TikTok is taking significant steps to enhance the safety of its rapidly expanding African user base. The platform, owned by ByteDance, recently launched its first-ever Safety Advisory Council in Africa, a move aimed at tackling challenges like misinformation and protecting younger users from online harm.
Africa, home to a tech-savvy and increasingly connected youth population, has become a key market for social media platforms. The widespread adoption of smartphones and the fast-growing internet access across the continent have made platforms like TikTok more popular than ever. However, with this surge in popularity comes the responsibility of ensuring a safe online environment, particularly as governments across Africa push for stricter control over digital platforms.
Fortune Mgwili-Sibanda, TikTok’s Director of Government Relations & Public Policy for Sub-Saharan Africa, emphasized the importance of collective responsibility. “We want our users to feel safe while they express themselves creatively on TikTok. Our Safety Advisory Council and campaigns like #SaferTogether are designed to engage users in protecting themselves and others online,” she said.
The #SaferTogether campaign, which has already been rolled out in Kenya and Nigeria, educates users about how to stay safe online by following TikTok’s community guidelines and using available safety features.
A New Layer of Protection: The Safety Advisory Council
Unveiled in Nairobi, Kenya, the new Safety Advisory Council brings together a diverse group of experts, including academics, digital rights activists, and content creators from across Africa. These members will provide guidance on how TikTok can better address the specific challenges faced by African users.
The council includes figures like Professor Guy Berger from South Africa, known for his work on media freedom, and Dennis Coffie, a Ghanaian content creator who represents the everyday user experience. Other members, such as child safety advocate Lillian Kariuki from Kenya and digital rights expert Berhan Taye from Ethiopia, will focus on critical areas like online safety for children and the balance between content moderation and free expression.
Supporting Africa’s Digital Entrepreneurs
For many young Africans, TikTok has become more than just a platform for sharing content—it’s a potential source of livelihood. With limited traditional job opportunities, many are turning to TikTok to earn a living, build brands, and connect with larger audiences. A notable example is Kenya’s Azziad Nasenya, whose viral dance challenge catapulted her to fame and led to major brand partnerships.
As Africa continues its digital transformation, driven by policy reforms and the proliferation of affordable smartphones, platforms like TikTok will play an increasingly important role in shaping the continent’s future. This makes TikTok’s safety initiatives, like the Advisory Council, even more crucial to ensuring that users can create and share content in a secure and supportive environment.
TikTok’s rise in Africa represents not only a shift in social media trends but also an opportunity for economic empowerment. By focusing on user safety, the platform is aiming to maintain its momentum while ensuring a positive experience for its growing community across the continent.
