TikTok on Thursday announced a new commitment to empower, upskill and train more than 3000 content creators across Sub-Saharan Africa through its flagship programme, #LevelUpAfrica.
The Head, Content Operation, Sub-Sahara Africa, TikTok, Boniswa Sidwaba, made the announcement at the TikTok Creator Education Day in Lagos.
Sidwaba said that #LevelUpAfrica was designed to support the next generation of the creative industry.
She said that since its inception in 2021, the #LevelUpAfrica programme had not only amplified the voices of African creators globally, but also provided them with meaningful economic opportunities.
According to her, the programme has helped creators grow their personal brands and unlock partnerships that drive both financial and professional success.
“The programme previously trained hundreds of creators per year and now the programme intends to onboard more than 3000 creators.
“As a platform, creators have always been at the heart of what we do. We believe in building real pathways for African creators to thrive.
“We give them access to professional tools on TikTok, mentorship from industry experts and revenue generating opportunities that could turn content creation into a sustainable career,’’ she said.
Sidwaba said that, as it continued to grow the #LevelUpAfrica programme, TikTok hoped to see more creators thrive in turning their passions into profit.
Also speaking at the event, Director-General, National Film and Video Censors Board, Dr Shaibu Husseini, commended TikTok for expanding its creator education programmes.
Husseini said that what stood out at the event was the Community Guidelines, Mental Health and Policies Education.
He added: “This remains a priority, ensuring that while creators can thrive in the digital economy, they do this with the understanding that it needs to be safe and responsible content creation.”
According to him, this way, Nigeria’s creative community thrives in a secure and supportive digital environment.
He added that the Censors Board looked forward to continued partnerships with TikTok.
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Special Effects Media, Danilo Acquisto, said that Africa was home to some of the most creative voices on the planet.
Acquisto said that the event though fully funded by TikTok, was delivered by Special Effects Media.
He said that, however, those voices often do not see the long term success they deserved, not because of a lack of talent or creativity but a lack of access, structure and support.
He said that TikTok’s investment into this programme and their decision to deliver it through partners rooted in the region, signaled a powerful shift from short-term reach to long-term relevance.
According to Acquisto, when the team gets this right, they will not only unlock creators, but also unlock Africa.
A Nigerian Creator, Saheed Bayonle, said that the initiative had been a pivotal experience for him.
Bayonle said that before the programme, he taught himself content creation and often used ineffective strategies like overusing hashtags.
“The training gave me a deeper understanding of staying within my niche and the value of community.
“I also learned about monetisation, which I didn’t even realize I had access to. I am proud to be a creator now.”
The event brought together creators, media, industry leaders, and government representatives.
The event highlighted TikTok’s continued investment in Nigeria’s digital creative economy and its commitment to empowering youth by granting access to opportunities through the platform.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the #LevelUpAfrica programme is an eight-month programme designed to provide invited creators with tailored training and strategic mentorship.
The initiative will feature a series of monthly virtual masterclasses, Q&A panels and in-person events.
The curriculum will cover key topics such as TikTok’s Community Guidelines & Policies, content strategy, brand partnerships, monetisation and understanding the TikTok algorithm.
Throughout the programmme, invited creators will also receive mentorship and insights from seasoned TikTok creators, industry experts and platform staff.
The #LevelUpAfrica Programme is not the only initiative TikTok has dedicated to creators.
TikTok’s continued investment across the continent aims at empowering local talent and fostering creative economies. (NAN)