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  • Africa's Tech Ecosystem Digest | Issue #5 | May 7, 2025

Africa's Tech Ecosystem Digest | Issue #5 | May 7, 2025

This Week: Meta Might Pull the Plug on Nigeria, Airtel x SpaceX Join Forces, Plus New Funding & Events to Watch

Author

Thalo Group
May 07, 2025

Hi Thalo Fam, đź‘‹

Welcome back to Thalo, your shortcut to all things happening in Africa’s tech scene. If you’re new here, big welcome! You’ve just tapped into a growing tribe of innovators, creatives, and problem-solvers who stay curious and plugged in.

Last week, Meta and Paystack made headlines, and Lendsqr sparked serious AI ethics convos. This week, we’re unpacking Meta’s latest standoff with Nigerian regulators (again), Airtel’s bold satellite play with SpaceX, and a fresh batch of opportunities for builders and funders across the continent.

Let’s get into it.

In Today’s Edition

• Meta threatens to shut down Facebook and Instagram in Nigeria
• Airtel partners SpaceX to bring Starlink to Africa
• New funding opportunities you should check out
• Events happening this week that you won’t want to miss

This edition is sponsored by;

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🌍 Meta Might Pull the Plug on Nigeria

Meta is in another heated clash with Nigerian regulators and this time, they’re going nuclear. After being slammed with a ₦220 million fine over alleged advertising malpractice, Meta is now threatening to shut down Facebook and Instagram in the country.

According to reports, the Nigerian court ruled in favor of a local firm that accused Meta of unfair advertising practices. Meta isn’t taking this lightly and is appealing the decision, citing due process violations.

If Meta follows through, millions of users and thousands of digital businesses could suffer. The bigger picture? This move could redefine how global tech giants operate in Africa under increasing scrutiny.

In a major move to expand internet access, Airtel Africa is partnering with SpaceX to deliver Starlink satellite internet across the continent.

This collaboration aims to connect hard-to-reach areas with high-speed, low-latency internet bridging the digital divide in schools, hospitals, and remote communities. It’s a strong play in the connectivity wars, and a big win for digital inclusion.

Check out what this Tech Influencer had to say here

đź’° FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES

Idea Hatch (iHatch) Cohort 4

iHatch is a 3-month free intensive incubation program designed to help Nigerian entrepreneurs refine their business ideas through a series of coaching, lectures, and boot camps, to generate viable and scalable business models.

AfDB Pan-African Fellowship for Emerging Fund Managers 2025

This 8-month fellowship is designed to support emerging African fund managers who are actively investing across the continent and seeking to scale their impact.

Swiss Re Foundation/Bridge for Billions Changemakers Africa Program 2025

A 5-month hands-on incubation program designed to help you refine your business model, receive expert mentorship, and connect with a global network of changemakers.

đź“… UPCOMING EVENTS

Coal to Code

Join 5,000+ others in Enugu, NG for a full week of inspiring keynotes and new connections at the Enugu Tech Festival.

Build Afrika: Code, Collaborate and Scale!

​This isn't just another tech event. It's a day to find your people, sharpen your skills, and discover opportunities that could change your career trajectory.

Make New Marketing Friends!

​A laid-back networking event for creatives, marketers, and brand storytellers.

🤝 JOIN OUR COMMUNITY

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That's a wrap for this issue! We're just getting started, and we've got tons of exciting stuff planned. See you next week!

Cheers,

The Thalo Team