1. The “Views” Revolution

Instagram has officially standardized its metrics: “Views” is now the primary currency across all formats Reels, Stories, Photos, and Carousels. This change simplifies how you track success, but it also means the algorithm now cares more about retention (how long people watch) than just how many people saw a post in their feed.

2. DMs Are the New Feed

The most powerful signal for the algorithm in 2026 isn’t a “Like” it’s a Share via DM. Instagram’s leadership has noted that users now share more in private messages than they do on public grids. If your content gets sent to a friend, the AI views it as “highly valuable” and will boost its reach significantly.

3. The “Originality” Penalty

The era of the “aggregator” or meme-reposting account is largely over. Instagram’s 2026 algorithm aggressively identifies and suppresses recycled content. It now performs frame-by-frame AI analysis to ensure original creators are rewarded with reach, while those who simply “re-upload” TikToks with watermarks are penalized.

4. “Your Algorithm” Controls

Users now have much more transparency. A new feature called “Your Algorithm” (found in the Reels tab) allows you to see the topics the AI thinks you like and manually add or remove them to reshape your feed. It’s the first time Instagram has let users “peek under the hood” of their own recommendations.

5. Carousels Are Now “Mega-Posts”

Carousels have been upgraded to support up to 20 slides. They also have a unique “re-entry” benefit: if a follower scrolls past the first slide, Instagram will often show them the second slide the next time they open the app, effectively giving you two chances to capture their attention.

6. AI-Generated Content Labels

In the fight against misinformation, Instagram now automatically labels content it detects as AI-generated. Profiles that primarily post AI-generated imagery or video carry a permanent “AI-led profile” tag to maintain transparency for the 3 billion monthly active users.

7. SEO Over Hashtags

Hashtags are no longer the magic bullet they once were. In 2026, the recommendation is to use only 3–5 highly relevant hashtags. Instead, the focus has shifted to Social SEO using keywords naturally in your captions and Alt Text, which the AI “reads” to categorize your content.

8. The “Human Premium” Trend

As AI-generated “slop” floods the internet, there is a massive trend toward the “Human Premium.” Lo-fi, unpolished, “behind-the-scenes” content filmed on a phone consistently outperforms high-budget, polished productions. Authenticity is now a behavioral trait, not just an aesthetic.

9. Trial Reels

Instagram is testing “Trial Reels,” a feature that allows you to show a video to non-followers first to test its performance. If it does well with a fresh audience, the algorithm then pushes it to your actual followers. This flips the traditional “followers first” model on its head.

10. India is the Global Powerhouse

While the U.S. remains a key market, India is now the largest Instagram audience in the world by a massive margin (over 410 million users). This shift is heavily influencing global trends, music choices, and the types of features Instagram prioritizes for mobile-first, high-growth regions.

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Google has announced the opening of applications for the 10th cohort of the Google for Startups Accelerator Africa, a 12-week programme focused on artificial intelligence–driven innovation across the continent.

In a statement released on Thursday, the company said applications will remain open until March 18, 2026. The accelerator is a hybrid, AI-first programme designed for Series A startups that are either based in Africa or building Africa-focused solutions using artificial intelligence and machine learning.

According to Google, selected startups will gain access to its AI expertise and technical resources, receive mentorship from experienced AI professionals, and benefit from networking opportunities with peers and industry leaders across the global technology ecosystem. The programme aims to help participating startups strengthen their products, scale responsibly, and translate advanced research into real-world solutions.

Speaking on the launch of the new cohort, Folarin Aiyegbusi, Head of Startup Ecosystem Africa at Google, said the continent’s technology ecosystem is evolving toward more advanced innovation.

“Africa’s tech landscape is seeing a vibrant shift toward deep tech innovation,” Aiyegbusi said. “For Class 10, we are focusing on the potential of AI to drive health and societal benefits, providing the infrastructure and expertise to turn these startups into the research labs of the continent.”

Since its launch in 2018, the Google for Startups Accelerator Africa has supported more than 180 startups across 17 African countries. Google disclosed that participating startups have collectively raised over $350 million in funding and created more than 3,700 direct jobs, highlighting the programme’s role in strengthening Africa’s startup ecosystem and attracting investor interest.

The company noted that the focus for the 10th cohort reflects growing interest in applying AI to sectors such as healthcare, climate, agriculture, and other areas with broad societal impact.

Last year, six Nigerian startups were selected for cohort 9 of the accelerator. They were part of 15 AI-driven ventures chosen from across Africa. The cohort featured startups from Ghana, Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, and South Africa, all leveraging AI to address challenges in sectors including fintech, healthtech, logistics, and agritech.

The Nigerian startups selected were E-doc Online, a compliance and credit intelligence platform using real-time banking data to streamline onboarding and lending; GoNomad, which enables African businesses and freelancers to build global companies and receive international payments; and Midddleman, a sourcing and payments platform that simplifies imports from China for African businesses.

Others include Myltura, a digital health platform using AI to provide remote care, testing access, and integrated health data services; Pastel, which delivers enterprise-grade AI tools for financial institutions such as fraud detection and anti-money laundering solutions; and Scandium, an AI-powered quality assurance platform that helps software teams reduce bugs and speed up delivery.

From simplifying cross-border payments to improving access to healthcare and automating software quality checks, Nigeria’s strong representation in the accelerator reflects the country’s growing influence in Africa’s innovation and technology landscape.

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The organizers of SkillUpWeek NG have announced the opening of applications for the fourth edition of the Zero to Heroes Women in Tech Fellowship Program, a nationwide initiative designed to empower 5,000 women with essential digital and entrepreneurial skills.

The program, which begins on October 1, 2025, offers six months of intensive training—80 percent virtual and 20 percent physical—aimed at transforming participants from having little or no knowledge of technology into professionals ready for global opportunities.

According to the organizers, selected fellows will undergo practical training in six digital skills alongside six entrepreneurial modules to equip them with the expertise to manage and run successful businesses. The training structure includes one week of virtual in-class learning per month, six course modules, and a capstone project.

Participants are expected to have personal laptops for the virtual sessions, while partnering technology hubs across Nigeria’s 36 states will provide facilities and laptops for physical training. The program will culminate in a grand finale showcase, where outstanding fellows will present their projects to potential employers and investors, creating a pool of tech talent for recruitment.

Speaking on the initiative, organizers highlighted that the fellowship goes beyond training by providing pathways to employment, remote work, internships, and volunteering opportunities.

Key timelines for the fellowship include:

• Call for partners & volunteers: August 20–31, 2025
• Call for beneficiaries: September 1–27, 2025
• Selection & documentation: September 10–30, 2025
• Fellowship commencement: October 1, 2025

Women interested in applying can register at www.arewatechub.com.ng. Sponsorship opportunities are also open, with inquiries directed to sponsors@skillupweek.com.ng or via phone at 08084727641.

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According to the Meta-owned company, participants added to a scheduled WhatsApp group call will receive notifications when the call is about to start. The feature is being rolled out gradually to users worldwide, with end-to-end encryption applied to scheduled calls just as it is for existing WhatsApp conversations.

“We’re launching these updates to give users new ways to connect, whether for family catch-ups or professional meetings,” WhatsApp said in a press note announcing the feature.

The update marks a significant step for WhatsApp as it responds to long-standing user requests for scheduling options, bringing it closer in functionality to established video-conferencing platforms such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Google Meet.

Alongside scheduling, WhatsApp is also adding new interactive features to improve call experiences. Users will be able to raise their hands or react with emojis during calls, creating more structured and engaging conversations. The company has also introduced interface changes, allowing users to view upcoming scheduled calls directly in the Calls tab, along with a list of attendees and a shareable link for others to join.

In addition, WhatsApp will notify hosts when someone joins a scheduled call via a shared link, ensuring better call management. These enhancements are part of Meta’s broader strategy to position WhatsApp not only as a personal messaging app but also as a tool for professional and collaborative use.

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Google on Thursday opened applications for the 2025 Google for Startups Accelerator Africa Programme, a three-month initiative designed to support early-stage startups using Artificial Intelligence to address Africa’s most pressing challenges.

The Head of Startups Ecosystem, Africa, Google, Mr Folarin Aiyegbusi, said in a statement that across the continent, startups are demonstrating how local innovation could solve deeply-rooted problems.

Aiyegbusi said that AI’s potential to accelerate Africa’s development was real, and Google was investing in ensuring that African startups led that charge.

He said that, according to McKinsey, AI could add $1.3 trillion to Africa’s economy by 2030, but only if bold innovation was supported at the grassroots.

“Startups are Africa’s problem solvers, with the right resources, they can scale their impact far beyond local communities.

“This programme reflects our belief that AI can be transformative when shaped by those who understand the context deeply,’’ he said.

According to him, in West Africa, Crop2Cash – an agritech platform and alumni of the programme – is using AI to digitally onboard small holder farmers.

He said that Crop2Cash helped small holder farmers build their financial identities and provided them with access to credit, traceable payments, and productivity tools.

Aiyegbusi said that through these efforts, Crop2Cash was improving agricultural outcomes and unlocking economic opportunity for farmers who had long been excluded from formal systems.

He noted that Crop2Cash illustrated the kind of impact that was possible when African startups received the support they need to scale.

According to him, the Accelerator is open to Seed to Series A startups based in Africa that are building AI first solutions.

Aiyegbusi said that Startups must have a live product, at least one founder of African descent, and a clear vision for responsible AI innovation.

He said that selected participants would receive dedicated technical mentorship from Google and industry expert, and up to $350,000 in Google Cloud credits.

Other benefits, he said, included access to a global network of investors, partners, and collaborators and workshops focused on technology, product strategy, people leadership, and AI implementation.

According to Aiyegbusi, since 2018, the programme has supported 140 startups from 17 African countries.

Aiyegbusi said that these alumni had raised more than $300 million in funding and created over 3,000 jobs, adding that many are now regional and global leaders in their categories.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that applications for the 2025 cohort are now open for startups interested in participating to apply. (NAN)

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By Abbas Badmus,

The Federal Government has launched the DeepTech_Ready Upskilling Program, a new initiative aimed at equipping Nigerians with critical skills in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (AI).

The Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, announced the program on Thursday, describing it as a key part of the government’s 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) initiative.

“I am pleased to announce the launch of the DeepTech_Ready Upskilling programme — another important step on our journey to transform Nigeria into a leading hub for digital skills and development,” Tijani stated.

Who Can Apply?

According to the program’s website, the training is open to 3MTT fellows and individuals with at least basic to intermediate knowledge in relevant technical fields. The six-month training (per cohort) includes both self-paced and on-site learning, with online support.

The courses covered include:

Advanced Data Analysis & Visualization

Data Science/Machine Learning

Data Architecture

Geospatial Data Science

Computer Vision

Natural Language Processing (NLP)

Advanced Machine Learning Techniques

Interested applicants can apply via this link.

The DeepTech_Ready Upskilling Program marks another milestone in Nigeria’s push to become a global leader in AI and digital innovation. With Google’s support and Data Science Nigeria’s expertise, the initiative aims to create a highly skilled workforce capable of driving Nigeria’s digital transformation.

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The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has unveiled the IgniteHer Bootcamp, a groundbreaking program designed to support and empower women entrepreneurs in Nigeria.

Announced through NITDA’s official X handle, the initiative provides tailored training, essential resources, and access to global opportunities to foster innovation and drive growth among female-led businesses.

According to NITDA’s Director-General, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, the program aims to enhance participants’ skills, connect them with international networks, and prepare their startups for sustainable success.

One highlight of the bootcamp is the chance to win a trip to Japan, where participants can showcase their innovative solutions at an international startup event. This presents a unique opportunity to engage with global leaders, pitch transformative ideas, and unlock new growth avenues.

NITDA is encouraging all women entrepreneurs to apply and take advantage of this life-changing opportunity to elevate their businesses to the global stage. Applications are now open. Don’t miss this chance to ignite your entrepreneurial journey.

To enroll for the bootcamp, click here

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The Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) has announced the opening of applications for its highly anticipated 2025 Entrepreneurship Programmes, inviting aspiring and established entrepreneurs from across Africa to apply for transformative opportunities.

The programmes offer participants access to world-class training, expert mentoring, and non-refundable seed capital to grow and scale their businesses.

