The Common Pulse

  By Mutunga Tobbias | The Common Pulse/latest news/Asia/United States/Africa / September 2025   On September, 2025, China’s State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) announced a preliminary finding that Nvidia violated China’s anti-monopoly law and said it would carry out further investigation. The alleged breach centers on Nvidia’s acquisition of Israeli networking firm Mellanox (completed in 2020 for roughly $6.9 billion) and how Nvidia complied with conditions attached to that merger approval. Nvidia has publicly said it complies with the law and will cooperate with regulators. The announcement comes amid sensitive U.S.–China trade talks and growing regulatory scrutiny of chip supply chains.  What exactly did China say? China’s antitrust regulator issued a concise statement saying a “preliminary probe” found Nvidia had violated the country’s anti-monopoly law and that it would step up its investigation. SAMR’s public notice did not immediately specify penaltie...

  By  Kirangacha Mwaniki| The Common Pulse/latest news/ Kenya/Abroad/Africa / September 2025 Kenya AI Talent Readiness Kenya’s rise to the #4 spot in Africa for AI talent readiness highlights the country’s growing commitment to innovation and digital transformation. This ranking shows that Kenya is positioning itself as a regional hub for artificial intelligence development, talent growth, and adoption. With young, tech-savvy populations and an entrepreneurial culture, Kenya is proving that it has the capacity to produce world-class AI professionals who can contribute both locally and globally. AI Readiness Ranking Africa 2025 The AI readiness ranking Africa 2025 is more than just a chart it reflects which nations are best prepared to embrace AI-driven industries. Kenya’s placement just behind South Africa, Nigeria, and Egypt proves that it is competing with Africa’s biggest economies. This ranking is based on education, digital infrastructure, government policies, and ind...

By Kirangacha Mwaniki, Latest News /Ethiopia/ Kenya /Africa   On a sunlit morning along the Blue Nile, the sound of rushing water collides with the hum of turbines. On 9th September 2025 , Ethiopia finally inaugurated the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD): Africa’s largest hydroelectric project. The historic event, attended by heads of state from across the Horn of Africa, marked not only the turning of turbines but the turning of a page in the region’s history. Its vast concrete wall, stretching more than 1.8 kilometers across the Nile’s gorge, stands as both an engineering triumph and a lightning rod of political drama. For Ethiopia, this dam is more than steel and stone. It is a declaration: of independence, of resilience, of rebirth. For Egypt and Sudan downstream, it has been a looming shadow, a threat to waters they have depended on for centuries. “This dam is our pride, our sovereignty, and our future,” said Engineer Mulugeta Bekele, one of the project’s early planners,...

 By Mwaniki Justin The Common Pulse | September 2025  Access Bank, one of Africa’s largest financial institutions, has strengthened its pan-African presence by acquiring the National Bank of Kenya (NBK) , marking the 14th African bank to join its expanding portfolio. This acquisition cements Access Bank’s position as a leading player in the African banking landscape and signals a new era for Kenya’s financial sector. Access Bank’s Expansion Strategy in Africa Over the past decade, Access Bank has aggressively pursued a strategy of regional integration and cross-border growth. By acquiring NBK, the bank now expands its footprint in East Africa—one of the continent’s most dynamic and competitive financial markets. This move aligns with Access Bank’s ambition to become Africa’s gateway to the world , offering seamless trade, investment, and financial services across multiple economies. What the Acquisition Means for Kenya For Kenya, the acquisition brings both opportunities an...

