TikTok is doubling down on its investment in Africa’s burgeoning creator economy. The company announced a partnership with the Kenyan government to expand its #LevelUpAfrica program, an eight-month initiative designed to upskill, train, and support 3,000 content creators across Sub-Saharan Africa.
The announcement was made at TikTok’s annual #LevelUpAfrica Creator Education Day in Kenya, an event that brought together a mix of creators, media, and government officials. TikTok is framing this as a significant step in its commitment to the region, and a move to empower young people by providing them with opportunities both on and off the platform.
“The #LevelUpAfrica Creator Education Day is a powerful opportunity for us to connect with our vibrant creator community across Kenya,” said Boniswa Sidwaba, TikTok’s Head of Content Operations for Sub-Saharan Africa. “It’s not just about skills development, it’s about fostering community, inspiring collaboration, and opening doors for creators to take their careers to the next level.”
The Kenyan government seems to be all in on the partnership. With a youthful population, high social media usage, and some of the fastest internet speeds on the continent, the country is positioning itself as a hub for digital innovation.
“Kenya boasts some of the fastest internet speeds in the world, and with 3 out of 5 young people owning smartphones and the highest number of users of social media, there’s a significant opportunity for more creators to harness platforms like TikTok to share their content internationally, drive digital innovation and gain economically,” said Amb. Philip Thigo, the Special Envoy on Technology for the President of Kenya.
This isn’t just about making viral videos. The government sees this as a way to create jobs and build the country’s “Silicon Savannah” reputation. Dennis Itumbi, Head of Presidential Special Projects and Creative Economy, put it this way: “This partnership with TikTok is a recognition that our youth are not waiting to be employed, they are creating jobs, building brands, and driving the economy.”
Since its launch in 2018, TikTok’s algorithm has been a game-changer for many creators, offering a level of exposure that was previously difficult to achieve. The #LevelUpAfrica program, which started in 2021, aims to build on that by providing creators with the tools they need to turn their online presence into a sustainable career.
Roy Kanyi, a Kenyan tech creator and an alumnus of the first #LevelUpAfrica cohort, said the program was a turning point for him. “I went from creating casually to building a brand that now attracts real partnerships,” he said. “More than just skills, I gained confidence and a community that supports me.”
The event itself was a testament to the vibrant creator scene in Kenya. It featured educational sessions, a masterclass on storytelling by Emmy award-winning writer Damaris Irungu, and networking opportunities with influential creators and brands like L’Oréal East Africa and Red Bull.
“A story is never just a story. It is identity, it is protest, it is possibility,” said Irungu. “Sharing space with creators at TikTok Educator Day was a reminder that our continent’s greatest export is not coffee or gold, it is narrative. And when these storytellers rise, they will not just entertain the world, they will transform it.”
With this new commitment, TikTok is making it clear that it sees Africa not just as a market for its app, but as a source of talent that will shape the future of the internet.
