The Scene
Three billion people remain offline — disconnected from the digital economy and systems that drive global progress.
The Next 3 Billion is dedicated to exploring the forces accelerating economic and societal prosperity across the world’s most ascendant regions.
This full day of live journalism will feature candid, on-the-record conversations designed to spark collaboration, bold thinking, and actionable solutions — unlocking one of the greatest social and economic opportunities of our time.
In this article:
The View From Africa
DR Congo
Patrick Muyaya, DRC Minister of Communications and State Spokesperson, on the promise of the Lobito Corridor:
“You cannot look at Africa with American eyes,” Muyaya told Semafor’s Yinka Adegoke:
Nigeria
Dr. Bosun Tijani, Nigeria’s Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, on the level of AI infrastructure investment in Africa:
Sierra Leone
Minister of Health Austin Demby, on using technology to lower Sierra Leone’s maternal mortality rate:
The View From Colombia
Former President of Colombia Ivan Duque, responding to US President Donald Trump’s dismissal of climate change concerns in his United Nations General Assembly address:
The View From Singapore
Josephine Teo, Singapore’s Minister for Digital Development and Information, on what draws Chinese AI companies to relocate:
The View From Business
NVIDIA
Josh Parker, NVIDIA’s Head of Sustainability, on the energy demand from the AI sector:
Amazon
Sasha Rubel, AWS Head of AI Policy, EMEA, on the “misuse” and “missed use” aspects of the AI safety debate:
Helios Towers
Tom Greenwood, CEO of Helios Towers, on the challenges and potential of the African “data boom”:
Schneider Electric
Jean-Pascal Tricoire, Chairman of Presenting Partner Schneider Electric, on energy as a human right:
Partner Perspective from Schneider Electric. Semafor’s editorial staff had no role in this interview.
Cisco
Presenting Partner Cisco’s EVP and Chief People, Policy & Purpose Officer, Francine Katsoudas, on the opportunity for AI investment in Africa:
Partner Perspective from Cisco. Semafor’s editorial staff had no role in this interview.
Standard Bank
Lungisa Fuzile, Standard Bank’s CEO for Africa Regions and Offshore, on digital connectivity in Africa:
Partner Perspective from Standard Bank. Semafor’s editorial staff had no role in this interview.
G42
G42 USA CEO Ali Dalloul on the speed of AI adoption:
Partner Perspective from G42. Semafor’s editorial staff had no role in this interview.
Paystack
Co-founder and CEO Shola Akinlade on how stablecoins can revolutionize money movement in Africa:
The View From The International Rescue Committee
IRC President and CEO David Miliband, on cuts to international aid:
“I actually don’t use the phrase ‘Let’s do more with less,’ because I think that gives an excuse to those making the cuts,” Miliband told Semafor’s Prashant Rao. “We want to do more with more, because we weren’t doing enough before.”
The View From Idris Elba
Actor and philanthropist Idris Elba, on the challenges and opportunities from cuts to USAID:
The View From The Gates Foundation
CEO Mark Suzman on the fallout from cuts to international aid:
The View From The United Nations
Her Majesty Queen Máxima of the Netherlands on her work as United Nations Secretary-General’s Special Advocate for Financial Health:
The View From The United States
Massad Boulos, US Department of State Senior Advisor for Africa, on how the Trump administration has shifted its focus “from aid to trade”:
The View From World Trade Organization
Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala on the impact of US tariffs and the resilience of the global trade system: