Front of mind on Qonversations

A familiar face on a video call. A trusted voice giving instructions. A social media post quoting a senior executive. Increasingly, these may not be real at all. Thanks to artificial intelligence, deepfakes, convincing but fabricated videos, images and audio, are spreading fast, and their consequences are serious. Dr Áine MacDermott, Senior Lecturer in Cyber Security and Digital Forensics at Liverpool John Moores University, warns that organisations and governments must act now.

On August 7, 2025, Congress Leader Rahul Gandhi launched a scathing attack on the Election Commission of India (ECI), accusing it of enabling “vote theft” during the 2024 general elections. He pointed to alleged irregularities in voter rolls in Karnataka’s Mahadevapura constituency, citing thousands of duplicate entries, invalid addresses, bulk registrations, and faulty photographs. Gandhi labelled the claims as the result of six months of research by his team and demanded transparency, including access to digital voter lists and CCTV footage.

In Dakar, a young self-taught engineer is changing the perspective of plastic waste. Francois Mbengue has developed a device that converts discarded plastic bottles into filament for 3D printers to produce o produce rulers, plant pots and hospital equipment.

At the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University in Bauchi, Muhammad Habib Husaini is quietly working on something with the power to change lives. The computer and communications engineering student has designed the NHED Smart Glove, an artificial intelligence–powered device that turns sign language into spoken words. The project began with a personal motivation. "The inspiration behind the NHED Smart Glove is actually my immediate younger sister. My immediate younger sister is born with the ability of not being able to talk," Husaini explained.

In a world where six-pack abs are flaunted more than six-point health plans, who are we really trusting with our well-being? Consultant Aesthetic and Plastic Surgeon, Dr Ali Ghanem, cuts through the noise in a candid conversation with Qonversations — unpacking the layered relationship between health, social media, influence, and longevity. Dr Ghanem, in an interview with Ismail Akwei, begins with a stark reminder: “Health is life.” He challenges the outdated definition of health as merely the absence of disease and instead argues for a reimagined standard — optimal functioning across body and mind. You may be disease-free, but if your cognitive function, mobility, or digestion isn’t thriving, you’re missing the very essence of life.

In the era of social media, post-COVID, and with mental health at the forefront, a shift is taking place in how people perceive well-being. As a new approach that looks beyond traditional medicine gains popularity, one voice stands out: Natalie Lefevre, a longevity expert whose journey from personal health struggles to keynote speaker and influencer has inspired many. “I believe we’re in a major paradigm shift,” Natalie explains. According to the health optimisation expert, who was misdiagnosed 18 years ago, conventional systems often fail to address the root causes of illness. Instead, she advocates for a proactive, investigative approach to health—one that emphasizes prevention, self-awareness, and personal responsibility.

With its fast speeds and revolutionary potential, 5G stands out as a noteworthy milestone in the field of technical growth.

However, in terms of implementing this technology, Africa remains far behind other regions. In 2021, the adoption rate of 5G in sub-Saharan Africa and Northern Africa was only 1%.

Today, I am thrilled to take you on a journey through a fascinating conversation I had with Claire Thomas, a guru in mental fitness and mindfulness coaching. Our discussion delved into the realms of empowering women, celebrating femininity, and discovering serenity in a whirlwind world.

Claire and I delved into the world of women’s empowerment and her work in guiding women across various corporate domains to amplify their strengths. We unearthed the societal pressures on women to adopt more masculine traits in their professional spheres, while men are encouraged to embrace their softer side. Claire stressed the significance of allowing women to embrace their feminine energy and achieve harmony in their lives.

Presidential elections in Africa have gone through many cycles since the 1950s when Ghana became the first country south of the Sahara Desert to gain independence from the British colony.

It is rare to see anyone below the age of 40 contesting for president in Africa due to laws that bar younger people and the lack of resources that could aid such ambitions.

Against the backdrop of the Caribbean, Trinidad and Tobago’s Fine Cocoa Company is setting sail into the waters of China’s booming luxury market. Ashley Parasram, the founder of the fine-flavoured cocoa company behind the venture with China, delves into the “very exciting possibilities,” of a partnership that transcends boundaries in The Qonversation.

Parasram speaks of the allure of the Chinese market, the prospect of reaching a population of 100 million in Shanghai alone is tantalizing. The consistent and burgeoning demand from China can offset any challenges incurred by more volatile markets, such as the traditional consumer markets of the EU and US. “That consistency of market is a key component to leveraging the support you need”, Parasram explains.