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Sony Semiconductor Solutions will start mass-producing next-generation image sensors with TSMC in 2029, backed by a combined investment of ¥747 billion (about $4.7 billion). The venture targets advanced sensors for smartphones, autonomous driving, and AI applications.
SoftBank Group Corp. reported a 17.7% year-on-year decline in net profit for the April–June quarter, reaching 347.33 billion yen (about $2.2 billion), as the company intensified investments in AI, including a major stake in OpenAI. The Japanese conglomerate remains optimistic about long-term growth in the AI sector.
Foreign tech corporations are making massive investments in data centers and AI across Africa, raising questions about how much control continental governments have over digital infrastructure. The debate shifts from AI adoption to ownership and governance, as countries negotiate terms with global players. Africa's underrepresentation in data center capacity and energy challenges complicate efforts to secure digital sovereignty.
Japan's Nikkei 225 index surged nearly 3% on Wednesday to break through the 68,000-point mark for the first time, as the global AI boom continued to drive markets. Semiconductor stocks led the rally, with Tokyo Electron surging up to 14%. The record high extends a banner year for Japanese equities, which have gained nearly 33% since the start of 2026.
SoftBank Group reported net profit of 5 trillion yen ($37 billion) for fiscal 2025, more than quadrupling year on year. The record result was driven by a recovery in technology investments, especially AI and cloud computing, and Vision Fund portfolio companies. Analysts see it as a vindication of SoftBank’s long-term strategy.
