TikTok is a unique place where creativity and authenticity are celebrated. It's where creators come together to entertain and connect with a global community over shared interests, turn their passions into careers, unlock life-changing opportunities and drive meaningful impact. As we continue on our path to offer a range of opportunities that reward the creativity and passion of our creator community in Africa, we celebrate the first cohort of the African Creator Hub.

In a world where digital platforms become the cornerstone of communication, for creators in Sub-Saharan Africa, this competition can be even more daunting as they navigate barriers such as access to technology and digital skills. To combat these challenges, TikTok has partnered with Wowzi, the African creator commerce platform to develop a pilot for the Africa Creator Hub, which is focused on inspiring and supporting creators through digital skills development and content amplification. Having piloted a South African programme called Rising Voices South Africa first in 2021, we saw a great opportunity to extend it to other markets.

We are thrilled to announce that we have 28 creators, from West and East Africa , as the first graduates of the inaugural Africa Creator Hub. As part of the process, the graduates have participated in an eight-week programme held in Kenya and Nigeria.

The initiative aims to nurture and upskill talented, emerging, African creators, helping them to leverage their creative expression on the platform and turn their talents into sustainable careers. During the programme, the creators went through intensive training on how to create high-quality content. They were given access to career-building resources, and met with prominent industry leaders, while also getting an opportunity to interact, collaborate and build a community with their fellow creators.

“The wealth of talent in Kenya and Nigeria highlights the great potential in the region. We hope to use the learnings and insights gathered from this programme to expand this initiative throughout Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA),” explains Boniswa Sidwaba, our Head of Content Programming in SSA.

"Creativity is the bedrock of success. With our partnership with Tiktok, Wowzi is empowering content creators to unlock their full potential, create sustainable jobs and help build the future of the creator economy. Together we can create a brighter future for Africa and beyond." - Mike Otieno, Co-Founder and President of Wowzi

The Hub’s first inductees were selected carefully to reflect a myriad of diverse and positive experiences across the African continent. “Creators have played a significant role in telling our story and in return our platform aims to provide the best local community support for creativity and discovery for users. Upskilling and supporting our African youth with relevant digital skills will positively impact our platform and the world. Congratulations to all our Africa Creative Hub graduates” said Sidwaba.

Meet your first Africa Creator Hub Graduates:

West Africa

Damilola Evelyn Ibitoye - @stylebydamie

Uduakobong Ekpo - @ms_yudee

Ogbusi Benjamin Izuchukwu - @jameenjude

Aluebho Civian Obehi - @thebigbabyc

Olawuni Oluwapelumi - @abikeshugaa

Simon Ogheneruona Ekpolo - @youngnoblecommentary

Adesola Balikis Aderonke - @olorisports1

Campbell - @thelordsdoing

Fafore Adedoyin Joshua - @dgeniusmusic

Olawoyin Adewale Abdulmutoolib - @freestylepreneurs

Tijani Aboh Alexander - @i_am_tjan

East Africa

Samuel Njoroge Wairimu - @sammysaich

Amos Ngahu - @moneygossip

Catherine Jepkemboi - @minicheps

Eli Mwenda - @mantalk.ke

Getrude Sharon Ayieko - @mamas.plate

Kibra United Soccer Club - @kibraunited

Kevin Kamau - @kevinkamaumuchai

Brenda Wabwile - @brenda.wab

Motif Di Don - @motifdidon

Maker Mathiang - @real_breezy

Ruth Njeri Gachiri - @_rexxie

Adeyemi Eugene - @simpleyemi

Rukia Duba - @rukia_bulle