Kenya has emerged as Africa's leading importer of second-hand clothing, surpassing other nations on the continent. In 2023, the country imported used garments valued at approximately Sh38.5 billion ($298 million), marking a 12.45% increase from the previous year's Sh34.28 billion ($265 million).

This surge underscores the growing demand for affordable apparel among Kenyan consumers. The second-hand clothing sector, locally known as "mitumba," has become a multi-billion-shilling industry, providing employment to an estimated two million individuals across the country.

However, this trend presents challenges for Kenya's domestic textile industry. Despite having 52 textile mills, only 15 are operational, running at just 45% capacity due to factors like low labor productivity and outdated technology. High electricity costs further erode the competitiveness of local manufacturers.

The influx of second-hand clothing also raises environmental concerns. A significant portion of these imports eventually contributes to waste, with markets like Kantamanto in Ghana, one of the world's largest second-hand clothing markets highlighting the environmental impact of discarded garments.

While the mitumba trade supports millions of livelihoods, it poses a dilemma for policymakers aiming to balance economic benefits with the growth of the local textile industry and environmental sustainability.

#Kenya #SecondHandClothing #MitumbaTrade #TextileIndustry #Economy #Africa

Ray of Hope Accelerator: Empowering Nature-Inspired Startups for a Sustainable Future

Are you an innovator using nature’s wisdom to tackle environmental challenges? The Ray of Hope Accelerator is calling visionary founders worldwide to join a transformative six-month program designed to scale impact, accelerate growth, and drive sustainable change.

Why Join?

Each year, we select 10 high-impact startups (Pre-Seed to Series A) that integrate nature-inspired innovation into fields like renewable energy, biotech, sustainable materials, and more.

Program Benefits:
✔ $15,000 in non-dilutive funding
✔ $50,000+ in in-kind services
✔ Tailored mentorship & coaching
✔ Investor network access
✔ Four-day immersive Nature Retreat
✔ Training in business strategy, impact storytelling, DEI, and resilience

Eligibility

Startups must:
• Offer a bio-inspired solution to environmental issues
• Operate in sectors like climate tech, robotics, conservation, or mobility
• Be in the Pre-Seed to Series A stage with a working prototype
• Have at least two full-time team members

Selection Criteria

✔ Market potential & problem relevance
✔ Disruptive technology & nature-based inspiration
✔ Environmental & social impact
✔ Strong, diverse team leadership

📅 Apply before April 25, 2025!

Join a growing global network of trailblazers shaping a sustainable future.

🔗 Learn more & apply: ( https://biomimicry.org/inn... )

#Sustainability #ClimateTech #BioInnovation #ImpactInvesting #NatureInspired #StartupFunding #RayOfHopeAccelerator #Opportunities #Grant

On March 26, 2025, Robinhood took a significant step forward in its evolution from a commission-free trading app to a comprehensive financial services powerhouse. During its second annual Gold keynote event, titled "The Lost City of Gold," hosted by Chairman and CEO Vlad Tenev in San Francisco, the company unveiled an ambitious suite of offerings: wealth management tools, expanded banking services, and an AI-powered investment assistant.

Broadcast live at 6:30 PM PT across platforms including the Robinhood app, X, YouTube, and Facebook, the event underscored the company’s mission to democratize finance for all.The centerpiece of the keynote was the introduction of Robinhood Cortex, an AI-driven tool set to launch this fall.

Designed based on surveys of both novice and seasoned traders, Cortex promises personalized insights and investment suggestions tailored to user behavior and preferences. This move aligns Robinhood with a growing trend in fintech, where AI is increasingly leveraged to simplify complex financial decisions think of it as a virtual advisor for the modern investor.

Beyond AI, Robinhood doubled down on its premium Robinhood Gold subscription service, rolling out wealth management features traditionally reserved for high-net-worth individuals. These include access to financial advisors and sophisticated portfolio strategies. The company also expanded its banking capabilities, integrating high-yield savings options and enhanced credit offerings, positioning itself as a one-stop shop for personal finance.

According to posts on X, the event framed Robinhood not just as a trading platform but as a seamless fusion of AI, advisory services, and private banking.The "Lost City of Gold" theme symbolized unearthing new financial opportunities, a nod to Robinhood’s roots of making markets accessible. To celebrate, Gold subscribers can enjoy exclusive promotions every Friday leading up to March 31, alongside a 1,000 gold bar giveaway (no purchase necessary, terms apply).

