TikTok, a global leader in short-form video content, is ramping up its efforts to enhance platform safety across Sub-Saharan Africa by launching its first-ever Sub-Saharan Africa Safety Advisory Council and expanding its widely recognized #SaferTogether community education campaign. Through strategic partnerships with policymakers, academics, NGOs, and community leaders, TikTok is setting a new benchmark in fostering a secure, positive, and inclusive online environment for its users in the region.
Building on the foundation laid since 2020 with the establishment of nine regional Safety Advisory Councils worldwide, as well as the U.S. Content Advisory Council, TikTok has demonstrated its unwavering commitment to user safety. These councils, comprising experts in critical fields like youth safety, free expression, and hate speech, have been instrumental in shaping TikTok’s policies, product features, and safety strategies to address ever-evolving challenges.
The newly launched Sub-Saharan Africa Safety Advisory Council will add a local perspective to these efforts, drawing on the expertise of regional leaders to develop forward-looking safety policies and address pressing safety concerns unique to the region. This council underscores TikTok’s dedication to tailoring its global safety initiatives to meet local needs while anticipating emerging risks.
Distinguished Members of the Council
The council brings together a distinguished group of experts from across the continent:
Prof Guy Berger (South Africa) – Rhodes University
Dennis Coffie (Ghana) – Content creator
Peter Cunliffe-Jones (UK) – Visiting Research Fellow, University of Westminster
Aisha Dabo (Senegal) – Co-Founder and Coordinator of AfricTivistes
Lillian Kariuki (Kenya) – Founder and Executive Director of Watoto Watch Network
Dr Akinola Olojo (Nigeria) – Expert on preventing and countering violent extremism
Prof Medhane Tadesse (Ethiopia) – Policy academic on peace and security issues
Berhan Taye (Ethiopia) – Independent Researcher
These leaders bring diverse expertise, ranging from peace and security to youth empowerment and countering violent extremism. Their collaboration with TikTok is expected to provide invaluable insights into managing current issues while proactively addressing future challenges.
“With the launch of the Sub-Saharan Africa Safety Advisory Council, we are demonstrating our commitment to including expert African voices in our Trust and Safety work. This group of leaders was chosen for their broad range of expertise and experience, and we look forward to working with them over the coming years,” said Valiant Richey, TikTok’s Global Head of Outreach and Partnerships, Trust
TikTok’s expanded #SaferTogether campaign focuses on fostering a community-centric approach to online safety. This initiative aims to actively engage users by educating them about TikTok’s community guidelines and safety features. The campaign will include interactive workshops, robust social media outreach, and collaborations with key stakeholders to create widespread awareness about adhering to the platform’s standards.
The campaign reflects TikTok’s recognition of the importance of equipping its users with the tools and knowledge to navigate the platform safely, creating a culture of shared responsibility for online well-being.
TikTok’s investment in the Sub-Saharan Africa Safety Advisory Council and the #SaferTogether campaign highlights the platform’s dedication to creating a safer, more inclusive space for millions of users. By combining global expertise with local insights, TikTok is not only addressing existing challenges but also building a resilient framework for the future of digital engagement.
This initiative sets a strong precedent for how technology companies can collaborate with local communities to ensure a secure and enriching digital experience for all users, especially in regions with diverse and dynamic needs. Through these efforts, TikTok is reinforcing its role as a global leader in trust, safety, and positive digital innovation.