  By  Mbula Peninah | The Common Pulse/latest news/kenya/Outside countries/Africa / September 2025. Bitcoin Breaks $111K The Rally Explained Bitcoin (BTC) has surged past $111,000 , a milestone that signals renewed bullish momentum in the cryptocurrency market. The rally follows a technical breakout that has reinforced investor confidence and attracted fresh institutional inflows. As of today, BTC is trading near $111,000–$112,000 , supported by whale activity, stablecoin liquidity, and demand from Bitcoin ETFs. Let’s dive into the key reasons behind this rally and what it means for the future.  Why Is Bitcoin Going Up? Technical Breakout & Bullish Signals BTC recently cleared the $110K–$111K resistance zone , breaking out of a multi-week downtrend. Indicators like the Relative Strength Index (RSI) are showing bullish divergence, often a precursor to upward rallies.  Whale Accumulation & Institutional Demand On-chain data shows whales adding o...

  By Tobbias Mutunga  The Common Pulse | September 2025 In recent months, the County Government of Nakuru has come under increased scrutiny after audit reports flagged major gaps in financial management, procurement, and service delivery. The revelations have not only raised concerns about misuse of public funds but also exposed systemic weaknesses that undermine trust in devolved governance.  Where the Audit Red Flags Began The Office of the Auditor-General (OAG) pointed out several inconsistencies in Nakuru’s 2023/2024 financial statements. Among them: Unsupported expenditures running into hundreds of millions. Procurement irregularities , including inflated tenders and single-sourced contracts. Uncollected revenues from key streams such as parking, markets, and land rates. Ghost projects , where funds were disbursed but physical developments remain incomplete or nonexistent. These gaps reflect not just accounting errors but possible deliberate loopho...

 By Mutunga Tobbias The Common Pulse | September 2025 Kenya’s economy is once again under the spotlight as inflation edged upward in August 2025 , driven primarily by rising food and transport costs . According to the latest data, year-on-year inflation increased to 4.5% , up from 4.1% in July 2025 . This shift, though moderate, has prompted the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) to respond with a notable monetary policy adjustment. Central Bank of Kenya Lowers Lending Rate In a move aimed at easing borrowing conditions and stimulating economic activity, the CBK reduced its benchmark lending rate to 9.50% . Despite the inflationary pressure, the rate remains within the country’s medium-term target band of 2.5%–7.5% . The cut is intended to strike a balance between managing inflation expectations and supporting sectors struggling with high costs, especially households and small businesses hit hardest by fuel and transport hikes. What’s Driving Inflation in September 2025? The rise in inf...

  Buy Purity Karambu. The common pulse. The financial world is entering a new era as digital capital markets reshape how investors, companies, and regulators interact. The focus is on creating more accessible, transparent, and efficient markets , while staying ahead of evolving regulatory frameworks. This movement is powered by innovations like blockchain-based trading , tokenized assets , and AI-driven analytics , all of which aim to make market participation simpler for both retail and institutional investors. At the same time, regulators are working to ensure these technologies operate within secure, compliant, and stable frameworks , balancing innovation with risk management. For investors and market participants, the digital capital market evolution represents a chance to tap into new opportunities , streamline processes, and access a level of market transparency previously unattainable. As technology and regulation converge, the modern capital market is becoming faster, f...

  MEBIS 2025 – Dubai (Sept 17–18) Dubai will host the Middle East Banking Innovation Summit (MEBIS 2025) from September 17–18 , bringing together more than 400 attendees , 60+ speakers , and representatives from over 100 banks across the region. The summit has quickly become a key gathering for anyone shaping the future of banking in the Middle East. This year, MEBIS will dive deep into how AI is transforming banking operations , the expanding role of blockchain , and cutting-edge strategies for fraud detection and open finance . From high-level panels to interactive workshops, the event is designed to connect industry leaders, fintech innovators, and regulators in conversations that spark collaboration and drive change. For banking professionals looking to stay ahead of technological disruption, MEBIS 2025 offers both insights and actionable strategies to navigate the rapidly evolving financial landscape.