With over 23 million funded accounts as of late 2024, per company reports, Robinhood’s bold pivot could reshape how everyday investors approach wealth-building.This keynote arrives amid a competitive fintech landscape, with rivals like Fidelity and Schwab bolstering their own digital offerings.

Yet, Robinhood’s blend of innovation and accessibility may solidify its edge. As Tenev stated, “We’re revealing tools once thought out of reach,” signaling a future where advanced finance isn’t just for the elite.
#RobinhoodGold #LostCityOfGold #Fintech #AIInvesting #WealthManagement #Finance

OpenAI and Meta Eye AI Expansion in India with Reliance

OpenAI and Meta are in talks with Reliance Industries to deepen their presence in India’s booming AI market. The discussions include a massive price reduction for ChatGPT subscriptions in India by 75% to 85% from the current $20 per month.

Reliance is exploring ways to resell OpenAI’s technology to Indian businesses via API, a move that may require Microsoft’s approval due to its exclusive resale rights. Additionally, OpenAI and Meta are considering using Reliance’s upcoming 3-gigawatt data center in Jamnagar to host AI models locally.

Meta, which has previously invested billions in Jio, is also exploring new AI ventures with Reliance. However, Meta’s AI offerings, including its standalone Meta AI web app, struggle to gain traction in India compared to OpenAI's ChatGPT, according to Similarweb data.

India is already OpenAI’s second-largest market, with millions of users engaging with ChatGPT weekly. OpenAI aims to reach 1 billion daily active users by year-end, making India a crucial growth engine in its global expansion strategy.

#AI #ChatGPT #OpenAI #Meta #Reliance #ArtificialIntelligence #IndiaTech #Jio #MicrosoftAI

In a bold statement, President Donald Trump has declared that individuals caught sabotaging Tesla vehicles could face severe consequences, up to 20 years in prison.

The announcement comes amid growing concerns over vandalism targeting the electric car giant, known for its innovative technology and high-profile CEO, Elon Musk. Trump emphasized the need to protect American businesses and technological advancements, signaling a tough stance on such crimes.

This development has sparked debates online, with some praising the move as a defense of innovation, while others question the severity of the punishment.

As Tesla continues to dominate headlines in 2025, this could set a precedent for how the government addresses attacks on cutting-edge industries.

What do you think, too harsh or just right? Share your thoughts!

#Trump2025 #TeslaNews #ElonMusk #InnovationMatters #TechTrends

Apply Now For Pitch2Win 2025: Elevate Your Startup with Funding, and Investor Connections.

Calling all visionary African founders! Founders Connect is back with Pitch2Win 2025, a high-stakes competition designed to catapult early-stage startups into the spotlight. Whether you’re based in Lagos, Nairobi, this is your chance to secure funding, amplify your visibility, and forge connections that could redefine your startup’s trajectory.

Why Pitch2Win?
Pitch2Win isn’t just another pitch competition—it’s a launchpad for innovation. Here’s what’s on offer:
- $2,500 in equity-free grants (no strings attached!)
- Exclusive perks worth over $40,000 (think scaling tools, PR, and cloud credits)
- A shot at $10,000 in investment from the African Impact Initiative
- Direct access to top-tier investors like Ingressive Capital

But the real prize? Visibility. Founders Connect bridges the gap between ambitious entrepreneurs and the mentors, partners, and investors who can turn their ideas into reality.

The Prize Pool: More Than Just Cash
Winners don’t just walk away with funding—they unlock a treasure trove of resources:
- $25,000 in fee-free processing on Paystack
- 1 year of Intercom Pro (plus 50% off in year two)
- 6 months of Notion + AI (over $6,000 in value)
- Up to $10,000 in AWS credits
- 6 months of free PR with Reneé PR

Add strategic mentorship, investor face time, and continental bragging rights—it’s a startup’s dream package.

Who Should Apply?
Pitch2Win is looking for scrappy, tech-driven startups ready to scale. Priority goes to:
- Founders solving Africa-specific challenges
- Ventures with measurable traction (active users, revenue, or both!)
- Women-led teams (equity matters!)
- Startups under 3 years old, with less than $1M raised and sky-high growth potential

Bonus: While semi-finals and finals are in Lagos or Nairobi, applications are open to all African startups, as long as you’re ready to pitch in person if shortlisted!

