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Exploring The Potential Of A Tram System In Limassol

by News Editor

March 7, 2025

The coastal city of Limassol is actively considering the introduction of a tram system to tackle its persistent traffic problems. Scheduled on March 18, a pivotal conference aims to evaluate this public transport solution’s feasibility.

Learning From Marseille

Mayor Giannis Armeftis, during discussions with French Ambassador Clelia Chevrier Kolacko, highlighted plans to draw lessons from Limassol’s sister city, Marseille, and other French cities.

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A Catalyst For Urban Renewal

Experts in both technical and economic fields will be at the conference to discuss how a tram system might not just ease congestion but also trigger wider urban redevelopment. According to Armeftis, trams can enhance city life by linking to high-quality public spaces.

The Cost Of Overreliance On Cars

Currently, traffic is a significant concern since 90% of residents depend on private vehicles. The continued dependency is costly, both financially and in time wasted. It is essential for Limassol to explore sustainable alternatives to improve its urban environment.

This event is poised to shape Limassol’s future, aligning with larger trends in the transportation and storage sectors experiencing positive growth.

Microsoft Bets Big On South Africa With $297M AI And Cloud Investment

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

March 7, 2025

Microsoft is doubling down on its commitment to South Africa, pledging an additional 5.4 billion rand ($297 million) by 2027 to expand its cloud and AI infrastructure in the country.

The announcement, made by Vice Chairman Brad Smith in Johannesburg, comes ahead of a key South African investment conference and adds to the 20.4 billion rand Microsoft has already poured into Africa’s most industrialized economy.

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Driving Growth Through AI And Talent

Beyond boosting infrastructure, Microsoft is making a play for South Africa’s digital future. Over the next year, the tech giant will fund certification exams for 50,000 young people, equipping them with in-demand digital skills to fuel economic growth and innovation.

South Africa has struggled with sluggish economic expansion—averaging under 1% growth annually for more than a decade—and is actively courting private-sector investment to accelerate momentum.

Big Tech’s Race For Africa

Microsoft was an early mover in South Africa’s cloud computing race, launching data centers in Johannesburg and Cape Town long before Amazon and Google entered the market. The company is now ramping up capacity with a new facility in Centurion, Gauteng, while also spearheading a $1 billion geothermal-powered data center in Kenya.

President Cyril Ramaphosa welcomed the move, calling Microsoft’s investment a vote of confidence in South Africa’s economic potential. “This company really has an African heart,” he said, underscoring the country’s efforts to position itself as a prime destination for global tech investment.