Jan. 6, 2026 /Mpelembe Media/ —The term petrodollar refers to the global system where crude oil is priced and traded exclusively in U.S. dollars. This system has been a cornerstone of American economic and geopolitical power for over 50 years. As of early 2026, the petrodollar system is facing its most significant challenges since its inception, with major shifts in Venezuela and the Middle East reshaping the global energy landscape. Continue reading
Tag Archives: China
AI-Driven Aerial Symphony: 11,787 Drones Use Intelligent Control to Shatter World Record in Chongqin
Jan. 2, 2026 /Mpelembe Media/ — In June 2025, two Chinese organizations collaborated to produce a monumental light show in Chongqing that officially secured a Guinness World Record. Utilizing a fleet of 11,787 drones, the performance established a new benchmark for the largest aerial image ever created by multirotor aircraft. The event served as a celebration of the city’s 28th anniversary as a municipality while showcasing local advancements in low-altitude technology and tourism. Observers witnessed a series of massive glowing illustrations, including landscapes, animals, and human figures, that spanned the night sky. The sheer magnitude of the operation required multiple adjudicators to verify the achievement on-site. This spectacle highlighted the growing intersection of digital innovation and public art on an unprecedented scale. Continue reading
The AI Economy and Emerging African Business Trends
Jan. 1, 2026 /Mpelembe Media/ — China’s strategic framework for international cooperation is based on the four pillars of the Global Development, Security, Civilization, and Governance initiatives. These programs are presented as a comprehensive Chinese solution to modern crises, aiming to reform the global governance system while promoting a shared future for humanity. By focusing on a people-centered approach, the initiatives prioritize addressing poverty, resolving conflicts through dialogue, and respecting the diversity of cultures. The sources emphasize that these efforts particularly support the Global South by advocating for sovereign equality and a move away from unilateral hegemony. Ultimately, the text argues that these public goods provide a pragmatic roadmap for achieving lasting peace and universal prosperity through multilateral action. Continue reading
Understanding the AI Economy and Digital ID
Jan. 1, 2026 /Mpelembe Media/ — The “Fifth Industrial Revolution” (5IR), is a shift from tools that we control to environments that control themselves. It frames the future not as a collection of gadgets, but as a totalizing system—the “Cathedral”—where the infrastructure itself makes moral and economic decisions. The Dark Industrial Cathedral is built on surveillance, extraction, and algorithmic control. The primary task for 5IR leaders is “engineering ethics into infrastructure” by embedding human values directly into the code. Continue reading
Cybersecurity Forecast 2026: The Rise of AI Agents, Persistent Extortion, and Evolving Nation-State Tactics
Dec. 29, 2025 /Mpelembe Media/ — The Cybersecurity Forecast 2026 report by Google Cloud examines the anticipated evolution of digital threats, primarily focusing on the transformative role of artificial intelligence. It describes how adversaries will increasingly use AI agents for automated attacks and sophisticated social engineering, while defenders will adopt similar technology to enhance security operations. Beyond AI, the analysis highlights the persistent danger of ransomware and the expansion of cybercrime into the blockchain and virtualisation sectors. The document also evaluates the strategic motivations of nation-state actors from Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea as they pursue global espionage and disruption. Ultimately, the report serves as a guide for organisations to modernise their identity management and governance frameworks in response to these emerging risks. Continue reading
Hakainde Hichilema: Zambia’s Leader at the Centre of a Global Superpower Tug-of-War
Dec. 29, 2025 /Mpelembe Media/ — Hakainde Hichilema as been ranked as one of the pre-eminent global leaders of 2025. The Zambian President has successfully positioned his nation as a highly desirable partner amidst the geopolitical competition between the United States and China. High-level diplomatic visits, such as the arrival of the Chinese Premier, underscore the country’s growing strategic importance. Continue reading
The $7 Trillion Green Economy: A CEO Blueprint
Dec. 03, 2025 /Mpelembe Media/ — This report highlights key findings from a joint report by the World Economic Forum (WEF) and the Boston Consulting Group (BCG) regarding the immense growth of the global green economy. The document states that this sector has already surpassed $5 trillion and is projected to reach over $7 trillion by 2030, growing faster than every major sector except technology. This economic resilience is supported by substantial cost declines in essential technologies, which now make climate solutions addressing 55% of global emissions cost-competitive. The report also underscores that China is cementing its role as the global leader in green technology through overwhelming investment, innovation, and production capabilities. To assist corporate leaders, the report concludes by providing a “CEO Guide” that outlines strategies for successful growth, focusing on factors like technology maturity and close regulatory shaping. Continue reading
Climate TRACE July 2025 Emissions Data
Global greenhouse gas emissions data for July 2025 report shows that total global emissions reached 5.21 billion tonnes CO₂e, marking a slight increase of 0.43% compared to July 2024. The release provides a comprehensive breakdown of these emissions by major countries (with China, the US, and India showing increases), sectors (with fossil fuel operations seeing the largest increase), and the top emitting urban areas. Continue reading
China Market: Not an Option, But a Must
This is an exclusive interview with Jens Eskelund, the President of the European Union Chamber of Commerce in China, published by China Today and distributed by PR Newswire. The interview centres on the past, present, and future of China-EU economic and trade relations. Eskelund highlights the significant growth in commercial ties since China’s WTO accession and the intertwined interests of both economies. He also stresses China’s irreplaceable role in global supply chains and the potential for future cooperation, particularly in areas like consumption growth and the green transition. Continue reading
Digital Economy Trust Index Insights
May 14, 2025 /Mpelembe Media/ — According to a press release from Checkout.com, the company has launched its first Digital Economy Trust Index, ranking 16 countries based on consumer trust in online systems. The index highlights a strong link between trust in the digital economy and national GDP growth, suggesting that countries with higher digital trust tend to experience greater economic expansion. Continue reading
