In a significant move to boost digital creativity, TikTok has unveiled plans to train and empower over 3,000 content creators across Sub-Saharan Africa through its flagship initiative, #LevelUpAfrica.
The announcement was made by TikTok’s Head of Content Operations for Sub-Saharan Africa, Boniswa Sidwaba, during the TikTok Creator Education Day held in Lagos on Thursday.
Sidwaba highlighted the platform’s ongoing mission to nurture Africa’s creative economy, explaining that #LevelUpAfrica is tailored to equip emerging creators with the tools, skills, and support they need to thrive.
> “The programme previously trained hundreds of creators per year and now the programme intends to onboard more than 3000 creators,” Sidwaba stated.
Launched in 2021, #LevelUpAfrica has already made a notable impact by elevating African voices on a global stage and creating pathways for financial and professional success.
> “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,” she said.
“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.”
Sidwaba also expressed hopes that as the initiative grows, more creators will be able to transform their passions into viable careers.
*Supporting Safe, Responsible Creativity*
Director-General of the National Film and Video Censors Board, Dr. Shaibu Husseini, praised TikTok for expanding its creator education efforts.
He emphasized the importance of ensuring creators understand community standards, mental health considerations, and content policies.
> “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,” he noted.
*Local Partnerships for Global Impact*
CEO of Special Effects Media, Danilo Acquisto,—the delivery partner for the initiative—applauded TikTok’s decision to collaborate with regionally rooted partners.
> “Africa is home to some of the most creative voices on the planet,” Acquisto said.
“Those voices often don’t reach their full potential—not for lack of creativity, but due to limited access, structure, and support.”
He described TikTok’s approach as a shift “from short-term reach to long-term relevance,” adding that enabling creators at this scale could be transformative for the continent.
> “When the team gets this right, they will not only unlock creators, but also unlock Africa,” Acquisto concluded.
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Real Impact on Creators
For many creators like Saheed Bayonle from Nigeria, the programme has been a turning point.
> “Before the programme, I taught myself content creation and used ineffective strategies like overusing hashtags,” Bayonle shared.
“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.”
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What to Expect from #LevelUpAfrica
The eight-month programme will include:
Monthly virtual masterclasses
Q&A sessions and in-person networking events
Training in content strategy, brand partnerships, monetisation, platform algorithms, and community guidelines
Mentorship from successful TikTok creators, industry veterans, and TikTok staff
The event brought together content creators, media professionals, industry leaders, and government officials, reinforcing TikTok’s long-term investment in Africa’s digital future.
TikTok’s ongoing initiatives like #LevelUpAfrica reflect a broader commitment to supporting local talent, fostering responsible content creation, and building sustainable creative economies across the continent.
