Kampala, Uganda | By Michael Wandati | TikTok is taking significant measures to safeguard its expanding user base in Africa by introducing its inaugural Safety Advisory Council on the continent. This initiative comes as the platform, owned by ByteDance, experiences rapid growth in popularity, particularly among Africa’s youthful, tech-savvy population.
As smartphones become more affordable and internet access continues to rise, Africa has emerged as a crucial market for social media platforms. However, with this growth comes increased responsibility. TikTok faces mounting pressure to tackle the spread of misinformation and protect its younger users from online threats.
In response, various African governments are calling for tighter regulations over digital platforms, which TikTok’s newly established council seeks to address.
Fortune Mgwili-Sibanda, TikTok’s director of government relations and public policy for sub-Saharan Africa, highlighted the importance of shared responsibility in making the platform a safe environment for users.
As part of its ongoing efforts, TikTok has rolled out the #SaferTogether campaign, which has already reached thousands of users in Kenya and Nigeria. The campaign is designed to educate users on how to stay safe online and navigate digital spaces responsibly.
“This part of the campaign will speak directly to the TikTok community, to join us in making TikTok a safer space for all by ensuring they follow the Community Guidelines and use the safety features made available to them,” she said.
“With the additional layer that the Safety Advisory Council presents, we believe that safety can be achieved, collectively.”
TikTok is stepping up efforts to protect its rapidly growing African user base by launching its first Safety Advisory Council on the continent. The council, which was unveiled last week in Nairobi, brings together a diverse group of experts, including academics, digital rights advocates, and local content creators, to provide insights on how the platform can address the unique challenges faced by African users.
Members of the council include notable figures such as Prof. Guy Berger from South Africa, an advocate for media freedom who will offer expertise on balancing content moderation with free expression. Dennis Coffie, a content creator from Ghana, brings the perspective of everyday TikTok users, ensuring the platform remains connected to its grassroots community.
Aisha Dabo from Senegal, co-founder of AfricTivistes, will focus on digital activism and justice, ensuring TikTok’s policies empower and protect users. Lillian Kariuki, head of Kenya’s Watoto Watch Network, will prioritize child safety as younger users increasingly join the platform.
Dr. Akinola Olojo from Nigeria, an expert in countering violent extremism, will help the platform tackle dangerous content. Additionally, Ethiopian academic Prof Medhane Tadesse will bring his expertise in peace and security, while Berhan Taye, a researcher in digital rights, will ensure that the council’s actions uphold user freedoms while promoting safety.
TikTok’s meteoric rise in Africa has seen users like Kenya’s Azziad Nasenya become household names, with her viral “Utawezana” dance challenge leading to major brand deals. This highlights the platform’s ability to transform lives, but also underscores the need for stringent safety measures as more young people aim to replicate such success.
For many African youths, content creation on TikTok is not just a pastime—it has become a livelihood. With traditional job opportunities often scarce, the ability to monetize content on social media is a crucial source of income. As Africa’s digital transformation accelerates, TikTok’s reach has made it a major platform for digital entrepreneurship, heightening the importance of the new Safety Advisory Council.
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The rise of affordable smartphones and progressive policy reforms are fueling Africa’s e-economy, rapidly increasing internet access across the continent. This surge in connectivity is empowering Africa’s youth, who are not only consuming content but creating it at unprecedented rates.
Platforms like TikTok are becoming vital employment hubs, further emphasizing the necessity of robust safety frameworks.
Through initiatives like the #SaferTogether campaign, which has already reached thousands in Kenya and Nigeria, TikTok continues to educate users on online safety, helping them navigate the digital landscape securely.
With the formation of its Safety Advisory Council, TikTok aims to create a safer environment for African users as the platform’s popularity continues to soar.
