From Big Tech’s spending shock to Africa’s mineral boom, the pillars of the next global economy are being forged
By Jabulani Simplisio Chibaya
The $200 Billion Gamble
HARARE – AMAZON and Google have officially entered a hyper-investment phase, with Google crossing a historic $400 billion revenue milestone while Amazon prepares a staggering $200 billion capital expenditure plan for 2026. Despite beating earnings expectations, Amazon’s shares took a hit as investors balked at the sheer cost of this AI “spending spree.”
What it means: The “Big Tech” narrative has shifted from pure growth to a high-stakes infrastructure war. Markets are currently punishing the massive costs of building AI data centers, signaling that the honeymoon phase of “AI potential” is over—investors now demand to see the hardware translate into immediate, scalable profit.
Bitcoin’s Stress Test:
Deleveraging or Discount?
Bitcoin has retreated to levels not seen since the “Trump-win” rally, trading near $64,892 after a brief, sharp dip below $61,000. With over $1 billion in liquidations and a reversal in US spot-ETF inflows (totaling $2 billion in outflows this month), the crypto market is undergoing a painful but necessary cleansing of over-leveraged bets.
What it means: This deleveraging event is effectively a “hard reset” for the current cycle. While the volatility is jarring, it removes “weak hands” from the market, potentially creating a foundational support level for a more sustainable rally later this year.
Geopolitics & Regulation:
Nuclear Talks and Digital Safety
The US and Iran are returning to the negotiating table in Oman to discuss nuclear limits amid heightening regional tensions, while the UK has taken a firm stance on digital ethics by officially banning sexual deepfakes.
What it means: The US-Iran talks represent a critical “pressure release valve” for global energy markets, as any de-escalation reduces the “war premium” on oil. Meanwhile, the UK’s deepfake ban sets a global legal precedent that tech platforms can no longer ignore the societal harms of generative AI.
Central Bank Watch:
The UK’s Narrow Hold
The Bank of England has opted to keep interest rates steady at 3.75% (contrary to some 3.5% forecasts) following a razor-thin 5-4 vote. The committee is split, with nearly half the members pushing for a cut as inflation stabilizes near the 2% target.
What it means: The UK is in a “wait and see” crouch. The split vote suggests that while a cut didn’t happen this month, the door is wide open for a reduction in the next quarter, providing a glimmer of hope for mortgage holders and corporate borrowers.
The African Resource Boom:
Gold and Critical Minerals
Burkina Faso has reported a record 94 tonnes of gold production, while Zimbabwe is hunting for partners to develop a $500 million mine.
Simultaneously, the US Embassy in Harare has signaled a strategic willingness to collaborate on Zimbabwe’s critical mineral reserves (lithium and platinum).
What it means: Africa is repositioning itself as the “engine room” of the global energy transition.
Zimbabwe’s pivot toward US partnership on minerals suggests a tactical shift in diplomacy, aiming to balance eastern and western investment to maximize the value of its “green” commodities.
Zimbabwe’s Billion-Dollar Listing: The Econet InfraCo IPO
Econet is set to list its infrastructure arm, InfraCo, on the Victoria Falls Stock Exchange (VFEX) in what could be a $1 billion IPO and US$ 0.50 exit offer, the largest in the country’s history.
What it means: This move is about “unlocking value.” By spinning off its passive infrastructure (towers and power), Econet is creating a specialized, dollar-indexed asset that is highly attractive to international institutional investors looking for a stable entry point into African telecoms.
Fintech’s Global Ambitions:
GoTyme and Nubank
Tyme Bank has rebranded to GoTyme Bank to align with its rapid Asian expansion, while Nubank CEO David Velez continues to push his $82 billion digital banking empire into new international territories.
What it means: The “anti-bank” movement is going global. These institutions are no longer just regional disruptors; they are becoming legitimate threats to traditional global banks by leveraging superior tech stacks and lower operating costs to capture the world’s unbanked and under-banked populations.
The Great Wealth Pivot: Equities Over Gold in India
In a rare moment of alignment, Asia’s richest man, Mukesh Ambani, and BlackRock CEO Larry Fink are urging Indian households to move their savings out of “unproductive” gold and into equities.
What it means: India is attempting a massive structural shift in its domestic capital. Moving even a fraction of India’s private gold hoards into the stock market would create an unprecedented surge in domestic liquidity, fueling the next decade of the country’s industrial and technological expansion.
Jabulani Simplisio Chibaya is a Data and AI Consultant specializing in data science, artificial intelligence, blockchain, and cryptocurrency innovation. A seasoned conference speaker, he also writes on the intersection of technology, regulation, and economic development. Contact: Cell: +263 778 921 881, Email: simplisiochibaya22@gmail.com, LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jabulani-simplisio-chibaya
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