• TikTok has announced a partnership with the African Union Commission’s Women, Gender, and Youth Directorate (WGYD).
• The partnership aims to bolster online safety awareness among the youth, parents, teachers, and guardians in Africa.
• The pair are launching a multi-year initiative under the Africa-wide #SaferTogether Campaign.

While the fate of TikTok in the United States remains uncertain at this stage, on the African continent the social media platforms appears to be thriving. It is not without its issues, however, which is why TikTok recently announced a partnership with the African Union Commission’s Women, Gender, and Youth Directorate (WGYD) designed to tackle online safety awareness in youth, parents, teachers, and guardians on the African continent.

The pair outlined at the TikTok Safer Internet Summit in Accra, Ghana last week.

TikTok and the AUC are launching an Africa-wide #SaferTogether Campaign on the platform focused on educating and engaging youngsters, parents, teachers, and community leaders on digital safety through in-app and on-ground activities.

This initiative is also said to be a multi-year effort.

“Combining in-app and on-ground efforts, aims to educate and empower communities on digital safety, aligning closely with the AUC’s focus on children’s safety in the digital space and the Digital Transformation Strategy for Africa. It includes a comprehensive in-app campaign featuring educational videos on internet safety, supported by hashtag challenges and content creator safety endorsements,” TikTok explained.

“Additionally, TikTok and the AUC will distribute ‘Digital Safety Toolkits’ to aid teachers and guardians in addressing crucial digital safety issues. These resources will be accessible on TikTok through a dedicated microsite, serving as an interactive guide for promoting safer online practices,” it shared in a release sent to Hypertext.

This collaboration also emerges at a critical moment for both the platform and digital culture in general, as there is a growing need for online safety amidst the unique set of challenges faced by the African continent.

“Africa stands at a digital crossroads, with the rapid proliferation of social media platforms juxtaposed against rising concerns for the safety of its youngest citizens. The recent wave of regulatory scrutiny and the shadow of potential bans underscore the importance of proactive measures to ensure a safe online environment,” the release emphasised.

“Our #SaferTogether partnership with the African Union Commission’s Women, Gender and Youth Directorate reinforces TikTok’s deep commitment to the diverse tapestry of markets across Africa. Through initiatives like our educational workshops, and the development of comprehensive safety toolkits, we are committed to nurturing a digitally safe environment for all,” added Fortune Mgwili-Sibanda, Government Relations & Public Policy director for TikTok, Sub-Saharan Africa.

With online safety being on critical importance moving forward, it will be interesting to see what this multi-year initiative yields, especially as TikTok becomes an increasingly popular avenue for people to engage and interact digitally.

[Image – Provided]