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TSMC Takes Legal Action Over Suspected Trade Secret Leak

Oluchi Okwuego
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TSMC Takes Legal Action Over Suspected Trade Secret Leak

The world’s leading maker of advanced AI chips has initiated legal action and disciplined staff over suspected trade secret leaks uncovered during routine monitoring.

READ ALSO: Elon Musk Signs $16.5 Billion Chip Supply Deal With Samsung

In an emailed statement to Reuters on Tuesday, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) said its “comprehensive and robust monitoring mechanisms” allowed for early detection, prompting swift internal investigations and decisive action against those involved.

The case, now under judicial review, prevents the company from providing further details, TSMC said.

Nikkei Asia earlier reported that the breach involved several former employees suspected of attempting to obtain critical proprietary information on TSMC’s 2-nanometer chip technology.

It remains unclear what the former employees intended to do with the information or whether it was leaked to external parties, with investigations ongoing to determine the scope of the leak, and whether additional parties were involved in the matter, the Nikkei report said.

TSMC’s 2-nanometer chip technology is the most advanced in the semiconductor industry, offering superior density and energy efficiency, according to the company’s website.

The contract chipmaker, which supplies major clients such as Nvidia, Apple, and Qualcomm, emphasized its zero-tolerance stance on trade secret breaches and vowed to pursue violators to the fullest extent of the law. TSMC recently secured a 300,000-unit order for its H20 chipsets from Nvidia.

Google’s AI Overviews Are Driving Users Away from Traditional Search Results

Oluchi Okwuego
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Google’s AI Overviews Are Driving Users Away from Traditional Search Results

Over the past year, Google quietly changed its search results. Instead of the usual list of blue links, users now often see AI-generated answers what Google calls “AI Overviews.” While sometimes helpful, these summaries have also produced bizarre errors, like suggesting people eat rocks and glue.

READ ALSO: Google’s AI Overviews Hit By EU Antitrust Complaint 

According to new Pew Research, AI Overviews affect user behavior. In a study tracking 900 Americans’ browsing habits, users were nearly twice as likely not to click any links when shown an AI summary and 26% ended their session altogether. Pew’s Aaron Smith notes these results suggest AI Overviews may be reshaping how people engage with search.

This is, by all standards, a major shift. Google Search handles five trillion queries a year and serves as the starting point for most online activity.

Many websites especially those focused on content rather than sales rely heavily on ad revenue. Their survival depends on traffic volume, which is largely dictated by Google’s algorithm. A single change to that algorithm can drastically reduce visibility and, in some cases, effectively shut down an entire business overnight.

“Most websites rely on Google traffic to stay afloat,” says Lily Ray, VP of SEO strategy and research at marketing firm Amsive. “But AI Overviews are slashing that traffic so severely that many sites are seeing revenue drop by 20%, 30%, even 40%. It’s devastating and it’s killing the motivation to produce quality content.”

And things may get worse. Google has introduced a new feature called AI Mode, which replaces traditional search results entirely. According to Ray and other experts, this shift could be catastrophic some even warn it may fundamentally break the web.

Google, however, says that’s all nonsense. “We consistently direct billions of clicks to websites daily and have not observed significant drops in aggregate web traffic as is being suggested,” a spokesperson for the company says. “This study uses a flawed methodology and skewed query set that is not representative of Search traffic.” 

Pew says it’s confident in its research. “Our findings are broadly consistent with independent studies conducted by web analytics firms,” Smith says. Dozens of reports show AI Overviews cut search traffic as much as 30% to 70% depending on what people are Googling. Ray says she’s personally seen this in data from hundreds of websites.

But Google tells the BBC you should disregard this, because it’s bad research, biased data and meaningless anecdotes. The company says web traffic fluctuates for many reasons, and AI Overviews link to a wider variety of sources and create new ways to discover websites. Google’s spokesperson says the clicks from AI answers are also higher quality because people spend more time on the sites they visit.