By purity Karambu  The common pulse. Slated for mid-September, Finance Middle East 2025 is set to bring together policymakers, bankers, and fintech leaders for a forward-looking conversation on the technologies and regulations shaping tomorrow’s financial sector. While the exact venue is yet to be announced, anticipation is already high across the region’s finance community. The conference agenda spans some of the hottest topics in global finance today: the rise of AI in financial services , the future of central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) , and the growing need for cybersecurity resilience in an age of digital threats. Other highlights include sessions on embedded finance  where banking services blend seamlessly into everyday platforms and the regulatory frameworks that will define the pace of innovation. By bringing together regulators and disruptors under one roof, Finance Middle East 2025 aims to tackle the central question facing the region: how can innovation thri...

   By Purity Karambu  The common pulse. Riyadh is gearing up to host one of the biggest fintech gatherings in the world as Money20/20 Middle East lands in the Kingdom from September 15–17 . Long established as a powerhouse event in Europe, Asia, and the U.S., its arrival in Saudi Arabia signals the country’s growing role at the center of global financial innovation. The summit will feature headline keynotes from Saudi Arabia’s Finance Minister and the Central Bank Governor , underscoring the government’s commitment to fintech as a driver of Vision 2030’s economic transformation. Expect a packed agenda with venture capital leaders, startup founders, and ecosystem builders debating everything from funding trends to digital payments and the future of regulation in a rapidly evolving market. For founders chasing growth, investors scouting opportunities, and policymakers shaping the rules of tomorrow’s economy, Money20/20 Riyadh is more than a summit it’s where the Middle...

 By Mutunga Tobbias The Common Pulse | August 2025 In a daring cyber incident that shook Kenya, 26-year-old Seth Mwabe, a second-year Information Technology student at Meru University, was arrested on Saturday, August 30, 2025 , at his Tatu City residence in Kiambu County. Authorities linked him to a hacking scheme that siphoned KES 11.4 million from a payment service provider, facilitating a massive heist from a major betting firm.   A High-Stakes Cyber Heist Unfolds According to investigators from the DCI’s Banking Fraud Investigations Unit, Mwabe and his accomplices managed to bypass cybersecurity safeguards in July. The breach went unnoticed for some time, enabling the transfer of millions of shillings before authorities caught wind. Agents executed the arrest during a dramatic raid, breaking down Mwabe’s door after he initially refused to respond. Inside his apartment, they recovered a safe, a money-counting machine, and what was described as a fully equipped computer la...

By Purity Karambu  The common pulse This September, Dubai will once again prove why it’s the region’s beating heart of innovation as it hosts Finnovex Middle East 2025 . From September 9–10 , global and regional leaders in banking, fintech, and regulation will gather to explore how technology is rewriting the rules of finance. Expect big conversations around digital banking , the rise of blockchain , and the fast-growing role of AI in shaping customer experiences . With banks under pressure to innovate and regulators keen to keep pace, Finnovex offers a front-row seat to the ideas and technologies that could define the future of money in the Middle East. Beyond the panels and keynotes, the event is also about connection where fintech founders meet investors, banks partner with tech disruptors, and regulators share insights on building trust in a digital-first financial world. For anyone curious about where finance is headed next, Finnovex Dubai isn’t just another conference t’s th...

By Tobbias Mutunga The Common Pulse | August 2025 In a landmark decision with sweeping economic and political implications, a federal appeals court has ruled that many of President Donald Trump’s global tariffs are unconstitutional , but in a twist, the court will allow them to remain in effect temporarily while legal and legislative battles play out. The Ruling The court found that Trump’s broad use of presidential power to impose tariffs under the banner of “reciprocity” went beyond what the Constitution allows. Judges emphasized that while the executive branch can enforce trade laws, it cannot unilaterally create or expand sweeping global tariff systems without explicit congressional approval. Yet, citing concerns over immediate economic disruptions, the court decided that the tariffs would stay in place for now,  giving Congress and the White House time to consider legislative fixes or appeals to the Supreme Court. What Tariffs Are Affected? The decision targets Trump’s m...

