TikTok partners with Gov't to empower content creators

TikTok has announced a major expansion of its creator support initiatives in Kenya and across Sub-Saharan Africa, with 3,000 African creators set to benefit from an eight-month training programme aimed at unlocking real-world opportunities.

The announcement came during the annual #LevelUpAfrica Creator Education Day, hosted in partnership with the Government of Kenya on Wednesday.

The event brought together creators, government representatives, industry leaders, and media, with a central focus on investing in Kenya’s digital creative economy and empowering young people.

“The #LevelUpAfrica Creator Education Day is a powerful opportunity for us to connect with our vibrant creator community across Kenya,” said Boniswa Sidwaba, Head of Content Operations, Sub-Saharan Africa at TikTok.

“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. This year, we hosted over 150 guests, making it our largest creator engagement to date and a clear demonstration of TikTok’s deepening investment in Kenya.”

Government representatives lauded the partnership, citing the potential of Kenya’s fast-growing digital space.

“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, Special Envoy on Technology for the President.

The initiative aligns closely with Kenya’s national agenda of empowering creatives through innovation and technology.

“We commend TikTok for investing in Kenyan creatives and recognising the power of the digital economy to drive job creation,” said Stephen Isaboke, Principal Secretary at the State Department of Broadcasting and Telecommunications.

Echoing the government’s support, Dennis Itumbi, Head of Presidential Special Projects and Creative Economy, noted: “Kenya is becoming the Silicon Savannah not just in infrastructure, but in imagination. 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. As a government, we are committed to unlocking opportunities that helps creators thrive locally and globally.”

The event featured educational workshops, including a masterclass by Emmy award-winning writer Damaris Irungu Ochieng’ on storytelling in the entertainment industry.

“A story is never just a story. It is identity, it is protest, it is possibility. 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,” she said.

Creators also shared testimonials on how the programme has reshaped their careers. Roy Kanyi, a Kenyan tech creator and alumni of the first #LevelUpAfrica cohort, said: “As an alumni for the first cohort of #LevelUpAfrica completely changed my knowledge and skills in creating high quality content. I went from creating casually to building a brand that now attracts real partnerships. More than just skills, I gained confidence and a community that supports me.”

With the new commitment, TikTok aims to strengthen its role in shaping Kenya’s creator economy, providing both visibility and viable career pathways for young Africans in the digital space.