In one widely shared moment from Botswana, the streamer appeared shocked to learn that he could not simply buy raw diamonds locally, despite the country being the world’s largest diamond producer. Viewers pointed out that Botswana’s diamond industry is tightly regulated through long-term international contracts, leaving a limited domestic market.

Beyond viral clips, social media users argue that iShowSpeed’s tour has unintentionally become educational. Others noted that many young Americans, especially those who have never travelled outside the United States , were exposed for the first time to African cities with skyscrapers, paved roads, internet access and modern amenities. Some described the reactions as revealing how deeply Western narratives have portrayed Africa as uniformly poor or rural.

One emotional video showed a viewer breaking down while saying the streams had changed his entire view of Africa, admitting he had grown up believing the continent consisted only of “huts and stick houses” with no future. Instead, he said, the livestreams showed beauty, culture, resources and advanced urban life.

iShowSpeed has said his motivation for doing long “IRL marathons” is to bring the world to people who cannot travel. “I’m for the people that can’t travel,” he said in one clip. “I try to give y’all the best experience. Whatever experience it is, I’m your test dummy.”

The streamer is reportedly set to visit 20 African countries, including Algeria, Angola, Benin, Botswana, Egypt, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Liberia, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, South Africa , Zambia, and Zimbabwe. He has already shared footage from Angola, Eswatini, Botswana, and Zimbabwe, among others.

The ordinance specifically calls for elementary school children to avoid using smartphones after 9 p.m., while students under 18 are encouraged to switch off by 10 p.m. Although use for study and work is exempt, the rules are designed to prompt families to set their own household guidelines and prioritise sufficient sleep.

City officials said the push came after parents raised alarms about children refusing to attend school, with excessive smartphone use suspected of contributing to social withdrawal. “The phrase ‘two hours’ has been misunderstood and oversimplified. The ordinance is intended to encourage families to self-check usage habits and discuss rules together,” Mayor Masafumi Koki said. 

Supporters argue that the ordinance is an important step toward tackling sleep loss and truancy linked to smartphone overuse. However, others warn that the measure risks becoming government overreach into personal life, questioning the scientific evidence connecting school absenteeism to screen addiction.

To track its impact, the city’s educational board will offer consultations for parents and conduct surveys on how families are setting rules and whether children’s sleep habits improve. Officials say the ordinance will be periodically reviewed, with adjustments made based on feedback and data.