Emerging Tech

• OpenAI is repositioning Codex as a marketing tool, while Google is introducing an opt-out mechanism for website owners to prevent their content from appearing in AI-driven search results. • AdCP is expanding its operations beyond programmatic advertising to broaden its service offerings. • Michael Guptan, leader of TD7, discussed the future of programmatic advertising and a strategic stake in the data startup Hightouch in an interview with Ad Age.

• The 2026 Nigeria Prize for Science experienced a significant 110% increase in submissions this week. • The surge in entries was primarily driven by local innovations in agricultural AI and local-language processing technologies. • This growth highlights a rising trend of home-grown technological breakthroughs aimed at solving regional challenges in Nigeria.

• Crossfin is broadening its investment focus into emerging markets outside South Africa following successful exits from Retail Capital, Adumo, and iKhokha. • The firm maintains a strong emphasis on Africa but has established a presence in Mauritius with backing for three businesses. • In 2025, Crossfin launched a Singapore-based investment vehicle targeting opportunities in Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and other regions.