Ironically, Google’s own AI disagrees with its PR department. If you ask Google Gemini, it says AI Overviews hurt websites. And according to Ray, the evidence is clear. “Google is trying to spin information and hide the truth because people will freak out,” she says. The company says it’s committed to transparency.

There’s another question though. Is this just what we all want? That’s what Google thinks, at least. “People are gravitating to AI-powered experiences, and AI features in Search enable people to ask even more questions, creating new opportunities for people to connect with websites,” Google’s spokesperson says.

But Ray says that’s missing the point. “Google can say, ‘Oh well, nobody wants to click anymore,’ but they’re benefiting from the hard work everyone else is doing. They’re taking the clicks away from the people who created the content Google’s AI pulled from in the first place,” she says. Forget the websites, though, Ray says AI’s propensity to hallucinate means it’s worse for you, too.

Nigerian Stock Market Soars with N1.78 Trillion Gain

Aisha John-Mark
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Nigerian Stock Market Soars with N1.78 Trillion Gain

The Nigerian stock market opened the week on a strong bullish note on Monday, with investors recording a significant gain of ₦1.78 trillion in a single-day rally.

The upward momentum was driven by continued buying interest in Lasaco Assurance, Royal Exchange, UPDC, UAC of Nigeria, and 43 other equities.

Market capitalisation rose by N1.78 trillion, or 1.99 per cent, closing at N91.15 trillion, compared to N89.372 trillion recorded last Friday.

Similarly, the All-Share Index (ASI) advanced by 2,808.73 points, or 1.99 per cent, settling at 144,071.78 from 141,263.05.

The market breadth was positive, with 47 gainers and 23 losers recorded at the close of trading.

Lasaco Assurance topped the gainers’ chart, rising by 10 per cent to close at N2.86 per share.

Royal Exchange also gained 10 per cent, ending the day at N1.65 per share. UPDC appreciated by 10 per cent, closing the session at N5.94 per share.

UAC of Nigeria climbed 9.97 per cent, finishing at N97.10 per share. Sovereign Trust Insurance also rose by 9.94 per cent, closing at N1.88 per share.

On the losers’ table, Academy Press declined by 10 per cent to end at N9.90 per share.

Transcorp Power also lost 10 per cent, settling at N288 per share at the close of trade.

John Holt fell by 9.59 per cent, ending the day at N6.60 per share. Total Nigeria shed 9.22 per cent to close at N6.40 per share.

Ecobank Transnational Incorporated declined 9.21 per cent, ending the session at N34 per share.

Total volume traded was 811.09 million shares valued at N19.47 billion in 35,963 transactions.

This was lower than Friday’s 1.08 billion shares worth N26.85 billion exchanged in 34,488 deals.

First City Monument Bank led trading activity with 84.95 million shares worth N979.42 million.

Universal Insurance followed with 82.51 million shares valued at N61.68 million.

Fidelity Bank transacted 45.43 million shares, worth N955.6 million, on the trading floor.

AIICO Insurance sold 40.15 million shares valued at N94.3 million during the session.

Veritas Kapital Assurance recorded 39.77 million shares traded, valued at N60.26 million.

Reacting, Mr Aruna Kebira, Managing Director of Globalview Capital Ltd, said the performance shows market maturity.

He attributed the gains to informed investors, long-term pension fund investments, a stable exchange rate and declining inflation.

He added that Nigeria meeting OPEC quota, rising reserves, and strong Q2 earnings contributed to market growth.

“The steady rise of the ASI and market cap reflects strong buying interest in equities.

“Penny stocks usually lead market moves but also drive retreats, especially as many lack strong fundamentals.

“Many declined last week due to month-end exits and weekend uncertainty among short-term traders.

“Since no negative news emerged over the weekend, exited positions were re-entered, sparking the bullish momentum,” Kebira said.

