TikTok is where conversation around culture, community, and care come together. And at the first-ever Digital Well-Being Summit, held in Johannesburg, South Africa, we brought together mental health experts, NGOs, creators and industry leaders from across Sub-Saharan Africa to collectively explore, tackle, and improve the state of digital wellbeing both on and beyond the platform.

The summit showcased our continued commitment to supporting healthier online experiences through safety innovations, trusted partnerships, and education. From announcing new mental health ambassadors to expanding global support to local organisations and spotlighting the impact of the #MentalHealthMatters campaign as a driver of positive mental health practices, the event marked a new chapter in how digital wellbeing is protected and upheld on our platform.

Mental Health Ambassadors take the stage

At the summit, we announced our new Mental Health Ambassadors. A group of trusted healthcare professionals from the World Health Organisation's Fides Network leading efforts to combat harmful misinformation and promote mental wellbeing on the platform.

These verified experts are powerful because they understand local nuances, attitudes and challenges around mental health. They are well-positioned to provide trusted, evidence-based mental health information that is relevant and accessible to African audiences. These ambassadors include South African psychologist Sanam Naran, @theconsciouspsychologist, Kenya's @dr.claire.kinuthia, Nigeria's Doctor Wales, @olawalesmd, and South African Medical Doctor, @doctor.siya.

Valiant Richey, TikTok Global Head of Trust and Safety Outreach and Partnerships, said: "People come to TikTok to learn, talk about mental wellbeing, and share their own experiences with others in the community. We're committed to making sure those conversations happen in a safe, supportive space where emotionally complex topics can be explored with care, respect and empathy."

Putting safety and support at the centre

Our in-app education campaign, #MentalHealthMatters, took centre stage in discussions on the day as it stood as a powerful symbol of how community and care meet on TikTok to drive meaningful impact. The campaign, surpassing 6.5 million posts globally, features information from trusted health experts, designed to educate users on how to use the tools and resources available in-app to support a safer, more positive experience.

Additionally, we announced the expansion of our global Mental Health Education Fund into Sub-Saharan Africa at the summit by welcoming three new partners who will be receiving funding and training to create authoritative, culturally relevant mental health content on the platform. This includes the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG), Mentally Aware Nigeria Initiative (MANI), and Kenya's Mental360.

Expansion of In-App Mental Health Helplines Across Africa

Building on the successful pilot in France and subsequent rollout across European countries, we announced expanding in-app helpline resources across Africa. In the coming weeks, users across the continent will be connected to local helplines that provide expert support when reporting content related to suicide, self-harm, hate, and harassment. This feature builds on existing capabilities that direct users to mental health resources when they report bullying and harassment further strengthening access to timely and relevant support on the platform.

The expanded helpline network includes partnerships with trusted organisations across multiple African markets:

  • South Africa: Childline SA
  • Kenya: Childline Kenya
  • Nigeria: Cece Yara
  • Mauritius: Halley Movement
  • Tanzania: Tanzania National Child Helpline
  • Zambia: Childline Zambia
  • Namibia: Childline Namibia
  • Malawi: Tithandizane National Helpline Service

Here is what our partners have to say:

Yusuf Akoojee, Marketing Director at Spectra:

"At Spectra, we believe technology should enhance human wellbeing and ensure safety at every touchpoint. Our partnership with TikTok for the Well-Being Summit reflects our shared vision of creating digital environments that are not only innovative, but also secure and supportive. Together, we’re advancing solutions that prioritise both mental health and online safety for communities everywhere."

Sanam Naran, TikTok Fides Network Creator Mental Health Ambassador:

"High-quality social connections are essential to our mental and physical wellbeing. As more of us turn to online platforms to find community, it's critical that these digital interactions are safe, healthy, and informed by mental health expertise. Platforms like TikTok have a powerful role to play in helping people connect meaningfully, and by making these spaces safer and more supportive, they're protecting not just conversations, but people."

Martha Sunda, Executive Director of Childline Kenya:

"Timely access to support can make all the difference – especially for young people facing distressing or harmful online experiences. This partnership with TikTok helps us reach users right where they are, offering professional support when they need it most, creating a more responsive, compassionate, and protective digital environment."

Abiodun Oguntola, Mentally Aware Nigeria Initiative Executive Director:

"At Mentally Aware Nigeria, we've seen how access to accurate, relatable information can shift mindsets, break down stigma, and encourage people to seek help. With this support from the Mental Health Education Fund, we're able to reach more people where they are with content that speaks to their realities and empowers them to prioritise their mental wellbeing."