TikTok has announced a partnership with the African Union Commission’s Women, Gender, and Youth Directorate (WGYD), dedicated to enhancing awareness of online safety among the youth, parents, educators, and guardians across Africa.
The collaboration comes at a critical time, responding to the pressing need for digital safety in light of the unique challenges confronting the continent.
Africa finds itself at a crucial digital juncture, witnessing the rapid expansion of social media platforms alongside mounting concerns for the protection of its younger populace. Recent regulatory scrutiny and the looming specter of potential bans underscore the imperative for proactive measures to ensure a secure online environment.
In light of these circumstances, TikTok and the African Union Commission (AUC) have joined forces to introduce the continent-wide #SaferTogether Campaign, designed to educate and engage young individuals, parents, educators, and community leaders on digital safety through in-app and on-ground initiatives.
This flagship, multi-year endeavor, inaugurated at the TikTok Safer Internet Summit in Accra, Ghana, and graced by distinguished government officials and regulators from across the continent, underscores the unwavering dedication of both TikTok and the AUC to digital literacy and safety.
TikTok places paramount importance on fostering a secure atmosphere, bolstering security measures, and collaborating with the AUC to champion the safety and empowerment of children in the digital sphere, thereby advancing the digitalization of Africa for the welfare of its youth. By uniting for discussions on a safer internet, TikTok and the AUC are steadfast in delivering valuable educational resources and guidelines to cultivate a positive and secure online experience for all stakeholders.
This initiative, which integrates in-app and on-ground endeavors, seeks to educate and empower communities on digital safety, aligning closely with the AUC’s focus on children’s safety in the digital realm and the Digital Transformation Strategy for Africa. It encompasses a comprehensive in-app campaign featuring educational videos on internet safety, complemented by hashtag challenges and endorsements from content creators on safety practices.
Furthermore, TikTok and the AUC will disseminate “Digital Safety Toolkits” to assist educators and guardians in addressing critical digital safety concerns. These resources will be easily accessible on TikTok through a dedicated microsite, serving as an interactive guide to promote safer online behaviors.
Fortune Mgwili-Sibanda, Government Relations & Public Policy Director at TikTok, Sub-Saharan Africa, underscored the strategic significance of this collaboration: “Our #SaferTogether partnership with the African Union Commission’s Women, Gender, and Youth Directorate underscores TikTok’s profound commitment to the diverse markets across Africa. Through initiatives such as our educational workshops and the development of comprehensive safety toolkits, we are dedicated to nurturing a digitally secure environment for all.”
In alignment with this sentiment, Ms. Prudence Nonkululeko Ngwenya, Director of the Women, Gender, and Youth Directorate at the African Union, commended the partnership as a pivotal stride towards empowering Africa’s youth and safeguarding their digital futures.
“The launch of the #SaferTogether campaign with TikTok aligns with the African Union’s ongoing endeavors to advocate for safe online experiences for young people in Africa, as well as their mental well-being through the 1 Million Next Level Initiative. While internet access can facilitate connectivity, enhance digital literacy, and broaden livelihood opportunities for children and young individuals, it is imperative that they are provided with a secure environment to reap the benefits of digital platforms.”
Through overarching frameworks and initiatives such as the Digital Transformation Strategy for Africa and the 1 Million Next Level Initiative, the AUC aims not only to champion increased access to digital platforms for young individuals but also to promote their safe usage to address concerns related to unsafe internet practices. TikTok remains resolute in implementing effective security measures and empowering users with control over their accounts and content.
This commitment is mirrored in its comprehensive Community Guidelines and robust moderation policies, which advocate for a community-driven approach to safety by encouraging active user involvement in upholding community well-being. Users are urged to report any content that contravenes guidelines and engage with others in a respectful manner.
As TikTok and the African Union Commission embark on this collective journey, they reaffirm their joint pledge to cultivate a more inclusive, secure online community for the youth of Africa.
Through the fusion of technology and education, this partnership will equip young individuals with the tools and confidence necessary to navigate the intricacies of the digital realm with prudence and safety.
