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In a significant step to enhance digital creativity, TikTok has announced intentions to educate and empower more than 3,000 content creators throughout Sub-Saharan Africa via its main initiative, #LevelUpAfrica.
Boniswa Sidwaba, TikTok’s Head of Content Operations for Sub-Saharan Africa, declared at the TikTok Creator Education Day event in Lagos on Thursday.
Sidwaba emphasised the platform’s continuous goal of fostering Africa’s creative economy, clarifying that #LevelUpAfrica provides new creators with the resources, skills, and assistance necessary for success.
“The initiative formerly trained hundreds of creators annually, and now it aims to onboard over 3000 creators,” Sidwaba mentioned.
Established in 2021, #LevelUpAfrica has significantly influenced by amplifying African voices globally and fostering financial and career advancement opportunities.
“As a platform, creators have consistently been central to our mission.” “We are committed to creating genuine opportunities for African creators to succeed,” she stated.
“We provide them with access to professional tools on TikTok, guidance from industry specialists, and income-generating prospects that could transform content creation into a viable career.”
Sidwaba also shared optimism that as the initiative expands, additional creators will have the opportunity to turn their passions into sustainable careers.
Promoting Safe, Responsible Creativity
Dr Shaibu Husseini, Director-General of the National Film and Video Censors Board, commended TikTok for enhancing its initiatives to train creators.
He stressed creators’ need to grasp community standards, mental health factors, and content regulations.
“This continues to be a focus, making certain that as creators succeed in the digital economy, they do so with the awareness that content creation must be safe and responsible,” he remarked.
Community Collaborations for Worldwide Impacts
Danilo Acquisto, CEO of Special Effects Media, the initiative’s delivery partner, praised TikTok for its choice to work with partners rooted in the region.
Image credit: TikTok Newsroom
“Africa hosts some of the most imaginative voices in the world,” Acquisto stated.
“Those voices frequently fail to achieve their full potential—not due to a lack of creativity, but because of restricted access, structure, and support.”
He described TikTok’s strategy as a transition that will bring about a lasting impact, noting that empowering creators on this level could be revolutionary for the continent.
Substantial Influence on Creators
The initiative has been a pivotal moment for numerous creators, such as Saheed Bayonle from Nigeria.
“Before the programme, I learned content creation independently and employed unproductive tactics such as excessive hashtag use,” Bayonle stated.
“The training gave me greater insight into maintaining my niche and the importance of community.” I also discovered monetisation, which I hadn’t realised I could access. “I take pride in being a creator at this moment.”
What to Expect from #LevelUpAfrica
The program, lasting eight months, will consist of:
- Virtual masterclasses are held monthly.
- Sessions for questions and answers, as well as face-to-face networking events.
- Education in content strategy, brand collaborations and revenue generation.
- Orientation about platform algorithms, and community standards.
- Guidance from accomplished TikTok creators, seasoned professionals, and TikTok personnel.
Image credit: TikTok Newsroom
The gathering united content creators, media experts, industry leaders, and government representatives, emphasising TikTok’s commitment to Africa’s digital future. Also, the company wants to avoid the same problem it faced in the United States over content quality. The US government has pressured TikTot to sell to an American buyer, citing irresponsible content broadcast to American users and other reasons.
#LevelUpAfrica, an unprecedented initiative of TikTok demonstrates a wider dedication to nurturing local talent. Also, the company wants to promote responsible content generation and develop sustainable creative industries across the continent.