 

Art Minister Hails D’Tigress On Afrobasket Championship Win

Foluke Ibitomi
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Art Minister Hails D’Tigress On Afrobasket Championship Win

By Hikmat Bamigboye, Abuja

The Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa has congratulated Nigeria’s esteemed women’s basketball team, the D’Tigress, on their historic achievement of winning the Afrobasket for a record five consecutive times.

Again, Minister Musawa who watched the final match live with the Minister of Women Affairs Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim and the Minister of State for Finance, Doris Nkiruka Uzoka-Anite, commended the team for their outstanding performance in Sunday’s final, which saw them defeat Mali 78-64 at the Palais de Sports de Treichville in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.

She said the remarkable victory is a testament to the team’s dedication, hard work, and exceptional skill.

noted that the D’Tigress’s achievement is not only a triumph for the team but also a source of pride for Nigeria, showcasing the country’s rich sporting talent and potential on the global stage.

She said that the team’s success will undoubtedly inspire a new generation of Nigerian sports enthusiasts especially young female athletes to make Nigeria proud.

She said “I am thrilled to see the D’Tigress bring home the Afrobasket trophy for a record-breaking fifth consecutive time! Their victory is a testament to the power of determination, teamwork, and Nigerian excellence. I congratulate each member of the team, their coaches, and everyone who has supported them on this incredible journey. This achievement will inspire a new generation of Nigerian athletes and the federal government looks forward to celebrating their triumph upon their return to Nigeria.”

The team were honoured by President Bola Tinubu at the Aso Rock Villa, for their remarkable achievement.

Tourism Can Lift Africa From Dependency On Shared Prosperity — Expert

Foluke Ibitomi
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Tourism Can Lift Africa From Dependency On Shared Prosperity — Expert

An expert in the tourism sector says that tourism is a frontier capable of lifting Africa from dependency on shared prosperity.

Chuks Akamadu, Managing Director of Afrocultour Limited, stated this in an interview on Monday in Abuja.

According to him, we need to stop seeing tourism as just leisure, but a serious economic frontier capable of lifting Africa from the drain of dependency to shared prosperity.

Akamadu said that most African countries failed to appreciate tourism as a viable tool for economic diversification and growth.

“It is regrettable that in spite of Africa’s rich natural and cultural heritage, the continent contributes less than 3 per cent to global trade.

“That is the reason why we have put in place plans to organise ‘The Africa Tourism and Creative Economy Expo (AFTCREE) 2025’ to showcase the rich heritage and resources in Africa.

“The Expo aims to complement public sector initiatives and push for the mainstreaming of culture and tourism into African economies,” Akamadu said.

Akamadu explained that the Expo would be hosted in Nigeria by Africultour Limited with the support from the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy.

“It is expected to attract policymakers, investors, cultural stakeholders, and creative professionals from across the continent and beyond.

“It will launch “Agenda 2030,” which aspires to increase Africa’s share of global trade to 10 per cent by the year 2030, and global tourism revenue to 20 per cent up from the current five  per cent,“he said.

Akamadu, a property lawyer and author of Harnessing Culture for Economic Growth, explained that the event would also advocate for higher budgetary allocations to the tourism and creative sectors.

He said that the expo would encourage peer review among African nations and highlight investment opportunities to attract local and foreign capital.

Akamadu cited Africa’s rich but underutilised tourist sites from Nigeria’s Osun Sacred Grove to Egypt’s Pyramids of Giza and Kenya’s Masai Mara as sleeping economic giants.

“It is painful that a continent so blessed remains the poorest on the planet,” he said.

The expert, who stated that the 1988 National Cultural Policy was outdated, called for its review, as well as a review of the 2005 Tourism Development Master Plan.

He expressed optimism that change may be underway with the Federal Government’s ongoing review of the cultural policy under Hannatu Musawa, Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy.

