Innovation Village Newsletter
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📱Nigeria Shuts Down 13M+ Social Media Accounts

📱Nigeria Shuts Down 13M+ Social Media Accounts

Plus: 🤖 Google Rolls Out AI Search in Africa

Innovation Village
August 22, 2025

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Today’s Menu ☕️

📱Nigerian Government Shuts Down Over 13 Million Social Media Accounts for Violations
🤖 Google Debuts AI Mode in Search for Nigeria, Kenya, and South Africa
📱Here’s everything announced at the Google Pixel Event 2025
📲 Instagram now lets creators link multiple reels in a series
💰Uncovered Fund and Monex Ventures launch $20M fund to back early-stage startups in Africa and MENA
🌐 Prosus plans major $2B asset sell-off

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📱SOCIAL MEDIA

Nigerian Government Shuts Down Over 13 Million Social Media Accounts for Violations

The Federal Government has closed 13.6 million social media accounts for violating the Code of Practice for Interactive Computer Service Platforms, according to the 2024 Compliance Report by the NCC, NITDA, and NBC. The crackdown targeted platforms like TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter), where over 58 million offensive posts were removed during the review period.

While regulators emphasize that these measures are aimed at curbing abuse, disinformation, and harmful content online, the move has sparked debate about striking a balance between safety and free expression. Critics argue that excessive restrictions could undermine digital rights and slow economic growth in Nigeria’s tech sector..…continue reading

🤖 ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

Google Debuts AI Mode in Search for Nigeria, Kenya, and South Africa

Google has officially launched AI Mode in Search for users in Nigeria, Kenya, and South Africa, introducing a more intuitive way to explore information online. Available as a new tab in Search and in the Google app, AI Mode is powered by Google’s Gemini 2.5 model and designed to handle complex, multi-part queries with advanced reasoning and contextual understanding.

The feature supports text, voice, and image inputs, enabling richer and more personalized results. It also suggests follow-up questions, highlights high-quality web links, and surfaces related content to encourage deeper exploration. Google says the goal is to make Search faster, more helpful, and more engaging for users in the region.

With future updates set to add more visuals, richer formatting, and new content discovery tools, AI Mode marks a significant shift in how Africans interact with Google Search.…continue reading

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📱TECHNOLOGY

Here’s everything announced at the Google Pixel Event 2025

Google has unveiled the Pixel 10 lineup at its Made by Google 2025 event, introducing the Pixel 10 and 10 Pro with the new Tensor G5 chip, improved cameras, and deeper integration of its Gemini AI assistant. The Pixel 10 Pro Fold also received major upgrades, including a larger display, slimmer bezels, and IP68 durability.

Beyond phones, Google launched the Pixel Watch 4 with longer battery life, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 with gesture controls, and new ecosystem tools like the Fitbit AI Health Coach and Pixel Journal app. With these announcements, Google is doubling down on its vision of proactive, conversational AI across devices—just weeks before Apple’s September showcase......continue reading

📲SOCIAL MEDIA

Instagram now lets creators link multiple reels in a series

Instagram has introduced a subtle but powerful update that allows creators to link multiple Reels into a series, transforming fragmented uploads into seamless storylines. With a new “Next” button, viewers can easily move from one part of a video to the next, eliminating the need for clunky prompts like “check back for part 2.” While TikTok has long offered similar functionality, this shift signals Instagram’s growing focus on narrative-driven content and audience retention.

For creators, the feature opens opportunities for tutorials, serialized storytelling, and product reveals that flow like episodes, while viewers benefit from a clearer, more engaging experience. Though limited to Reels for now, “Linked Reels” represents Instagram’s push to keep attention within the app and build a framework for sustained storytelling rather than fleeting viral moments....…continue reading

💰FUNDING

Uncovered Fund and Monex Ventures launch $20M fund to back early-stage startups in Africa and MENA

Japan is deepening its stake in Africa’s tech future with the launch of the Uncovered Monex Africa Investment Partnership, a new ¥3 billion ($20 million) fund created by venture capital firm Uncovered Fund and corporate investor Monex Ventures. The fund will back early-stage startups across Africa and MENA, focusing on four high-impact sectors—finance, distribution, mobility, and sustainability.

Despite a global slowdown in venture capital, the fund is betting on Africa’s long-term growth, with its booming population and rapidly expanding mobile internet base. Beyond capital, it aims to act as a bridge between African startups and Japanese corporations looking for growth beyond their domestic market. From fintech and logistics to EV adoption and agritech, the fund’s thesis is built on solving Africa’s infrastructure challenges while creating pathways for Japanese expertise and innovation.

Positioned at the crossroads of growth and global collaboration, the partnership reflects a strategic shift: Africa is no longer just an emerging market—it’s a future engine of global innovation.....…continue reading