🕶️ TikTok and the business shift

The European Commission is softening its 2035 electric vehicle mandate, delaying a full ban on gas-powered cars by allowing up to 10% of new sales to be hybrids if manufacturers buy carbon offsets. The move is meant to give traditional automakers more breathing room as they struggle to compete with Tesla and low-cost Chinese EVs, but it has sparked concern among EV startups and climate-focused investors who fear weaker policy signals will cost Europe long-term leadership in a critical industry.

While the EU is pairing the policy shift with new investments—such as a €1.8 billion “Battery Booster” to build a local battery supply chain—critics say the mixed messaging could slow electrification, discourage infrastructure investment, and raise consumer costs. With industry voices split and uncertainty over whether the U.K. will follow suit, the debate underscores a larger tension: balancing short-term industrial protection with the need for clear, ambitious climate policies to stay competitive in the global EV race.

In this video, we dive deep into the Forbes 30 Under 30 list to uncover the truth behind its prestigious reputation. While it’s often seen as a symbol of success, the reality might not be as glamorous as it seems. With over 7,800 names featured since its inception, the list has its fair share of individuals who haven't lived up to the hype—some even landing in legal trouble. We’ve spent weeks compiling data and gathering opinions from the internet to expose the cracks in what many believe to be a badge of honor. Join us as we reveal the real story behind this so-called elite group.

Governments, especially in parts of Africa, are adopting more competitive, market-aware strategies—competing for capital, marketing their strengths, and lowering barriers to entry. Citizenship-by-investment programs in countries like Botswana and Egypt aren’t about luxury passports; they’re signals of deeper economic shifts. Faced with declining revenues or currency pressure, these states are experimenting with faster reforms, clearer rules, and more investor-friendly policies to attract liquidity and global interest.

For entrepreneurs and investors, the real opportunity isn’t the passport itself but what it reveals. These programs often come alongside streamlined incorporation, better visas, digitized bureaucracy, and clearer tax and regulatory frameworks. They also signal governance quality and execution risk. As African nations position themselves under AfCFTA—as logistics hubs, financial centers, or manufacturing bases—early movers stand to benefit most when governments start behaving like market players and lower barriers for participation while pursuing their own development priorities.