UN chief calls on AI firms to come clean on environmental costs - CNBC Africa

• J.P. Morgan reports that while the United States maintains its global leadership in the AI ecosystem, China is rapidly closing the gap. • China is gaining ground by developing cost-efficient AI models that are increasingly attractive for enterprise adoption.

• The "Europe 2031" scenario has gone viral following the G7, warning that Europe currently controls only 5% of global AI compute. • This doomsday projection suggests the continent is falling dangerously behind in the global AI race, sparking debate among policymakers and critics.

• A significant selloff in AI-related stocks in South Korea has reignited concerns regarding the risks associated with leveraged exchange-traded funds (ETFs). • The market downturn has specifically impacted retail investors who utilized these high-risk instruments to amplify gains from the AI boom.

• European Central Bank (ECB) researchers reported on Wednesday that intense AI adoption remains rare among euro zone firms. • High-intensity AI use is currently concentrated within a small fraction of companies that are typically young, small, and service-oriented.

• Chief Financial Officers (CFOs) are becoming central figures in corporate America as they manage the massive financial investments required for the current AI boom. • To fund these expensive AI initiatives, companies like Match Group are implementing strategic cost-cutting measures, including a plan to dramatically slow hiring.

• Global stock markets are experiencing a significant downturn driven by a sell-off in artificial intelligence (AI) stocks. • The impact is particularly severe in Asia, where the South Korean market has plunged by 10 percent.

• The World Economic Forum (WEF), in collaboration with the Dubai Future Foundation, has unveiled a list of the top 10 emerging technologies expected to shape the year 2026. • The announcement was made during a dedicated panel session at the 2025 World Economic Forum annual meeting held in Davos, Switzerland.

• European direct lenders are re-evaluating their approach to software deals following the market boom of 2021-2022. • A new "fault-line" has emerged in the private credit sector, distinguishing between software companies that are financeable and those that are not.

• Santander has expanded artificial intelligence access to its entire global workforce of 185,000 employees. • The bank forecasts that the integration of AI will generate more than €1 billion in business value between 2026 and 2028.

• European nations are intensifying their debate over digital sovereignty as artificial intelligence reshapes how countries manage their technological independence. • The focus has shifted from simple data hosting locations to critical questions regarding model development, ownership, and the transparency of AI decision-making processes.

• Groq has raised $650 million in new funding to transition its business model from a chip startup to a data center operator. • The investment round was led by the hedge fund Infinitum and the growth-focused firm Disruptive, both of which currently hold seats on Groq's board.