By Tobias Mutunga The Common Pulse | August 2025 Alibaba has developed a new AI inference chip,  crafted domestically and compatible with Nvidia’s software ecosystem, to reduce the company’s reliance on U.S. hardware amid tightening export restrictions. While China's broader AI industry has pushed forward with domestically produced alternatives, these chips have lagged behind Nvidia's offerings in performance and reliability. Alibaba’s latest innovation is a strategic effort to address inference services, where demand is rising, even as next-generation training hardware remains largely out of reach. Institutional Momentum Alibaba’s cloud business is thriving, with a 26% year-on-year revenue jump in Q2, driven in part by AI demand. This financial momentum underscores the urgency and commercial viability of designing its own AI chips. Broader Landscape This move echoes China’s larger strategy to circumvent dependence on Nvidia-driven infrastructure. Rivals like ByteDance, M...

 By Purity Karambu The common pulse  In the volatile world of foreign exchange, precision isn’t just a competitive advantage it’s a necessity. With the rise of AI-driven forecasting systems , businesses now have tools that can predict FX exposures with over 90% accuracy , a development that could reshape global treasury operations. Why Accuracy Matters in FX Foreign exchange fluctuations can have a profound impact on multinational corporations, SMEs engaged in global trade, and even financial institutions. Traditional forecasting methods often reliant on historical data and static models fall short in fast-changing markets. The result is costly hedging miscalculations and liquidity inefficiencies. By contrast, AI models like time-series transformers leverage vast streams of data in real time, adapting to sudden shifts in market sentiment, macroeconomic shocks, and liquidity conditions. The 90%+ Accuracy Breakthrough The integrated system pioneered by Ant International and...

 By Purity Karambu  The common pulse. On August 1, 2025 , Hong Kong’s stablecoin regulatory framework officially came into effect, marking one of the most significant global developments in the digital asset space. As the world watches, the implications for markets, institutions, and the broader crypto ecosystem are becoming clear Market Impacts  .Increased Investor Confidence By requiring full reserve backing , capital adequacy , and clear redemption rights , Hong Kong has injected credibility into stablecoin markets. Retail and institutional investors now have stronger safeguards, potentially encouraging greater adoption of tokenized payments and settlements. Boost to Institutional Participation The clear regulatory path is already attracting traditional financial institutions. Banks and asset managers that had hesitated are now entering the sector, seeing an opportunity to offer regulated digital payment and savings products. Ripple Effects in Asia Neighboring j...

 By Purity Karambu.  The common pulse. For generations, Asia’s wealthy families have built fortunes on familiar foundations  real estate, equities, bonds, and private businesses . These asset classes have long been considered safe, stable, and reliable for preserving multi-generational wealth. But today, a new player has entered the mix: cryptocurrencies . What began as a niche, experimental asset has evolved into a serious diversification tool for high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) and family offices. The Power of Diversification Diversification is the cornerstone of wealth management. By spreading investments across asset classes, wealthy families can: Reduce risk from market cycles in equities and real estate. Balance returns by holding both growth-oriented and stable-income assets. Hedge against macroeconomic shocks such as inflation, currency devaluation, or political instability. Traditionally, this meant combining stocks, bonds, real estate, and...

    By Purity Karambu. The common pulse.  JD Property, the real estate arm of Chinese e-commerce giant JD.com, has announced plans to launch a $1 billion REIT in Singapore in partnership with Swiss investment firm Partners Group and EZA Hill Property (backed by Hillhouse). Beyond the headline figure, this move carries significant implications for the Singaporean and regional real estate market Boosting Singapore’s REIT Market The REIT is one of the largest new entries in Singapore in recent years. Since 2021, the Singapore REIT market has seen a slowdown in new listings. The arrival of a high-profile, international-backed REIT signals renewed investor confidence , and could reignite interest from both retail and institutional investors. Investor Confidence: High-quality assets and a globally recognized management team attract capital inflows, particularly from international investors seeking exposure to Southeast Asia. Liquidity Injection: New listings improve m...