TikTok announced its commitment to empower 3,000 content creators across sub-Saharan Africa through its flagship #LevelUpAfrica program, reports IT Web. 

The eight-month initiative will provide tailored training and strategic mentorship through monthly virtual masterclasses, Q&A panels, and in-person events, delivered by Special Effects Media South Africa and fully funded by TikTok.

“When South Africa called for the industry to open up for new creative talent to thrive, TikTok became the platform that did just that,” said Boniswa Sidwaba, Head of Content Operations for TikTok Sub-Saharan Africa, in a statement. The curriculum covers content strategy, brand partnerships, monetization, creator search insights, and understanding the TikTok algorithm.

“TikTok’s investment in this programme – and their decision to deliver it through partners rooted in the region – signals a powerful shift from short-term reach to long-term relevance. When we get this right, we’re not just unlocking creators – we’re unlocking Africa,” stated Danilo Acquisto, co-founder and CEO of Special Effects Media South Africa.

The platform continues to develop educational initiatives in Africa, recently launching a dedicated STEM feed across more than 20 countries in Sub-Saharan Africa. This feature provides science, technology, engineering, and mathematics content from field experts, with all material undergoing dual verification for age-appropriateness and information reliability.

Data and Monetization Challenges

Research indicates significant gaps in Africa’s creator economy infrastructure. The “Africa Creator Economy Report,” produced by Communiqué, reveals more female creators than male creators across the continent and a predominance of nano creators with fewer than 10,000-20,000 followers.

While TikTok reaches over one billion monthly active users globally, African creators face monetization barriers. 

South African Communications Minister Solly Malatsi recently highlighted that TikTok’s Creator Fund empowers creators in the United States, Europe, and parts of Asia, while “South African and African creators continue to be excluded entirely from this economic opportunity.”