Akamadu urged Nigeria and other African countries to take a cue from global leaders like the UAE, Mauritius, and South Africa, and invest in culture and tourism.

He said the country should adopt policy consistency to unlock tourism’s potential as a major foreign exchange earner.

“If anything is more local than politics, it is tourism. The local economy benefits the most from tour guides to street vendors.

“We cannot keep living amid abundance yet continue to be hungry. AFTCREE 2025 is about reclaiming our wealth, culturally and economically, “he added.

NAN / Foluke Ibitomi

Gates Foundation Pledges $2.5 Billion for Women’s Health

Manomsi Mallum
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Gates Foundation Pledges $2.5 Billion for Women’s Health

The Gates Foundation has pledged $2.5 billion to accelerate research and development (R&D) focused exclusively on women’s health, with investments planned through 2030 to drive innovation in maternal, menstrual, gynaecological, and sexual health for women globally.

In a statement released on Monday, the foundation announced that the funding will support over 40 innovations in five critically underfunded areas, particularly those impacting women in low- and middle-income countries.

Citing a 2021 McKinsey & Company report, the foundation noted that only one percent of healthcare research and innovation is dedicated to female-specific conditions beyond oncology.

Conditions such as preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, heavy menstrual bleeding, endometriosis, and menopause, which affect hundreds of millions of women, remain severely under-researched.

Dr Anita Zaidi, President of the Gates Foundation’s Gender Equality Division, stated, “For too long, women have suffered from health conditions that are misunderstood, misdiagnosed, or ignored.

‘We want this investment to spark a new era of women-centred innovation—one where women’s lives, bodies, and voices are prioritised in health R&D.

“This is the largest investment we’ve ever made in women’s health research and development, but it still falls far short of what is needed in a neglected and underfunded area of huge human need and opportunity.

“Women’s health is not just a philanthropic cause—it’s an investable opportunity with immense potential for scientific breakthroughs that could help millions of women. What’s needed is the will to pursue and follow through.”

Read Also: Kogi Health Ministry Celebrates Breastfeeding Awareness Week

Bill Gates, Chair of the Gates Foundation, added, “Investing in women’s health has a lasting impact across generations.

“It leads to healthier families, stronger economies, and a more just world. Yet women’s health continues to be ignored, underfunded, and sidelined.

“Too many women still die from preventable causes or live in poor health. That must change. But we can’t do it alone.”

The foundation called on governments, philanthropists, investors, and the private sector to co-invest in women’s health innovations and ensure access to treatments for women and girls in need.

The five priority areas were selected based on data, evidence, and insights from women in low- and middle-income countries, reflecting high rates of misdiagnosis due to gaps in medical knowledge and the unique challenges of low-resource settings.

Prof. Bosede Afolabi, Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the College of Medicine, University of Lagos, remarked, “We see the consequences of underinvestment in women’s health innovation every day when women suffer needlessly, and sometimes lose their lives, because of the gaps in how we understand and treat conditions that uniquely affect them.

“This commitment brings much-needed attention to the health challenges women face in places where resources are most limited and the burden is highest. It reflects a recognition that women’s lives—and the innovations that support them—must be prioritised everywhere.”

The investment aims to address longstanding gaps in women’s health, unlocking broader social and economic benefits.

Research indicates that every $1 invested in women’s health yields $3 in economic growth, with closing the gender health gap potentially boosting the global economy by $1 trillion annually by 2040.

The R&D commitment complements the foundation’s efforts to scale up and deliver women’s health commodities, vaccines such as the HPV vaccine, and child health initiatives.

NGO Champions Political Inclusion for Disabled Women

Manomsi Mallum
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NGO Champions Political Inclusion for Disabled Women

The Cedar Seed Foundation, a non-governmental organisation based in Abuja, has launched a nationwide civic campaign to champion the full political inclusion of women and girls with disabilities in Nigeria.

At a press conference on Monday, the organisation introduced its “Vote for Her” initiative, designed to promote the political participation of women with disabilities.