Eligibility Checklist
- Tech-enabled (beyond just a website)
- Launched product with traction
- Less than $1M in external funding
- At least one founder working full-time
- Available to pitch live in Lagos or Nairobi

How to Apply
Ready to step into the ring? Deadline: February 28, 2025.
1. Click here==> https://www.foundersconnec... to submit your application.
2. Polish your pitch.
3. Prepare to transform your startup’s future.

Final Thought:
Pitch2Win isn’t just about winning—it’s about joining a community of innovators shaping Africa’s tech landscape. Whether you snag the grand prize or walk away with connections, this is your moment to shine.

Founders Connect: Empowering Africa’s next generation of disruptors.

#Pitch2Win2025 #AfricanStartups #FoundersConnect #ScaleWithPurpose #startup #Africa

Google Offers Free Python Crash Course For Beginners to Help You Upskill in 2025.

The digital age waits for no one, and Python has quietly become the lingua franca of innovation—fueling AI breakthroughs, decoding big data, and building the apps we can’t live without. But what if you could master this skill without spending a dime? In 2025, Google throws open the gates to programming literacy with its Free Python Crash Course, a game-changer for aspiring coders. Forget dry textbooks and pricey bootcamps; this is your shortcut to joining the tech revolution.

Why #Python ?
Because the Future Speaks in Code
Python isn’t just popular—it’s inescapable. By 2025, its dominance spans industries:
- AI & Automation: Python scripts train chatbots, optimize supply chains, and even pilot drones.
- Data Goldmines: analysts use Python libraries like Pandas to turn raw data into boardroom decisions.
- Career Rocket Fuel: LinkedIn’s 2024 survey shows Python skills boost hiring odds by 68% for non-tech roles too—marketing, finance, healthcare.

But here’s the kicker: Python’s elegance hides its power. Its syntax reads like plain English, letting beginners automate tasks within weeks. One student, Priya (a former teacher), automated her school’s attendance system using Python after just 15 hours of study. “It felt like learning to cast spells,” she laughs.

Inside Google’s Python Playground: No Experience Required
Google’s course isn’t another YouTube tutorial dump. It’s a structured ramp from “Hello World” to real-world projects. Think of it as a coding gym, where you’ll flex new muscles:

Phase 1: Syntax Bootcamp
- Variables, loops, and logic gates—the ABCs of programming.
- Manipulate data with Python’s toolkit: lists, dictionaries, and strings.

Phase 2: Automate Your World
- Write scripts that scrape websites, organize files, or send automated emails.
- Build a mini-project, like a quiz app or budget tracker.

Phase 3: Object-Oriented Thinking
- Craft reusable code with classes and objects.
- Peek into advanced topics like APIs or data visualization.

And the best part? You’ll learn by doing. “The course had me coding a weather app by Week 3,” shares Arjun, a 2024 alumnus now interning at a Bangalore startup.

Why This Course Beats the Rest
- Google’s Stamp: Lessons are vetted by engineers who’ve built tools like Colab and TensorFlow.
- Learn Anytime, Anywhere: Binge it over a weekend or squeeze in modules during lunch breaks.
- Zero Cost, Infinite ROI: Unlike platforms that upsell certificates, Google’s focus is pure skill-building.

Your Roadmap to Python Fluency
1. Code Daily, Even Mini-Sessions: 20 minutes to 2 hours once a week.
2. Break Things: Got an error? Celebrate—it’s a clue, not a crisis.
3. Join the Tribe: Swap tips on Discord or Reddit’s r/learnpython.
4. Build, Then Build Louder: Start small (a meme generator) then dream big (a stock predictor).

Ready to Code Your Future?

Enroll now.
==> https://tinyurl.com/Gpytho...
#Google #Scholarship #FreeCourse #Course #Tech #Technology #Education

Elon Musk officially releases 'Grok 3' calling it the "smartest #AI on Earth".

Elon Musk's AI venture, xAI, has officially unveiled Grok 3, which Musk touts as the "smartest AI on Earth." The announcement was made during a live demonstration on Monday, February 17, 2025, at 8 p.m. Pacific Time.

