoening, CEO, Optex Systems stated "Optex continues to support our domestic armored vehicle manufactures through the ongoing supply of laser protected periscopes. These units provide our customers with real-time situational awareness while protecting them from harmful laser strikes. This three year contract speaks to the decades-long relationship with the U.S. Government and our commitment to quality and reliability." With this order, the current Optex backlog is in excess of $42 million. ABOUT OPTEX SYSTEMS Optex, which was founded in 1987, is a Richardson, Texas based ISO 9001:2015 certified concern, which manufactures optical sighting systems and assemblies, primarily for Department of Defense (DOD) applications. Its products are installed on various types of U.S. military land vehicles, such as the Abrams and Bradley fighting vehicles, Light Armored and Armored Security Vehicles, and have been selected for installation on the Stryker family of vehicles. Optex also manufactures and delivers numerous periscope configurations, rifle and surveillance sights, and night vision optical assemblies. Optex delivers its products both directly to the military services and to prime contractors. For additional information, please visit the Company's website at www.optexsys.com . Safe Harbor Statement This press release contains certain forward-looking statements, as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including those relating to the products and services described herein. You can identify these statements by the use of the words "may," "will," "could," "should," "would," "plans," "expects," "anticipates," "continue," "estimate," "project," "intend," "likely," "forecast," "probable," and similar expressions. These forward-looking statements represent our expectations, beliefs, intentions or strategies concerning future events, including, but not limited to, any statements regarding growth strategy; product and development programs; financial performance and financial condition (including revenue, net income, profit margins and working capital); orders and backlog; the estimated value of IDIQ contracts; expected timing of contract deliveries to customers and corresponding revenue recognition; increases in the cost of materials and labor; costs remaining to fulfill contracts; contract loss reserves; labor shortages; follow-on orders; supply chain challenges; the continuation of historical trends; the sufficiency of our cash balances for future liquidity and capital resource needs; the expected impact of changes in accounting policies on our results of operations, financial condition or cash flows; anticipated problems and our plans for future operations; and the economy in general or the future of the defense industry. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected or anticipated. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, continued funding of defense programs and military spending, the timing of such funding, general economic and business conditions, including unforeseen weakness in the Company's markets, effects of continued geopolitical unrest and regional conflicts, competition, changes in technology and methods of marketing, delays in completing engineering and manufacturing programs, changes in customer order patterns, changes in product mix, continued success in technological advances and delivering technological innovations, changes in the U.S. Government's interpretation of federal procurement rules and regulations, changes in spending due to policy changes in any new federal presidential administration, market acceptance of the Company's products, shortages in components, production delays due to performance quality issues with outsourced components, inability to fully realize the expected benefits from acquisitions and restructurings or delays in realizing such benefits, challenges in integrating acquired businesses and achieving anticipated synergies, changes to export regulations, increases in tax rates, changes to generally accepted accounting principles, difficulties in retaining key employees and customers, unanticipated costs under fixed-price service and system integration engagements, changes in the market for microcap stocks regardless of growth and value and various other factors beyond our control. You must carefully consider any such statement and should understand that many factors could cause actual results to differ from the Company's forward-looking statements. These factors include inaccurate assumptions and a broad variety of other risks and uncertainties, including some that are known and some that are not. No forward-looking statement can be guaranteed and actual future results may vary materially. The Company does not assume the obligation to update any forward-looking statement. You should carefully evaluate such statements in light of factors described in the Company's filings with the SEC, especially on Forms 10-K, 10-Q and 8-K. In various filings the Company has identified important factors that could cause actual results to differ from expected or historic results. You should understand that it is not possible to predict or identify all such factors. Consequently, you should not consider any such list to be a complete list of all potential risks or uncertainties. Contact: IR@optexsys.com (972) 764-5718 SOURCE: Optex Systems Holdings, Inc. View the original on accesswire.com...says youths’ll drive positive revolution African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) has intensified the push for more empowerment opportunities for youths in Africa, insisting that the future and relevance of the continent in global socio-economic discussions lies in its youths. President of the Bank, Benedict Okey