TikTok today hosted its annual #LevelUpAfrica Creator Education Day in partnership with the Government of Kenya, bringing together a dynamic mix of creators, media, industry leaders, and government representatives.
The event highlighted
TikTok’s ongoing investment in the digital creative economy, with a strong focus on
empowering youth and expanding access to meaningful opportunities both on and off the platform.
At the event, TikTok announced a bold new commitment to upskill, train, and support 3,000 content creators across Sub-Saharan Africa, through its flagship #LevelUpAfrica programme designed to support the next generation of the creative industry. Since its inception in 2021, the #LevelUpAfrica programme has not only amplified the voices of African creators globally but also provided them with meaningful economic opportunities, helping them grow their
personal brands and unlock partnerships that drive both financial and professional success.
“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.”
While thanking TikTok for the continued partnership during his opening remarks, Amb. Philip Thigo, Special Envoy on Technology for H.E. The President of the Republic of Kenya continued “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.”
This initiative reinforces TikTok’s commitment to growing Kenya’s digital creative economy and empowering youth across the region with access to new opportunities through the platform.
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“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, State Department of Broadcasting and Telecommunications. “Programmes like #LevelUpAfrica align closely with our national agenda to empower creatives through innovation, skills development, and technology.”
“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, theypare creating jobs, building brands, and driving the economy. As a government, we are
committed to unlocking opportunities that helps creators thrive locally and globally,” said Dennis Itumbi, Head of Presidential Special Projects and Creative Economy
Building on a Legacy of Impact
Since launching in 2018, the platforms’ ability to democratise exposure remains a defining feature. TikTok’s algorithm helps break down traditional barriers to entry and success, providing global exposure to creators who otherwise were not visible.
TikTok has championed local creators through a number of tailored programmes and partnerships, with this latest move building on the success of the #LevelUpAfrica programme, which has amplified Kenyan creators’ voices and unlocked valuable economic opportunities
since its inception.
TikTok’s #LevelUpAfrica Creator Days have further equipped thousands of African creators with growth strategies, understanding of monetisation tools, and best practices, fuelling a vibrant and sustainable creator economy across the continent.
“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,” said Roy Kanyi a Kenyan Tech creator and alumni of the 2021 programme. “More than just skills, I gained confidence and a community that supports me.”
Event Highlights and Creator Participation
The event featured educational sessions, an inspiring talk by Emmy award winning writer Ms. Damaris Irungu, who facilitated a masterclass on “The Fundamentals of Storytelling and the Entertainment Industry,” and networking opportunities with some of Kenya’s most influential
creators.
“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.” said Damaris Irungu Ochieng’
The event brought together a vibrant network of partners, including industry leaders like L’Oréal East Africa and Red Bull. It also featured an inspiring line-up of creators such as BoxtoBoxregista, Lifestory328, Grace Odawa, Azeezah, Cera Imani, Mercy Masai, Rukia Bulle, Roy Kanyi , 14thGunner and Jahleel Mollel who shared their personal journeys, creative processes, and insights on building sustainable careers in the digital content space.
Their participation showcased the vibrant talent within Kenya’s creator ecosystem and emphasized the role of platforms like TikTok in shaping the future of entertainment, entrepreneurship, and youth employment across the continent