Grok 3 has been in development for several months, with Musk previously indicating its release by the end of 2024; however, the launch was postponed to February 2025.

During the launch event, Musk explained that the term "Grok" means to "fully and profoundly understand something."

Grok 3 is integrated with X, formerly known as Twitter, and is available to Premium Plus subscribers on the platform.

This release positions xAI in direct competition with other AI models like OpenAI's ChatGPT, as Musk continues to advance AI technology through his various enterprises.

#ElonMusk #AI #ArtificialIntelligence #Grok #Technology #Tech

Sam Altman has rejected Elon’s offer to buy OpenAi and Elon calls him a scam.

So it’s okay for Elon to call Sam Altman “Scam Altman”?

Most top Tech people around the world are doing everything possible to reduce the concentration of Tech power in Elon’s hand. This is also a discussion in my PhD class group.

Anyone who is truly immersed in Tech and Global Tech Politics and relates with the likes of Yann of Meta, Andrew Ng etc will agree that Elon has insulted almost every top AI scientist just to dominate the AI race.

This is not the industry we want to build. Some of us have worked to build careers in this industry over the years and in this industry, money doesn’t matter as much as BUILDING DOES. We respect the real scientists who are truly inventing and innovating - and we also value money bags who buy what is built. Both are relevant but neither should disrespect the other because of money.

Sam is not a scam.

Sam is a hardworking AI founder.
Because of Sam, my startup, gemsbokGPT has made millions in turnover.
Because of Sam, we are now building an AI powered medical platform for the Transhuman Coin community .

Sam is not a scam just because business between Elon and Sam didn’t go as expected. If he’s a scam, arrest him and save other victims. Calling him a scam in public only shows that Tech Politics is becoming more prominent than Tech Innovation.

Tech politics is good. We need politics to swing power in the industry. But without innovation, we shall have no industry.

©️ Charles Awuzie

(Do not comment if you know nothing about tech, innovation and the politics in the industry. Just go be buy a tech course from https://www.gemsbok.academ... so you can join the conversation in future)
#AI #ArtificialIntelligence #ElonMusk #SamAltman #X #Tech #Technology

Roam Airdrop: How To Participate And Earn $Roam Token.

The future of internet connectivity is here—and it pays you. Roam, a trailblazing DePIN project on Solana, is reshaping global WiFi access through decentralized technology. By leveraging Decentralized Identifiers (DIDs), Roam’s OpenRoaming network turns every WiFi connection into a chance to earn crypto rewards. Think of it as getting paid simply for browsing, streaming, or working online—anywhere on Earth.

Why Jump on the Roam Airdrop?
Fresh off a Messari report ranking Roam as the 4th-largest network by active nodes, the project is gaining serious momentum. Their ongoing points program lets users rack up rewards through the Roam app, with higher points translating to bigger airdrop payouts. Time to turn your WiFi into a crypto goldmine!

How to Claim Your Share of the Roam Airdrop

1️⃣ Download the Roam App
Start by visiting [Roam’s official site]( https://www.roam.com ) to grab the app. Pro tip: Use a mobile device for seamless setup.

2️⃣ Secure Your Access
Open the app and connect a crypto wallet. New to wallets? Create a fresh one (like Phantom or Solflare) for added security.

3️⃣ Boost Your Rewards
Don’t skip this! Enter the invitation code "94296530" during signup—it’s your golden ticket to bonus points.

4️⃣ Power the Network
Tap “Add WiFi” to link your router to OpenRoaming. The more devices you connect, the more points you’ll earn.

5️⃣ Complete Quests
Head to the “Quest” tab for quick tasks: follow Roam on Twitter, join their Telegram, or refer friends. Each action = more points.

6️⃣ Daily Check-Ins = Free Crypto
Log in daily for surprise rewards—consistency is key to maximizing your airdrop potential.

Pro Tips to Supercharge Your Earnings
- Spread the WiFi love: Share your referral code (found in the app) for extra points every time someone joins.
- Stay in the loop: Join Roam’s [Telegram group]( t.me/roamnetwork ) for updates on hidden airdrop tasks or bonus events.
- Think long-term: Active participation now could mean bigger rewards as Roam’s network expands.
#Roam #Airdrop #Crypto #CryptoAirdrop