#LevelUpAfrica: TikTok to Empower Additional 3,000 Content Creators

By Aduragbemi Omiyale

More than 3,000 content creators across Sub-Saharan Africa will benefit from an eight-month programme designed by TikTok to unlock real-world opportunities on and off the platform.

The beneficiaries will be empowered by the company through its flagship #LevelUpAfrica Programme, which started in 2021.

TikTok has used the initiative to previously trained hundreds of creators per year, with participants exposed to meaningful economic opportunities which have helped them grow their personal brands and unlock partnerships that drive both financial and professional success.

Speaking at TikTok Creator Education Day in Lagos last Saturday, the Head of Content Operations for Sub-Saharan Africa at TikTok, Boniswa Sidwaba, said, “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; giving them access to professional tools on TikTok, mentorship from industry experts, and revenue-generating opportunities that can turn content creation into a sustainable career.

“As we continue to grow the #LevelUpAfrica programme, we hope to see more creators thrive in turning their passions into profit.”

Also commenting at the event, the Director General of the National Film and Video Censor Board, Mr Shaibu Husseini, commended TikTok for expanding its creator education programmes.

“What stood out for us at the event was the Community Guidelines, Mental Health and Policies education. 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. This way, Nigeria’s creative community thrives in a secure and supportive digital environment. We look forward to continued partnerships with TikTok,” he stated.

The #LevelUpAfrica programme is an eight-month program designed to provide invited creators with tailored training and strategic mentorship.

Fully funded by TikTok and delivered by Special Effects Media, 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 program, invited creators will also receive mentorship and insights from seasoned TikTok creators, industry experts, and platform staff.

One of the past beneficiaries of the scheme, Saheed Bayonle, said, “The Level Up Africa initiative has been a pivotal experience for me.

“Before the programme, I was self-taught 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 monetization, which I didn’t even realize I had access to. I am proud to be a creator now.”