Oramah, stated this at the 5th edition of the youth summit organised by Grand Africa Initiative (GAIN), a pan-African non-governmental organization, in Abuja on the theme “Connecting Africa through Youth Entrepreneurship and Digital Innovation”. Youth representatives from 91 countries, officials of Federal and State governments, development partners, notably, Development Bank of Africa (DBN), Afreximbank, and several others participated in the Summit. The Afreximbank President in his submissions, said Africa is home to the youngest and fastest-growing population in the world, with more than 60 per cent of the continent’s population under the age of 25. “This vibrant and dynamic youth population represents not only a challenge but also an immense opportunity for growth, innovation, and transformation across the continent. “The youths of Africa are increasingly becoming the driving force of economic and social change. Their energy, creativity, and resilience are leading the charge in reimagining what is possible for the future of our nations. “Yet, while this youth population holds immense potential, they often face significant challenges which include limited access to education and skills training, a lack of job opportunities, and barriers to entrepreneurship. “With our youth population projected to double by 2050, young people are the driving force behind what we see today as Africa’s economic transformation. Our youths are creative, resourceful, energetic, innovative and resilient. “A recent empirical survey of 4,507 young Africans from 15 countries shows that 78 per cent of young Africans between the ages of 18 and 24 plan to start businesses within the next five years. They need the necessary knowledge, mentorship, and support, particularly digital infrastructure to enable them to succeed.” Ambassador Isaac Parashina, Kenyan High Commissioner to Nigeria, in his keynote address, also highlighted the fact that Africa is home to approximately 1.4 billion people, and It is regarded as the youngest continent in the world. He said: “The theme of this year’s Summit provides us with the opportunity to critically examine the nexus between youth entrepreneurship and digital transformation for a prosperous Africa, which is more recognized as the continent of the future because of its vast natural resources, vibrant youthful population, and rapidly expanding markets. “With a rich abundance of resources and untapped potential, Africa stands at a critical juncture where strategic investments and innovations could propel it to become a global leader in various sectors. “The continent’s demographic profile, particularly its youth, offers a unique advantage that can drive the next wave of economic growth and development. But to unlock Africa’s full potential for growth and prosperity, a focused and concerted approach is required. “Undisputedly, the youths of Africa represent a tremendous resource that is currently underutilized. With over 70 per cent of the population under the age of 30, the continent has an energetic and innovative workforce, but the major hindrance to harnessing the full potential is the lack of access to the necessary resources, education, and support systems to turn their ideas into viable businesses or impactful ventures.” He insisted that deliberate policy actions must be undertaken by governments and other interlocutors to empower the youth to engage in entrepreneurship in order to create jobs, foster innovation, and diversify African economies. The Kenyan Diplomat further stated that entrepreneurship is a critical component of Africa’s economic future and by creating an environment where young people can thrive as entrepreneurs, Africa will be able to harness the full power of its youthful population. “This can be achieved by providing access to finance, mentorship, and networks that encourage innovation and risk-taking. Promoting a culture of entrepreneurship across the continent will not only address the issue of youth unemployment but also stimulate economic growth, creating new industries and business opportunities in both urban and rural areas. “Equally important is the need to invest in robust digital infrastructure across the continent. The digital revolution has transformed economies worldwide, and Africa must not be left behind. It enables connectivity, which is crucial for the success of businesses, particularly start-ups. Reliable internet, mobile technology, and digital payment systems can help young entrepreneurs access global markets, collaborate with international partners, and create scalable solutions to local problems. “With the right tools and support, the youths can drive entrepreneurship that fuels economic growth, while digital infrastructure would enhance efficiency and connectivity across the continent.” Meanwhile, Ms Chinwe Okoli, the founder of the organisation, in her remarks, said that for many years, the organization has engaged in developing and harnessing unique ideas, talents and abilities of young ones in Africa, helping them to succeed in education, entrepreneurship, innovation and employment. She said: “We have trained, mentored, and empowered African youths with digital, leadership, employability, and entrepreneurial skills for self-sustenance and professional growth using the limited resources available to us.” A participant, Abdullahi Musa, described the Summit as an eye-opener for him, considering the knowledge that was made available to him. He said: “I participated in previous Summits and other Masterclasses organised by GAIN. Those opportunities have helped me develop and sharpen my entrepreneurship skills, and I can see the impact in my engagements afterwards.”
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