TikTok is turning passion into lucrative careers with a bold pledge to train 3 000 young content creators across Sub-Saharan Africa over the next eight months.
The social media platform that has approximately 189.3 million active users across Africa has reaffirmed its commitment to Africa’s creative economy with the launch of an expanded #LevelUpAfrica programme that will upskill content creators.
The announcement was made during an intimate creator roundtable held in Johannesburg, attended by government leaders, media, creators, and industry stakeholders.
The event highlighted TikTok’s growing role in supporting youth entrepreneurship and digital innovation across the continent.
The Department of Small Business Development deputy minister, Jane Sithole, hailed TikTok for fueling the creative economy that is expected to contribute up to 10% of global GDP by 2030.
“Empowering creators and digital entrepreneurs is key to unlocking South Africa's creative economy. TikTok’s #LevelUpAfrica programme equips emerging talent with the skills and resources to build sustainable businesses, aligning with our goal to support small and medium enterprises and grow the digital economy,” said Sithole.
The programme will offer participants monthly virtual masterclasses, Q&A panels, and in-person training events. It is fully funded by TikTok and delivered in partnership with Special Effects Media South Africa.
The curriculum will cover essential topics such as content strategy, monetisation, brand partnerships, TikTok algorithm insights, and more, with guidance from seasoned creators and platform staff.
Boniswa Sidwaba, head of content operations for Sub-Saharan Africa at TikTok, stated that the popular platform’s #LevelUpAfrica programme gives creators access to the professional tools, community support, and revenue opportunities they need to turn their passion into a profession.
“When South Africa called for the industry to open up for new creative talent to thrive, TikTok became the platform that did just that. We’re not just opening doors—we’re building pathways,” she said.
Danilo Acquisto, co-founder and CEO of Special Effects Media South Africa, added that with #LevelUpAfrica, TikTok is not only scaling its impact but also laying the foundation for a sustainable, thriving creator economy across the continent.
“Africa is home to some of the most creative voices on the planet. What they need is access, structure, and support. This investment by TikTok marks a shift from short-term reach to long-term relevance. When we get this right, we’re not just unlocking creators, we are unlocking Africa,” he said.
Share