The campaign aims to dismantle longstanding structural and institutional barriers that have hindered their involvement as voters, candidates, appointees, and decision-makers, despite existing laws guaranteeing their political rights.

Ms Rose Daniel, Deputy Executive Director of the foundation, explained that the initiative, supported by Luminata, seeks to advance disability rights, gender equity, and inclusive governance across Nigeria.

“For too long, women and girls with disabilities have been excluded from the systems that shape our nation’s future. They face multiple layers of discrimination, not only because they are women and persons with disabilities, but also because political structures remain largely inaccessible, both physically and institutionally,” she said.

Read Also: Kwara Governor Urges Mental Health Support for Security Personnel

Daniel emphasised that the campaign aims to shift the narrative from exclusion to meaningful political participation.

Mrs Catherine Akor, Chief Operating Officer, called for the immediate implementation of the five per cent quota for persons with disabilities, as stipulated by the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018.

“This campaign is not just a hashtag; it is a national and international call to action. We must challenge political systems that silence women and girls with disabilities and demand spaces for their leadership, visibility, and voice,” she stated.

Akor outlined that the campaign will feature a 15-day programme, including nationwide social media advocacy, storytelling sessions showcasing the experiences and leadership potential of women and girls with disabilities, and engagements with political party leaders, electoral bodies, civil society organisations, and media outlets to foster inclusive dialogue and push for reforms.

The foundation urged political parties to revise their constitutions and manifestos to reflect the rights and needs of women with disabilities, stating, “Inclusive governance is not a luxury; it is a necessity. The ‘Vote for Her’ campaign is a declaration that women and girls with disabilities deserve equal access to political opportunities and leadership roles.”

Ms Janet Alabede, Public Relations Officer of the Women with Disability Inter-Party Forum, stressed the need for political parties to ensure inclusive and accessible platforms, as recommended by the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC).

She also called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other electoral stakeholders to ensure full accessibility throughout the voting process, from registration to polling stations.

The Cedar Seed Foundation is dedicated to promoting the rights and inclusion of persons with disabilities in Nigeria through advocacy, capacity building, and awareness campaigns aimed at their full integration into society.

Cameroon: Legal Battles Intensify Ahead of Presidential Election

Hauwa Mustapha
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Cameroon: Legal Battles Intensify Ahead of Presidential Election

With Cameroon’s presidential election scheduled for October 12, the pre-election atmosphere has turned tense, as the Constitutional Council deliberates on 35 appeals filed by candidates rejected by the electoral commission, Elections Cameroon (ELECAM).

On Monday, August 4, the country’s top court became the scene of political and legal drama, with lawyers and representatives of disqualified candidates confronting a heavily secured city under tight gendarmerie lockdown.

One of the first high-profile cases heard was that of Léon Theiller Onana, a member of the ruling CPDM party, who filed a bold appeal against none other than Paul Biya, the long-time incumbent president and CPDM’s official candidate.

Theiller Onana contested Biya’s eligibility, arguing that his nomination by CPDM structures was invalid.

According to him, the party bodies that endorsed Biya were no longer legitimately constituted, rendering both his candidacy and political mandate questionable.

lawyer: “Candidate Paul Biya was nominated by CPDM bodies that are no longer legitimate. That’s the claim. He also argues that President Paul Biya is ineligible because he simultaneously holds the public office of President of the Republic and the internal position of National President of the CPDM.”

Despite the audacity of the challenge, the Constitutional Council dismissed Onana’s case without deliberation, reinforcing the view that Biya’s path to candidacy remains unshaken.

However, all eyes remain fixed on the unfolding legal battle involving Maurice Kamto, leader of the Cameroon Renaissance Movement (CRM) and widely viewed as the main opposition figure.

Kamto’s party, with the support of Manidem (Mouvement africain pour la nouvelle indépendance et la démocratie), is appealing ELECAM’s decision to exclude him from the race.

