TikTok’s Transformative Year in Africa: Empowering Creators, Amplifying Voices, and Shaping the Future

TikTok in 2024 was more than an app; it was a movement—a place where creativity met opportunity, and stories became legacies.

As 2024 concludes, TikTok has cemented its position as more than just a platform for trends and entertainment in Africa—it has become a catalyst for creativity, entrepreneurship, and social change. From amplifying underrepresented voices to redefining industries, TikTok has empowered creators to tell their stories, transform passions into businesses, and connect with communities across borders.

"In 2024, TikTok has shown its power to inspire joy, spark creativity, and drive real-world impact. From small businesses launching global brands to creators shaping cultural movements, the platform is a space where everyone can shine," said Boniswa Sidwaba, Head of Content Operations, Sub-Saharan Africa, TikTok.

Driving Social Change: Advocacy Through Creativity

TikTok has proven that creativity is a powerful tool for change. Throughout 2024, African creators used the platform to inspire, educate, and amplify voices that often go unheard:

Health and Mental Well-being:

Dr. Siyamak Saleh partnered with the WHO to offer accessible reproductive health education.

Dr. Ann Mwongela created safe spaces for discussions on mental health through her expert insights.

Dennis Ombachi blended culinary storytelling with advocacy, inspiring mental health awareness and uplifting youth voices.

Community Building and Digital Inclusion:

Charity Ekezie combated stereotypes about Africa while driving digital literacy through partnerships with NGOs like Paradigm Initiative.

Dan Corder encouraged civic engagement during South African elections, empowering citizens to combat misinformation.

Rap duo Kantel Mdagliz and Manna Zoggo united Kenyans with their viral anthem, “Anguka Nayo.”

Education Gets a Makeover

TikTok became a hub for reimagined learning in 2024:

Priscilla Wanjiru Karanja simplified mathematics through engaging #TeachersOnTikTok content.

Roy Kanyi’s tech reviews and tutorials empowered users to navigate the digital world.

Vicky Betran guided aspiring creators on monetizing their platforms, transforming TikTok into a learning ecosystem.

Empowering Entrepreneurs: From Passion to Profit

TikTok fueled digital entrepreneurship, turning creative ideas into thriving businesses:

Success Stories:

Emmanuel Madonsela turned his viral dance videos into a career, even appearing in global music videos.

Sabelo Hadebe leveraged his budget-friendly tips to build a loyal audience and attract brand collaborations.

Cherie Kihato expanded her East African business and mentored other entrepreneurs through TikTok.

Small Business Champions:

Jade Oliver and Jared Fynn showcased entrepreneurial resilience, using TikTok as a launchpad for their ventures.

William Etombi built a successful animation studio, inspiring and educating aspiring creators.

Celebrating Culture: Africa’s Stories Take Center Stage

TikTok became a global stage for African traditions, music, and narratives:

Music and Art:

Tyla Seethal’s “Water” catapulted her to Grammy-winning fame, proving TikTok’s power in music promotion.

Onesimus and Zandile Nxumalo brought African rhythms to global audiences.

Cultural Storytelling:

Uduak Ekpo showcased the richness of African culture, particularly during #AfricaDay.

Hezron Asewe created a living classroom for Kenyan heritage, while Niyi Fagbemi highlighted Nigerian culture through stunning visuals.

Culinary Creativity:

Rajaatu Muhammed Ibrahim and Omoshalewa Ogunsemoyin made African cuisine a #FoodTok favorite.

Onezwa Mbola combined local ingredients with storytelling to capture hearts worldwide.

Sports and Entertainment: Redefining Fan Engagement

TikTok reshaped the sports world by connecting athletes and fans like never before:

Creators like George Mokoena and Dennis Cofie used TikTok to build a vibrant community of sports enthusiasts.

The platform saw a 350% increase in #SportsOnTikTok posts, highlighting its impact on sports engagement.

Looking Ahead: A Future of Innovation and Impact

TikTok’s influence in 2024 was transformative, turning creative expression into tangible impact. As Africa’s TikTok community continues to grow, 2025 promises to amplify these successes, fostering even greater inspiration, connection, and innovation.

TikTok in 2024 was more than an app; it was a movement—a place where creativity met opportunity, and stories became legacies.

Methodology: The Year on TikTok 2024 report is based on in-app insights and third-party data collected from January to November 2024. It reflects TikTok’s social, economic, and cultural impact across Africa.