The 20th edition of the World Economic Forum’s Global Risks Report, released today, reveals an increasingly fractured global landscape, where escalating geopolitical, environmental, societal and technological challenges threaten stability and progress. While economic risks have less immediate prominence in this year’s survey results, they remain a concern, interconnected with societal and geopolitical tensions.

State-based armed conflict is identified as the most pressing immediate global risk for 2025, with nearly one-quarter of respondents ranking it as the most severe concern for the year ahead.

Misinformation and disinformation remain top short-term risks for the second consecutive year, underlining their persistent threat to societal cohesion and governance by eroding trust and exacerbating divisions within and between nations. Other leading short-term risks include extreme weather events, societal polarization, cyber-espionage and warfare.

The United States Government, through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), donated 175 computer terminals to the Ethiopian Public Health Institute (EPHI) to bolster Ethiopia’s fight against malaria.  The donation event, held at EPHI, included a tour of the USAID-supported Emergency Operations Center, laboratory, and slide bank, showcasing the quality assurance of malaria laboratory diagnosis as part of a comprehensive approach to malaria control.

USAID Mission Director Scott Hocklander, who participated in the tour prior to giving remarks at the computer handover, emphasized EPHI’s critical role in combating the alarming rise in malaria cases across Ethiopia. “The work done at EPHI is vital to the health and well-being of Ethiopians,” he said. “These computer terminals, along with the Emergency Operations Center and lab, will significantly enhance Ethiopia’s ability to rapidly diagnose and respond to malaria outbreaks.”

The donated computer terminals will be distributed to health centers across Ethiopia, enabling real-time data collection, analysis, and quality assurance for malaria tests conducted in the field.  This will lead to faster and more accurate diagnoses, ensuring that patients receive timely and life-saving treatment.

The Africa Media Festival (AMF) returns for its third edition on February 26-27, 2025, at the National Museums of Kenya in Nairobi. Known as a gathering that connects media professionals, storytellers, and innovators from across the continent, AMF has become a key platform for collaboration and meaningful conversations about the future of African media.

With over 1,300 attendees, 120 speakers, and 50 sessions in its first two years, AMF continues to set the standard for engaged, inclusive events that advance media practices and amplify African voices. This year’s theme, “Bridging Gaps, Connecting Media Futures,” aims to address structural, technological, and cultural challenges in African media while building pathways for collaboration and representation.“The Africa Media Festival is our annual creative recharge station. It’s like finding an oasis in the desert, except we are guzzling inspiration and fresh ideas instead of water. This year, we’re jazzed to see how the media and creative world have been doing their version of a glow-up, keeping pace with shifting audience vibes and the tech rollercoaster we’re all riding. We can’t wait to hear your stories, your wins, and even your ‘What-was-I-thinking?’ moments, ” said Maurice Otieno, Executive Director at Baraza Lab.

The prestigious Seeds for the Future program, Huawei’s flagship Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, has announced its 2025 Global Ambassadors. Among the twelve selected ambassadors is Asiya Kelifa, a fourth-year Computer Science student at Selale University in Ethiopia.

Seeds for the Future aims to empower young talents from around the globe to deepen their understanding of digital technology and innovation through short-term training programs, global competitions, and ongoing alumni activities. Emphasizing the importance of cross-cultural exchanges and the cultivation of an entrepreneurial spirit, the program is committed to diversity and inclusivity, with a participation rate of at least one-third for female students.

Asiya Kelifa’s election as a Global Ambassador follows her successful participation in the Seeds for the Future 2024 program. This honor grants her the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the ICT Talent Digital Tour set to take place in China in 2025, as well as the chance to share knowledge with international audiences at significant events.