Meta has begun dismantling its $2 billion acquisition of Manus, completing an operational separation from the Chinese-founded AI startup and halting data sharing between the two companies. This is the most concrete step yet toward complying with a divestiture order Beijing issued roughly two months ago on national security grounds.

Meta has cut Manus off from its internal systems, Bloomberg reported, preventing employees from using Manus tools for internal projects as the two companies move toward a full separation.

Meanwhile, according to May reports, the co-founders of Manus have held preliminary discussions about raising approximately $1 billion from outside investors to reclaim the startup from Meta, a move that could pave the way for a Chinese joint venture structure and an eventual listing in Hong Kong, a venue that has seen a surge in AI listings this year for Chinese AI startups like MiniMax and Zhipu.

What was supposed to be a landmark exit for Chinese AI is quickly unraveling. The move underscores Beijing’s determination to retain control over strategically sensitive technology, regardless of a company’s offshore incorporation.

In addition to the forced divestiture, Chinese authorities have since expanded travel restrictions to researchers and executives at private firms, requiring government approval before heading abroad. China is also tightening its grip on foreign capital, with reports indicating that top AI firms, including Moonshot AI, StepFun, and ByteDance, will need government sign-off before accepting U.S. investment, adding another layer to Beijing’s sweeping effort to control its AI sector.

Even as Meta moves to sever ties with Manus, the agentic AI startup has continued to ship new features, rolling out integrations with Similarweb and Shopify.

Manus drew widespread attention with a viral agent demo relocated its staff to Singapore in mid-2025 before announcing a $2 billion acquisition by Meta in December. Chinese regulators moved to scrutinize the transaction earlier this year, citing potential violations of technology export controls and foreign investment rules.

Manus investors, including California-based venture firm Benchmark, have already received their proceeds from the acquisition, while Asian backers, including Tencent, HSG, and ZhenFund, have indicated they will cooperate with the unwinding process, according to the WSJ.

Manus’ Chinese origins with parent company Butterfly Effect drew scrutiny on both sides of the Pacific, with Senator John Cornyn questioning whether American capital should flow to a Chinese-linked firm.

Meta and Manus did not immediately respond to a request for comment outside regular business hours.

The Plateau Youth Agricultural Empowerment Programme (P-YAEP) has officially commenced the orientation and project briefing for 500 successfully shortlisted beneficiaries, signaling a major step forward in the Plateau State Government’s commitment to youth empowerment through agriculture. The programme is designed to equip young people with the skills, resources, and opportunities needed to participate actively in the agricultural value chain while contributing to food security and economic growth across the state.

The orientation exercise, held at the Azi Nyako Youth Centre in Jos, brought together beneficiaries from various local government areas, government officials, youth leaders, project managers, and stakeholders in the agricultural sector. The gathering served as an opportunity to familiarize participants with the objectives of the programme, the expectations of beneficiaries, and the responsibilities required to ensure the successful implementation of their agricultural projects.

Speaking during the event, officials emphasized that P-YAEP is more than just an empowerment scheme, describing it as a strategic investment in the future of Plateau’s youth. Beneficiaries were encouraged to approach the programme with dedication, discipline, and a commitment to learning, noting that agriculture remains one of the most viable pathways for job creation, wealth generation, and sustainable development in the state.

Project managers also used the briefing session to provide detailed insights into the operational framework of the initiative, including project timelines, monitoring mechanisms, and support structures available to participants. They highlighted the importance of accountability, transparency, and proper resource management, stressing that the success of the programme depends largely on the commitment and active participation of the beneficiaries.

As the programme moves into its implementation phase, expectations remain high that the initiative will create meaningful opportunities for young people, boost agricultural productivity, and strengthen rural economies across Plateau State. With 500 youths now set to embark on their agribusiness journey, P-YAEP is being widely regarded as a bold and practical step toward reducing unemployment and fostering a new generation of agricultural entrepreneurs in the state.