Programmes Available for Application

1. Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) Entrepreneurship Programme
The flagship initiative is open to entrepreneurs across Africa with innovative business ideas or businesses that are not older than five years. This year’s programme highlights businesses leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) and green initiatives. Applicants must be at least 18 years old.

2. IYBA-WE4A Entrepreneurship Programme

In collaboration with the European Union (EU) and Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), this programme focuses on empowering women entrepreneurs with green business ideas. It targets businesses in Senegal, Tanzania, Uganda, Cameroon, Kenya, Mozambique, Malawi, and Togo. Applicants must be 18 years or older, with businesses operating for no more than five years.

3. Aguka Ideation Programme

A partnership with UNDP Rwanda and the Rwandan Ministry of Youths and Arts, the Aguka Ideation Programme supports young Rwandan entrepreneurs aged 18 to 30. Selected participants receive $3,000 in seed capital to transform innovative ideas into sustainable enterprises.

Application Process and Key Details

Applications are to be submitted through TEFConnect, the Foundation’s proprietary digital platform. The application period runs from January 1, 2025, to March 1, 2025. Interested entrepreneurs are encouraged to apply early to secure their spot.

Eligibility:

Open to African entrepreneurs with scalable ideas or businesses not older than five years.

Applicants must be at least 18 years old.

About the Tony Elumelu Foundation

Founded in 2010, the Tony Elumelu Foundation is Africa’s leading philanthropic organisation dedicated to empowering entrepreneurs, fostering economic growth, and driving poverty reduction across the continent.

Since 2015, the TEF Entrepreneurship Programme has trained 2.5 million young Africans through its digital platform, TEFConnect, disbursing over $100 million in direct funding to more than 21,000 entrepreneurs. Collectively, these entrepreneurs have created over 800,000 jobs and generated $4.2 billion in revenue.

The Foundation’s mission is driven by the philosophy of Africapitalism, positioning the private sector and entrepreneurs at the forefront of Africa’s economic and social transformation.

For more information, contact moyo.awotile@tonyelumelufoundation.org.

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Beware: A New Netflix Scam

TECH DIGEST- Scammers are constantly devising new tactics to deceive unsuspecting victims. The latest ploy involves a sophisticated phishing attack targeting Netflix users.

Cybercriminals are sending fraudulent text messages claiming that users’ Netflix accounts are on the verge of suspension due to failed payment processing. These messages often contain a malicious link designed to lure victims into divulging their sensitive personal information, such as login credentials and credit card details.

To protect yourself from such cyberattacks, it is crucial to exercise caution and remain vigilant. Avoid clicking on suspicious links, especially those received via unsolicited text messages. If you receive a message purporting to be from Netflix, verify its authenticity by directly logging into your account through the official Netflix website or app.

By adopting these precautionary measures, individuals can significantly reduce their risk of falling victim to phishing attacks and safeguard their online security.

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Google has officially opened applications for its 2025 Building Opportunities for Leadership and Development (BOLD) Internship Program. This paid summer internship targets undergraduate students who are interested in non-technical career opportunities within the tech giant.

The 12-week program, set to begin in May or June 2025, is aimed at students in their second-to-last year of study, providing them with a chance to gain hands-on experience in various departments such as Sales, Marketing, Finance, and Program Management.

The BOLD Internship seeks to promote inclusivity by inviting students from diverse backgrounds and nationalities to apply, with a focus on ethnicity, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, and disability status.

To qualify, candidates must be enrolled in a full-time Bachelor’s degree program and plan to return to their studies after the internship. They should also be available to commit to a full-time, 12-week program over the summer months.

Google is looking for candidates who demonstrate an interest in technology and business, as well as strong organizational and problem-solving skills. Fluency in English is required to ensure effective collaboration across teams.

Interns will be compensated for their work and will have access to mentorship programs, speaker series with company leaders, and development sessions aimed at enhancing their professional growth.

Networking opportunities and collaborative experiences will also help interns feel more engaged during their time at Google.The deadline for applications is October 19, 2024, and candidates are required to submit a resume and an unofficial or official transcript in PDF format.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis through March 2025. Interested students can visit Google’s BOLD Internship webpage for detailed instructions and to apply.

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