TikTok Expands #LevelUpAfrica Programme to Train 3,000 Creators Across Sub-Saharan Africa

TikTok has announced a major expansion of its flagship #LevelUpAfrica programme, with plans to train and empower more than 3,000 content creators across Sub-Saharan Africa. The initiative, which began in 2021, has been pivotal in amplifying African voices on the global stage, offering creators access to economic opportunities, brand-building support, and pathways to sustainable careers in the digital space.

Previously onboarding hundreds of creators annually, TikTok is now scaling up its commitment with a renewed focus on professional growth, mentorship, and revenue-generating opportunities.

“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,” said Boniswa Sidwaba, Head of Content Operations, Sub-Saharan Africa at TikTok. “As we continue to grow the #LevelUpAfrica programme, we hope to see more creators thrive in turning their passions into profit.”

The announcement came during TikTok’s Creator Education Day in Lagos, which gathered creators, media representatives, industry leaders, and government officials, including Dr. Shaibu Husseini, Director General of the National Film and Video Censor Board.

“We commend 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,” said Dr. Husseini. “This way, Nigeria’s creative community thrives in a secure and supportive digital environment. We look forward to continued partnerships with TikTok.”

The #LevelUpAfrica programme will run for eight months, offering tailored training through a mix of virtual masterclasses, live Q&A panels, and in-person events. Fully funded by TikTok and delivered by Special Effects Media, the curriculum will cover TikTok’s Community Guidelines and Policies, content strategy, brand partnerships, monetisation, and insights into the platform’s algorithm. Creators will also benefit from mentorship provided by experienced TikTok creators, industry experts, and platform staff.

“Africa is home to some of the most creative voices on the planet, but those voices often don't see the long term success they deserve, not because of a lack of talent or creativity, but a lack of access, structure, and support,” said Danilo Acquisto, Co-Founder and CEO of Special Effects Media. “TikTok’s investment into this programme and their decision to deliver it through partners rooted in the region, signals a powerful shift from short-term reach to long-term relevance. When we get this right, we’re not just unlocking creators, we are unlocking Africa.”

This expansion builds on TikTok’s broader investment in the continent. In 2023, the platform launched the Africa Creator Hub, a programme dedicated to nurturing digital storytelling and entrepreneurship while equipping emerging creators with tools to thrive.

For creators like Nigerian content maker Saheed Bayonle (@kingbayonle), the impact has been transformative. “The Level Up Africa initiative has been a pivotal experience for me. Before the program, 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.”

Medical doctor and TikTok Wellness Ambassador, Dr. Olawale, also credited the programme for his growth. “Working with TikTok has been a revelation for me because most of the things I am doing, and the impact I have been able to create with the content I put out, has been because of TikTok,” he said. “The ability to reach millions of people with my content, the ability to go viral, and the opportunity to actively build a community have been primarily led by TikTok. I am really, really happy that I was able to find my purpose and my place on TikTok as an entertainment platform. So, if you are a creator just starting on TikTok, I would say that you are in the perfect place to grow and to become who you truly desire to be.”

With its expanded #LevelUpAfrica programme, TikTok is positioning itself not just as a platform for entertainment, but as a catalyst for Africa’s growing digital creative economy, enabling creators to transform passion into sustainable careers.