Sponsored posts

Last week, Microsoft announced it had surpassed its goal of expanding internet access to 250 million people worldwide, reaching more than 299 million, including over 124 million across Africa. The milestone underscores how connectivity is becoming a foundation for economic participation and geopolitical competitiveness in the AI era. Microsoft is evolving its approach to digital access to focus not only on coverage, but on adoption, enablement, and long-term participation in the AI economy, including a new collaboration with Starlink aimed at reaching rural and hard‑to‑reach communities. Read the blog to learn more.

Small business hiring surged 7% above the 2024 average in December, led by a surprise rally in retail. But with uncertainty still historically high and mounting concerns over tariffs, can this momentum survive 2026? Explore the data behind the resilience of the US small business sector. Get the latest economic insights from Bank of America Institute.

At the Munich Security Conference, a group of global technology providers, including Microsoft, announced the Trusted Tech Alliance — committed to shared, verifiable principles for trusted, transparent, and resilient technology across borders. At a moment of economic volatility and zero-sum technological competition, countries and customers are demanding greater accountability from technology providers. The Alliance addresses this by bringing together companies from across Africa, Asia, Europe, and North America around shared commitments: transparent governance, secure development practices, supply chain oversight, open digital ecosystem, and respect for the rule of law—ensuring the benefits of emerging technologies strengthen public trust while driving job creation and economic growth. Learn about the Trusted Tech Alliance here.

Cybercrime is no longer just an IT issue – it’s an economic one. New research from the Mastercard Economics Institute shows how digital attacks can disrupt supply chains, shift consumer behavior, and ripple through GDP. After ransomware attacks on Asahi Group and Colonial Pipeline, anonymized spending data revealed stockpiling, shortages, and sustained shifts in purchasing patterns. As threats grow more sophisticated, strengthening cyber resilience and public-private collaboration will be critical to economic stability. Read the full analysis here.

With the US leading production and China driving new reactor development, Bank of America breaks down the who, what, where, when, and why behind nuclear’s return. Stay ahead of global energy trends with Bank of America Institute.

Last week, at the Munich Security Conference, a group of global technology providers, including Microsoft, announced the Trusted Tech Alliance — committed to shared, verifiable principles for trusted, transparent, and resilient technology across borders. At a moment of economic volatility and zero-sum technological competition, countries and customers are demanding greater accountability from technology providers. The Alliance addresses this by bringing together companies from across Africa, Asia, Europe, and North America around shared commitments: transparent governance, secure development practices, supply chain oversight, open digital ecosystem, and respect for the rule of law — ensuring the benefits of emerging technologies strengthen public trust while driving job creation and economic growth. Explore the Trusted Tech Alliance here.

On NFL game days, spending in stadium zip codes jumps by nearly 80%, led by food, drinks, parking, and lodging. Super Bowl host cities often see an additional lift — showing how a single event can deliver real, measurable gains for local businesses. Subscribe to Bank of America Institute to explore the game-day spending data.

Microsoft unveiled a new set of commitments guiding its community‑first approach to AI infrastructure development. The strategy focuses on energy affordability, water efficiency, job creation, local investment, and AI‑driven skilling. As demand for digital infrastructure accelerates, the company is pushing a new model for responsible datacenter growth — one built on sustainability, economic mobility, and long‑term partnership with the communities that host it. The move signals how AI infrastructure is reshaping local economies and what people expect from the tech shaping their future. Read the full blog here.