![Gridless, a bitcoin mining company in East Africa, helping to bring new energy generation to rural communities, announced today that it secured a $2 million seed investment round. Venture capital investor Stillmark and Block, co-founded by Jack Dorsey, led the round, in addition to an angel round led by Factor[e]. The investment will support the company’s further expansion of bitcoin mines across African markets.](https://innovationwatch.africa/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Bitcoin.webp)
Bitcoin plunges nearly 10% from its 2026 high to $87,790, wiping out January gains as macroeconomic fears, leverage liquidations, and market volatility push crypto sentiment into extreme fear.
Smartphone Users Worldwide Spent 5.3 Trillion Hours on Apps and Websites in 2025 — Report
Global mobile users logged 5.3 trillion hours on apps and websites in 2025, fueled by social media growth and surging AI usage, according to Sensor Tower’s State of Mobile 2026 report.
MTN Nigeria Suffers 9,218 Fibre Cut Incidents, 211 Vandalism Cases in 2025
MTN Nigeria recorded over 9,000 fibre cuts and 211 vandalised sites in 2025, impacting network quality even as the telco returned to profitability and dividends.
FCCPC Launches Enforcement Action Against Digital Lenders Over 2025 Compliance Breach
The FCCPC has begun regulatory enforcement against digital money lenders that failed to comply with Nigeria’s 2025 Digital Lending Rules, advising consumers to avoid unregistered platforms.
Unity Bank Unifi 2.3 Update Brings Enhanced Security and Faster Mobile Payments
Unity Bank’s Unifi mobile banking app is updated to version 2.3, offering stronger security, improved QR payments, and smoother bill payment and money transfer features for Android and iOS users.
Nigeria Tops Global AI Adoption With 88% of Adults Using Chatbots — Google Report
Google and Ipsos reveal that 88% of Nigerian adults use AI chatbots for learning, work, and entrepreneurship, placing the country ahead of the global average and highlighting its digital innovation.
FG Unveils 3MTT National Impact Challenge, Targeting 1.8 Million Nigerians
Nigeria’s Federal Government has introduced the 3MTT National Impact Challenge to showcase real outcomes from its digital skills programme, impacting over 1.8 million Nigerians nationwide.
MTN and Airtel Resume Mobile Money Services in Uganda After Week-Long Shutdown
MTN and Airtel have reinstated mobile money services in Uganda following a seven-day shutdown linked to election-related internet restrictions, while social media remains blocked.
NCC Approves Six New ISPs as Nigeria’s Broadband Market Grows More Competitive
Nigeria’s telecoms regulator has licensed six additional Internet Service Providers, increasing the total to 231 as competition deepens from mobile networks and satellite broadband.
Gates Foundation and OpenAI Unveil $50m AI Initiative for African Healthcare
The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and OpenAI have launched Horizon1000, a $50 million AI-driven program to strengthen primary healthcare systems in Africa, beginning in Rwanda.