Dubbed by some media as the “last chance showdown,” Monday’s session may determine not only Kamto’s fate but the broader credibility of Cameroon’s electoral process.

The stakes are high, and the nation watches closely as the Constitutional Council continues its review.

Whether this process reinforces public trust or deepens political fractures may depend on the council’s decisions in the coming days.

Africanews/Hauwa M.

Ivorian Opposition Party Denounces Arrest of six Militants

Hauwa Mustapha
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Ivorian Opposition Party Denounces Arrest of six Militants

Six militants of the African People’s Party Ivory Coast (PPA-CI), some senior party members, were arrested over the weekend, an event that has been fiercely denounced by the opposition party, led by ex-president Laurent Gbagbo.

These arrests come in the wake of violence in the Yopougon area in the night of 1st August: a bus belonging to the Abidjan Transport Company was set on fire, a police vehicle was damaged, and its occupants were assaulted by unidentified individuals.

The current location of the arrested militants is unknown.

The government has maintained that no arrest in Ivory Coast is made arbitrarily.

Tiédé Gervais, Secretary General and Deputy Spokesperson of the PPA-CI, linked the arrests to the candidacy by Laurent Gbagbo for the upcoming presidential election in October of this year: “The six individuals who were arrested are comrades senior party officials and other activists from Yopougon who were very active in collecting sponsorships for President Laurent Gbagbo’s candidacy in the 2025 presidential election. That’s what links them all. The trap is so obvious, stitched with red thread, that even a two-year-old or three-year-old could quickly see it’s a setup.”

While current president Alassane Ouattara just declared that his bid for the presidency in the elections a move that would see him take on a fourth mandate if elected opposition candidates have faced numerous challenges in recent months.

In June, four major opposition candidates, including Gbagbo, were bared from the electrol lists published by the electoral commission.

Tiédé Gervais said: “Mr. Ouattara picks the candidates he wants to face and sets up a sham election to carry out yet another electoral coup just like he did in 2020 and in 2010 to stay in power by violating every rule of the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire, starting with the Constitution.”

Many opposition candidates have also repeatedly barred from electoral lists published ahead of the vote, to no avail for now.

Africanews/Hauwa M.

Sudanese City Faces Worse Humanitarian Crises

Hauwa Mustapha
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Sudanese City Faces Worse Humanitarian Crises

The worsening humanitarian crisis in Sudan’s besieged city of Al Fasher has forced thousands, including children, to eat animal feed to survive.

The North Darfur capital, the largest remaining frontline in fighting between Sudan’s army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), has been under siege for over a year.

Due to a lack of fuel, volunteers have had to rely on donkeys to deliver what little aid they can acquire.

“We are hungry. Our children are naked. We have nothing to eat but animal feed. There is no water, we have nothing,” said displaced mother, Fatma Yaqoub.

One advocacy group says that even the animal feed or ambaz, which is made out of peanut shells, is starting to run out.

As the RSF tries to take the city, which would give it control over most of Darfur, they have been blocking food supplies and attacking aid convoys headed there.

Mathilde Simon, project coordinator at Doctors Without Borders, says a United Nations convoy of 15 trucks was attacked when trying to reach Al Fasher in June.

“There were five people, five aid workers that were killed, at this moment. And since then, no more convoy has been able to reach the city,” she said.

As Al Fasher comes under constant artillery and drone attacks by the paramilitary group, markets lie almost deserted and what little food can be found is unaffordable.

Meanwhile, people are dying daily as the humanitarian crisis deepens.

Sudan was plunged into war in April 2023 when simmering tensions between the Sudanese army and its rival, the RSF, escalated to full-scale war in the capital Khartoum.

The fighting spread across the country, resulting in the death of over 20,000 people, displacing nearly 13 million others, and pushing many to the brink of famine.

 

Africanews/Hauwa M.

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